Inspiration: an Artist’s Statement

I draw most of my creative inspiration from my childhood, which was spent growing up adjacent to my grandparent's farm. My imagination was captured daily by my surroundings, as I traveled through the woods, fields and gardens. The simplest of moments held me in awe; drops of dew on a leaf, mushrooms creeping up through the leaves, a snail on a log.

Throughout my life I have enjoyed making these things with my hands. Driven by a free curiosity, it is my mission to work from these moments into a three-dimensional form, so that I may offer others a small glimpse of awe and tranquil beauty.

My passion for clay began my senior year in college, when I found that it allowed for a flexible approach to a more pleasing form. Since then, I have been encouraged by the intricate detail of the 17th and 18th century Yixing Potters, and have found inspirational motivation in the gestural work of Ken Ferguson.

Through the use of organic themes and exaggerated forms in my work, I hope to communicate a sense of whimsical exuberance. I believe that having fun is very important, and that it is an essential part of a healthy sense of self and well being. Personally, my work has taken me through many tough times. It is my hope, through my continued work, that I may also share that joy with others.