The Early Years...
I'm a late baby-boomer
born in Fort Collins, Colorado. At the age of eight
my family moved to Greece for two years. During that
time I visited many ruins and museums throughout
Greece, Italy, and Germany. This exposure led to many
of my ideas and had a direct and profound influence
on my work.
Early on, I found myself working with my hands creating interesting things. While in high school I participated in several art programs and found my calling. It was during that time I took a ceramic course and immediately fell in love with clay. Following high school I attended Arizona State University graduating in 1982 with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Ceramics.
Early on, I found myself working with my hands creating interesting things. While in high school I participated in several art programs and found my calling. It was during that time I took a ceramic course and immediately fell in love with clay. Following high school I attended Arizona State University graduating in 1982 with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Ceramics.
Starting in Cave Creek...
While exhibiting in an
art show in Cave Creek, Arizona, I decided I wanted
to live in the desert, with its incredible sunsets,
fierce monsoon storms, and abundant wildlife. I hired
local architect William Bruder to design a studio in
1983, and spent the next year building it myself.
While the construction took place, I lived on the
grounds in a teepee, with my dog and the coyotes for
company. The experience of teepee life and building a
structure with only basic construction skills was
scary yet awesome and exciting. It was another
transformational phase of my life in which I grew
stronger emotionally and creatively.
Different Methods...
Throughout the years, I
have continually looked for ways to develop new and
interesting ideas. Early on, my work consisted mainly
of using a propane and wood combination kiln to fire
bowls and platters. I later began experimenting and
refining the process to produce beautiful vessels
using the ancient raku Japanese firing method. I then
branched out into commission work consisting of
decorative sculptures, tile murals, fountains, and
sandblasted glass. For the past several years, I have
had the pleasure of working with clients and custom
builders producing unique and dramatic architectural
pieces such as bathroom sinks, kitchen countertops,
ceramic columns, floor tiles, and sandblasted and
painted mirrors.
Inspiration...
Working in and being
surrounded by nature is what nurtures and inspires my
work. In creating ceramics, or in life itself, the
dichotomy of simplicity and complexity constantly
inspires and challenges. My work embraces and
embodies this theme. From the raku process, to a
woodfire technique, to sculpture, to architectural
pieces, I strive to maintain integrity in my work and
make it a beautiful and timeless expression of my
life and my vision.
