I create hand-built clay pieces, many of which are married with mixed media.
I have always been attracted to opposites. I love it when feminine and masculine elements are combined in art. With my whiskey cups, the ones I find the most successful combine a rugged outer terrain with a soft surface and center.
There is something about a repetitive pattern that is pleasing to me.
My eyes are always open to nature
Over thirty years ago, I purchased a gallon tub of black bamboo for $40 to use as a natural shield for an outdoor shower. Black bamboo is not particularly invasive, but mine really likes its location. It has grown into a forest.
Black bamboo is strong and beautiful. It inspires me to explore different ways to use it my work. In the gallery, you’ll see how I’ve incorporated black bamboo as legs on vessels or as a flourish in a piece. I’ve also created a series of artist’s brushes.
And also to industrial elements
Rust has become my favorite color!
The seed for my fascination with combining metal and clay was planted at Penland School of Craft, a magical place where like-minded people of all ages and nationalities meet to luxuriate in the beautiful surroundings and learn about and create art.
During my second of five (and counting) visits, I observed two artists working with industrial and gear-type parts to create molds.
I made a small mold from a gear and came home to experiment with attaching a few of these clay gears to some of my pieces. Then I realized I had access to real car parts, as my sister’s man restores Chevys! When I returned from “art camp,” I couldn’t get to his shop fast enough!
Not only did I find a plethora of gears and other interesting pieces of metal, I could even intercept these choice pieces before they reached the scrap bin. Heaven. Recycling has always made practical sense to me, but re-purposing—now that’s inspiring.
Now I have learned enough about the parts to realize I find the vintage ones the most desirable. Many of my pieces start with a metal piece that I am attracted to. It inspires me to create a type of clay vessel that will work with it.
I am now drawn to metal and wood as well as clay. So many possibilities.
Sometimes it’s crazy what artists get excited about
Contact me to discuss how I can contribute to your interior design—home or office.