Artist Statement

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My functional works focus on the relationship between myself and the life cycles of nature that are inspired by landscape changes through the seasons.  We often use seasons as a metaphor for life cycles. Spring is associated with birth and growth, summer as youth and activity of life, autumn as maturity of life and preparation for ending life, and winter as hibernation or death. My exhibition consists of a thematic exploration of the four seasons. My works are richly decorated with botanical imagery. The subject of my work: “Useful, beautiful, and comfortable” comes from expressive aesthetics and balancing beauty and comfort with utility.
I have always found the fragility and constancy of the cycles of life emotionally compelling. I wanted to focus the study of these cycles on my experiences within my farm. My exploration of nature on my farm plays a large role in my inspiration for both the design and decoration of the pottery. I visualize those unforgettable images and use them as inspiration for my art. I evoke the beauty of nature’s life cycles through porcelain and stoneware which express their characteristics in their altered forms and surfaces to create a “useful and beautiful” art. With a focus on utilitarian pottery forms, I consider my tableware to be daily art that has gained functionality and intimacy through daily use. It serves as a tool of ritual for people to enjoy.