Artist Statement
I work primarily with clay, but incorporate a variety of mixed materials. I use white, red and brown clays, textured and colored with slips, stains and underglazes and fire them in an electric kiln. I regularly combine the clay with steel – creating hand forged and fabricated supports for the clay forms. Using a gas forge, I hand forge the metal support pieces, and MIG weld them together making them an integral part of the piece. I frequently include sweet little birds, with their heads popping out of doorways or perched nearby. They offer a little whimsy and a connection to nature.
I also create one of a kind, larger quirky birds. They’re loaded with personality, are gauges of environmental health, exhibit amazing skills and are just plain cool. They offer character, metaphor and narrative and are really fun to bring to life. Recently, I have begun finding old, vintage items and repurposing them as supports the birds.
