Artist Statement

While I enjoy working with many types of media, clay will always be my main focus, as it lets me create the impossible from the implausible. The challenge of creating functional sculpture that pushes a lump of clay to be transformed into a new, often whimsical, yet still utilitarian form excites me.

With a background in Earth Sciences as well as art, I enjoy learning not only the techniques of how things are created to further my work, but also the why behind it all. “Why does the clay react the way it does?” “Why is this chemical composition better than that one?” “What do you mean that’s going to turn green in the kiln?!” Seeking the answers to these (and many other) questions supports my work not only in its stability and longevity, but also in understanding how to create new forms, glazes, etc.

From hat stands that cleverly disguise a cake plate and serving ware, to a top hat that conceals an entire tea set, I relish creating decorative sculpture that can be disassembled to serve a utilitarian purpose.