Current Work

Work created while and undergraduate at Bowing Green State University, 2019.

I grew up in Northwest Ohio where I made my first pots in high school. Ceramics was not available to freshmen, but I snuck in any free time I had to play with  clay. My main focus was on how thin I could possibly make the next pot – the lighter the better. During the summer my teacher secretly loaned me a wheel from school, and recommended me for an apprentice position with Mark Nafziger at Brush Creek Pottery.

               My love for the wheel only grew as I started my undergrad and I continued to focus on form. I respected the ideas of the mingei soda potters and my pots began to reflect their ideology. As a class we fired the atmospheric kilns; I thrived on the long hours of loading, firing, and problem solving.

               Eventually, I was inspired to consider the surface of my pots after a workshop with Gail Kendall at The 577 Foundation. I wanted the surface to dance so I picked up a brush and started as simple as I could–dots. After researching dazzle camouflage, and visiting Jun Kaneko’s studio, I was hooked on contrasting patterns, specifically how the surface and form interacted. Towards my BFA exhibition, I began experimenting with masking tape and wax resist- building layers of colored slips and glazes on growlers inspired by bellarmine jugs. I love watching the progression of my work, which is all thanks to the education and experiences I have been privileged to have.

               The next stop on my journey was the North Carolina Pottery Center. I started cutting my own ribs out of roof flashing, and through a slow turning potter’s wheel I played with dynamic forms. After reading Jason Burnett’s, Graphic Clay, I became fascinated with the screen printing process, but struggled to incorporate it on the cups. I began researching hydrographic printing and worked to include it in my work. I continued to do experiments with this at my next residency at STARworks.

               Currently, I’m testing an oil-based slip screen printed onto poly-vinyl alcohol film.   While at STARworks, I learned I need more education on print a making in order to pursue this process. I intend to develop more work that is dynamic and textured to utilize the abilities of hydrographic printing. I’m determined to learn how to communicate my thoughts efficiently and have meaningful conversations about pottery. I’m craving an intense graduate experience that teaches me the value of a potter in today’s world.

Growlers

Cups

Large Jars