I enjoy the challenge of making functional pots. The challenge is to create considered objects of purpose that are enjoyable to look at as well as use. With every new concept, this challenge is renewed and sustained.

            My current clay art considers the relationship between the work and the viewer. I make ceramic vessels or pots that are thrown on the wheel and altered to add dynamic gesture. This gives the pots invitation to potentially interact with viewer. When I group these pots, profiles become a prominent feature creating interplay between positive and negative spaces. At this point, I ask the question, what happens when I create an environment in which all components interact?

            The theory of a unified habitat that I create is influenced by the nineteenth century British craft revival spearheaded by William Morris. His quote, “ Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful,” is a reference for considering such an environment. I attempt this by making wooden furniture that pots can work and live on.

            Hopefully, the pots that dwell there are complimentary in both surface and color. The choice of color relationships comes from contemporary ceramic influences as well as natural sources. Color and surface is another facet of interaction, taking place between the clay and the high-fired gas kiln. The result of this collaboration is accepted knowing that it is not entirely in my control.

I currently attend East Tennessee State University.  I will be graduating May 2011. 
I will have a BFA, (Bachelor of Fine Arts) then will be attending graduate school for ceramics. 
My dream is to be a utilitarian potter, making functional art work.