Artist Statement

Clay’s inherent responsive nature makes it my medium of choice. Even though, I primarily sculpt in clay, I readily incorporate other materials. I consider myself and object maker.

Although there is an element of ‘realism’ in my work, I am more interested in capturing enough detail to capture the essence of each object. I then alter and combine these elements to produce allegorical settings. Common elements, such as chairs, dogs, houses, books, and fish are juxtaposed and become props to symbolize the folly of people and their universal emotions, conditions and relationships.

Within each sculpture, I vary the scale of the components, setting up the opportunity for a visual dialogue between the individual parts. This scale change reinforces the surrealistic narrative of each work. By limiting the entire piece to tabletop size, the viewer can visually inhabit or imagine themselves in these stage settings on an intimate reflective level.

The fire, smoke, anticipated results, and unexpected surprises combine to make raku my choice of finishes.  The raku method provides a diverse array of surface treatments. The crackles, reduction colors, carbon blacks, and copper matte surfaces merge with the clay forms to express the emotive side of the work.

I have been influenced by the wit and the irreverent attitude found in the Funk Ceramic Art movement. With each sculpture, I seek to strike a balance between the dichotomy of the light and dark aspects of life. I enjoy creating pieces that are inviting and humorous on one level, but contain an undercurrent of mystery, when you read between the lines.