Biography
- Have lived in Medford since 1979
- Expanded my interest in clay by beginning an association with Mudflat Studio in Somerville as student, volunteer, and studio monitor (1986)
- Interests center around form and throwing techniques, altering thrown forms, and hand building
- Taken a variety of classes and workshops with Mudflat Studio staff and visiting artists including Gay Smith, Adero Willard, Wayne Fuerst, Lynn Gervens, Cary Atsalis, Hoay Cheah, Gabrielle Fougere, Monica Ripley, Cary Joseph, Nick Seidner, Keith Kreiger, Phil Rogers, Hayne Bayliss, and Nick Joerling
- Fire most work to cone 10 in gas reduction or oxidation kilns at Mudflat Studio
- Participated in several raku firings,Bob Green at Snow Farm & David LaPierre at Codman Farm in Lincoln and pit firings.
- Participated in Soda Firing Workshop with David Orser
- Pots are mostly functional, but experiment with sculpture and decorative pots with raku and pit firings
- Display and sell pots at the Mudflat Gallery in Porter Square, Cambridge and online with the Hourglass Gallery. Participate in West Medford Open Studios for the past 13 years and Mudflat Holiday Sales.
- 16 years ago created a clay studio at home
- Continue to strive to improve techniques and develop a “voice” in clay while enjoying the creative process in its entirety.
Artist's Statement
I think I have been in love with clay my entire life. I have cherished childhood memories of making mud and berry stews or trying to fabricate a nest of mud and sticks that the birds would use. I continue to try to discover my “voice” in clay, but find I have too much to say! My pots vary in form size, shape, color and function. I am continuing to refine my throwing skills, but find that I am incorporating hand building techniques as I alter shapes. I have been attempting to conquer the oval and most recently the square by combining thrown and hand built parts. While I have strong roots in creating functional pottery, I am fascinated with the excitement of Raku and Pit firing techniques which yield a more porous and decorative pot. I derive joy not only from creating pots, but also from the pleasure of knowing that others appreciate and will use them.
As I continue to try to find my special "voice" in clay, I realize that I am enjoying the journey more than finding a special technique/glaze/form etc. My pots vary in form, size, shape, color and function just as we are varied in our ways of being in this world. I enjoy hand forming as well as wheel throwing and continue to refine my skills as well as my thoughts of what I like. While I have strong roots in creating functional pottery, I am fascinated with the excitement of Raku and Pit firing techniques which yield a more porous and decorative pot. I derive joy not only from creating pots, but also from the pleasure of knowing that others will appreciate and use them.