ARTIST'S STATEMENT
I enjoy working with clay because the possibilities of raw clay seem unlimited. Working in clay brings a sense of focus and concentration that I have not found in other creative materials. I am most interested in the ceramic hand building process as it allows me greater creativity in exploring shape and form. Texture, organic shapes and connections to nature are important to me and appear regularly in my work.
When I am immersed in clay, I feel like I am connected to the earth. I utilize the clay in an organic, flowing natural manner. In my work I use deep, dark, and bold texture reflecting nature, giving my pieces life. I like to incorporate texture into my artwork because of the added dimension and interest it brings to completed forms. I also like to explore surface finishes and often integrate unusual materials to achieve contrasting texture. My work is not something I feel I can define with words so I use clay as a vehicle for my expression.
I have always been exposed to the creative - my father is a metal sculptor, and my mother is very involved in the arts. My grandfather was the director of Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina for 23 years. As I was growing up, the time I spent at Penland exposed me to all mediums and learning from creative minded people, nurturing my creativity and giving me the opportunity to explore my creative processes.
When I am immersed in clay, I feel like I am connected to the earth. I utilize the clay in an organic, flowing natural manner. In my work I use deep, dark, and bold texture reflecting nature, giving my pieces life. I like to incorporate texture into my artwork because of the added dimension and interest it brings to completed forms. I also like to explore surface finishes and often integrate unusual materials to achieve contrasting texture. My work is not something I feel I can define with words so I use clay as a vehicle for my expression.
I have always been exposed to the creative - my father is a metal sculptor, and my mother is very involved in the arts. My grandfather was the director of Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina for 23 years. As I was growing up, the time I spent at Penland exposed me to all mediums and learning from creative minded people, nurturing my creativity and giving me the opportunity to explore my creative processes.
