Artist Statement
When I work with clay I am reminded that the tradition of pottery is as old as time itself. Historically, making vessels and utilitarian objects from clay has evolved over time from useful and practical applications to more of an art form where clay is chosen for its expressive and fanciful qualities. I like to think that my ceramic work honors the past while exploring new ideas and variations for today.
My wheel thrown earthenware ceramic lanterns are inspired by the natural and manmade built environment in which we live. I begin a lantern piece long before I sit at the potter’s wheel by photographing things that interest me; a dragonfly on a leaf, starfish on the beach, various Salem and Marblehead historic landmark windows lit from within on a winter evening walk. I am intrigued with the idea of transforming these motifs into useful objects of beauty while “thinking outside the pot.”
The creative process involves the development of an idea from the first spark through the finished product. All of my pots are created in my home studio and are one of a kind. Each pot is thrown on the wheel, a window or nature design cutout template is made from heavy paper and traced onto the surface of the leather hard pots, then all cuts are made by me with an exacto knife. Architectural and textural details are added using various tools, the pots are dried and bisque fired, then glazed and glaze fired to complete the lantern.
When people see my work, I’d like them to be able to appreciate the craftsmanship, the thought and the care involved in making fine crafts. I try to honor the tradition of making useful ceramic objects while pushing the boundaries into new and unexpected variations.
