FUNCTIONAL/SCULPTURAL

Nature is always my source of inspiration. As a teacher of ceramics I am always trying new ideas, forms and techniques. The pieces I am exploring now have more texture, new colors and do talk about nature. These layers of form, color and texture create a vision of the land around me and in my head. I still love making comments on our new planet, whether its trees, fruits, vegetables or the ocean.

WALL PIECES

These pieces represent my interpretation of nature’s use of color and texture to define form and reality. From flying as a child with my father and living on hilltops with a variety of views and perspectives, I’ve come to love the juxtaposition of the big, aerial view to the intimate, emotional vision of the objects close to me. These layers of form, color and texture create my vision of the land around me. I employ this concept in the creation of these pieces. This is achieved by layering slabs of varying textures and using airbrushed color to define and enhance the form.

Recent works incorporates new textures which represents structures and building materials contrasted with organic forms. I also am concerned about our planet change and our new world. This interaction produces a feeling of power and dimension.

All of my work is made from a low fire talc claybody fired to Cone 04. Individual slabs are rolled over plaster molds for textural effects. All surfaces are airbrushed with a commercial low fire slip, either opaque or translucent. A finishing coat of varnish enhances colors and adds durability to the surface. The pieces are dowelled and glued with high-strength, two-part epoxy.