My goal is to create a visual and tangible connection between ceramics and geology.
Honoring the source of ceramic materials: landscapes.
Incorporating local rocks, minerals, and clays into my work, responsibly gathered and used to help represent the places on Earth that inspire me.
gathering, processing, testing, integrating
Rocks and Minerals
Research and Development
Local/Wild Clays
After a bit of research and consulting with USGS maps, I identify the rocks, minerals or clays in my local landscape that I think might have potential for use in my ceramic work. Testing in my studio provides additional information to help me decide whether to pursue the development of a glaze or clay recipe.
All local materials used in my pieces are professionally lab tested to obtain a precise chemical composition in order to ensure safety and durability.
a collaboration with clay
I let the exterior texture of a greenware piece crack while it dries. I follow these cues and elaborate to create a surface that reminds me of a canyon wall.
I feel like I’m collaborating with my clay, allowing it to do what it naturally wants to do: crack.
I carve and sculpt to help make the piece resemble its original source: rocks.
Some pieces are embedded with rocks gathered from the landscapes that inspired it.
All of the cracks remain on the exterior surface, leaving the interior of each piece perfectly intact.