artist statement

I am fascinated with the sky. Growing up in Kansas, the sky always took up half of my world, no matter where I was. My queerness felt more comfortable with these huge natural features than my every day social surrounding. It brought my fear and identity into perspective and helped me realize I am one of many people in an unfathomably diverse world. My work seeks to capture this feeling of curiosity and enormity of the self and existence on this planet Earth.

I gravitate towards vessels, as they feel grounded in the archaeological history of humanity. Ceramics was a very ancient and pivotal technology in our evolution as a species. I use these ancient forms and apply modern styles and surfaces to bring history into the present moment. I enjoy creating functional ware because I love the relationship between bowls and cups and the contents: the dynamic of holding/being held. I also believe in contributing to a deeper romanticization of an individual’s routine when one incorporates fine ceramic pieces.

I use neutral palettes that employ lights and darks to echo natural forms of light against darkness. The play between light and dark is essential to my work and asks the viewer/user to consider how these elements play out in the world and their own lives. I enjoy making my own glazes and combining glazes in the kiln, I enjoy the surprise of a process when I release control. This affection brings me often into the world of atmospheric firing, where my peices can communicate with the fire and ash. I love sgraffito and relief carving, spending time with each piece, creating images by shaping negative space. Through my creative research both in my art and myself, I have come closer to nature and desire to make work that communicates the wonder of the natural world.