Three years ago, after teaching high school ceramics for many years, I began to work in my home studio full time. My clay working process had become too automatic and was in need of a fresh start. I participated in a mentorship program with Canadian ceramic artist Naomi Clement. In hopes of creating a more intentional studio practice, I also transitioned from wheel throwing to hand building.

My ceramic work is a result of my ongoing fascination with out of the round clay forms as well as texture and color. The surfaces of my pieces play with the concept of hidden and revealed images which are inspired by the woods and waterways I am surrounded by in the Fingerlakes region of upstate New York. While exploring my area I often catch a glimpse of a deer in the forest or fish in the streams and lakes reminding me to slow down and really look.

I hope the pleasure in making these pieces is experienced each time they are used. All of my ceramic pieces are made to be used and enjoyed in the daily rituals of drinking, eating food, as well as arranging flowers. Living with and using handmade ceramic vessels creates a connection to the maker and enriches our lives in ways that mass produced pieces never will.