Centering clay, centering myself
Quality matters. My mission is to bring you the best and most unique stoneware pottery that will not only outlast lesser made wares, but also be perfectly designed for every day use. Well made pottery is heavily reliant on the design if it is to be successful for its intended use. Design is one of the main motivating factors in my artistic process.
I've always been a son of the soil. I have had experience in farming, horticulture and many jobs along the way. There was always a pull for hands-on creativity. I found my passion and purpose with clay, one of the most natural art materials in existence. Making a finished, functional piece from this raw material involves art, science and faith. It is truly a process. I enjoy the challenges of ceramics, but also the wide range of creativity involved every step of the way.
Beginning a ceramic work often starts on paper with a conceptual design. Once the idea is locked in the next step is to test the idea in practice by "throwing" the pot on the wheel. I often equate working on the potter's wheel with meditation. It requires absolute focus as you center the clay and begin the piece. In this way, the potter also becomes gravitated and centered mentally into the work. I find that this and the entire process of ceramics from raw clay to glaze firing is increasing valuable in a world where technology distracts us and shortens our attention span. Pottery, as process, cannot be sped up or abbreviated. Although this may be detrimental from a business aspect, the value of this age-old craft teaches us patience and appreciation for a finished work that will most likely outlive those who created it.