Artist Statement

What began as an exploration of the mysteries of the natural world and its interplay with humankind has become a pivot point for studying form and surface. The format I have been working with has also allowed me to explore conceptual ideas more deeply.

My part time preoccupation with the fate of humanity appears loosely in the surface textures of many of my pieces, especially the face covered pots. While I create these works, I find myself contemplating, learning, and reflecting, refining my process through repetition. Each face begins as a disc of clay that is applied and then sculpted. To me, the surfaces suggest crowds or groups of people.

The image that first inspired my impulse to cover a pot with faces came from an old black and white photograph I saw while working as a photo archivist at the World Museum of Mining in Butte, Montana. Likely taken in the 1920s, it showed a crowd at an event, a frame full of faces. That image stayed with me. Whatever the reason, this surface texture continues to hold my interest. The form of the lidded pot has also provided a sense of focus. Through this process I find grounding and stability. It helps me maintain a feeling of purpose in light of everything I love and everything that worries me about the world.

Biography

Born in San Francisco, I grew up in Bozeman, Montana. I attended Montana State University and later earned a fine arts degree from Alfred University. I lived and worked in Butte, Montana, for sixteen years before eventually moving to Helena, where I became involved with the Clay Arts Guild in 2009. It is where I now do most of my work.

Education

2003 MS in Technical Communication, Montana Tech, Butte, Montana
1990 BA in Fine Arts, Alfred University, Alfred, New York