Beginnings

My first clay memory is digging goopy grey from the bottom of a Michigan lake, while camping with my family. My brothers and I found the sticky spot, dug all afternoon, and used the muck to form clay pots that were dried by our campfire. After the clay bug bit me, Play-Doh would be my material of choice until I registered for a ceramics class at my public high school. In that classroom, one of my favorite teachers supported my curiosity, and I fell in love with working in a studio. I went on to study ceramics at Henry Ford College and Eastern Michigan University, where I earned a degree in Visual Arts Education with an emphasis in ceramics. I then entered the world of teaching K-12 visual art, and have been doing that wonderful work ever since.

Why Clay?

Did you know that the oldest clay objects are believed to be created around 28,000 BCE? This amazes me, and I’m proud to be a part of the tradition. Like potters before me, I hope that the objects I create provide utility and are a joy to use.

I’m in love with the materials, the art of deciding how to use them, and learning new techniques. I get excited when I have new ideas, and am lucky to have a place where I can work to turn my ideas into reality. Next to teaching in the classroom, my studio is one of my favorite places to be.

From My Hands to Yours

Each piece is a handmade original, either thrown on the wheel or built by hand. All items vary in size, shape, glazing, and color.

When I hold a piece of pottery, I feel the texture of the glaze, notice how the shape interacts with my hands, and observe the colors and visual textures. I hope that you have the same experience with my work.

My students can sometimes become frustrated with the contrast between their developing abilities and what they think is “good” art. I remind them that they are not robots or machines, but humans. I urge them to appreciate evidence in their work that shows the viewer it is handmade - a not so straight line, a variation in a surface. I hope you appreciate the evidence of my hands and my humanness in my pottery.