Artist Statement
Sometimes the clay is cooperative, a partner in the vision.
Sometimes it’s contrary. Working with it is always a collaboration.
While the clay prefers to relax in elegant, organic shapes I challenge it to take the shape of something it doesn’t want to be. Rigidly straight. Machined. As though the piece was cobbled from spare parts found on a boilermaker's workbench. Held together with nuts and bolts.
When the clay and I have reached agreement and we’re both content with the result, I find myself negotiating with the glaze.
In the end, I’ve shaped the clay and applied the glaze but the final decisions are made in the kiln. The outcome is, without a doubt, the result of a three-way partnership between the clay, the glaze, and me.
If all goes well, the collaboration has produced some interesting pieces and I've had a chance to exercise my creativity.
If all goes well, my work will conjure a smile, incite a chuckle, or perhaps pour a cup of tea.
