Artist Statement:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I create art to show the beauty and expression that can be invoked from the simplest of raw materials. My preferred material is clay, because I believe it offers the most potential for a more free-form creation. It can produce captivating works while also providing functionality.

When I work with clay to sculpt, I often can picture exactly what the piece should look like at its end. My pieces tend to be large, delicate, and intricate, so I carefully think through the process before I begin. When I throw on the wheel, I have a very different approach- I pick a general form- bowl, vase, mug- and then decide as I work with the piece what it will look like in the end, resulting in interesting, unique creations. When I paint or draw, I usually only picture the end result, and paint until it looks as I believe it should.

I enjoy using bright colors and defined, detailed lines, although my painting skills are not as developed as my abilities with clay. I believe that art can be created from anything, and that the piece should be able to tell a story. I

am inspired by literature- I want to display the emotions the story invoked, and help represent the author’s ideas and thoughts. My favorite novels are fantasy, and I write my own stories as well. When I read I am often struck by a certain character or scene, and feel compelled to sketch it out. My notebooks are full of doodles and drawings of scenes, characters, or ideas, and I often add to the list. I am also influenced by nature- my works often show the serenity, grace, and sometimes power that nature’s simple forms possess. In my works I often use actual pieces of trees or stones, many times pairing them with pages of books. I think that even the plainest material can be transformed into something great.