My current work is involves three avenues of expression: painted one-of-a-kind vessels and platters, functional ware and architectural clay work. The unifying theme of all three is in addressing the challenge of painting 3-dimensional forms.
The work serves as a means of synthesizing the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of my existence. The pieces are an honest attempt to put together what is in my head and heart through the physical efforts of working in clay. Through the potter’s wheel, insights are attained concerning form; through the paintings, insights are attained into myself.
One-of-a-kind vessels and platters serve as
canvases for my paintings. Making
challenging and demanding forms on the wheel is inspiring and invigorating.
An even greater challenge must be confronted in painting in the
round.
My imagery is an expression of who I am and how I relate to the world as an individual on both conscious and subconscious levels. The paintings serve as a means of putting into form my dreams, visions, questions and insights at specific points in my life’s journey. They are often responses to both internal and external forces. For several years now I have found the face to be the most fascinating, challenging and complex subject. The paintings are attempts to penetrate surface appearances; what is more complex than the face is what lies beneath that surface. The imagery consists of symbols…some universal, most personal, which reveal, and often conceal, deeper meanings.
Functional work presents many challenges and demands that must be met to successfully accomplish its utilitarian purpose. The interrelationships of elements including balance, weight (physical and visual), scale, proportion, volume and a high level of craftsmanship all come into play in the creation of an object that serves a specific purpose. Function is extremely important; equally important is the aesthetic impact of a piece even when t is not involved in meeting its functional purpose. Surface painting and patterning satisfies that aspect in that it enhances the form and I believe elevates it to another level. The unification of form, function and surface is the ultimate goal.
The purpose or goal of my Architectural clay work is the same as with my paintings of functional forms. The intent is to enhance both the setting and the experience of being there.
All the functional work and the vessels and platters are wheel formed using a white earthenware clay. Sinks, tile and architectural pieces are formed using a coarse terra cotta clay. The work is painted with underglaze colors by brush and by bulb syringes with hypodermic needles. It is clear glazed (lead-free and food safe) and oxidation fired in electric kilns.