BEING A PROFESSIONAL MUD NERD

Inspired by fantasy books, horror graphic novels, and a (forever-growing) library of video games, I went into college to pursue a career in art.  Unsure of a specific direction, I spent years exploring various mediums.  Thinking I would have little use for pottery, I held off on my Ceramics 101 course until I was forced to take it for my degree requirements.  I told myself I would spend the minimum time in the pottery studio in order to get a passing grade and...

​I was immediately ensorcelled by the potter's wheel.​

In the end, I graduated with a BFA and MA with a focus in ceramics and have spent years practicing an art form I had never considered before my Ceramics 101 class.  Funny how life works out.

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In all of my work, I strive for a high degree of craftsmanship, striking color combinations, and unique surface design.  I take particular joy in making pieces that are intended for every-day use.  Over the years, I've become especially fascinated at how attached we can become to a humble object, such as a mug.  For example, how our routines, habits, and memories revolve around drinking tea from a favorite large cup - and the sense of sadness and loss experienced when that cup breaks. ​ It is this strangely personal and intimate connection that drew me to functional ceramics.

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Depending on the piece, I use either a brown or white stoneware clay that is glaze-fired to cone 5 (about 2160F/1180C) in an electric kiln.  This ensures strong, consistent, and food/drink safe results.  All of my work is 100% lead-free.  

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Trained originally in hand-thrown traditional functional pottery, it's my desire to grow my body of work into something new.  I am currently building a new series of work that fuses my original loves of fantasy and horror with my ceramic expertise. In tandem with my experiments, I am selling my wares in-person at craft fairs, art shows, and Renaissance festivals.