words about work
Currently, the direction of my work involes the vessel becoming distilled and reduced down to a much more simplified form. In my work over the last two years I have been stripping away the extraneous ornament of which I have been so fond, and working in a more considerate way. I have been thinking more about the real destination of my work, beyond a pedestal or exhibition. Who really wants this? What is the real size of pots that are used? What is the useful shape of a handle or knob? After concerning myself with the space around my pots and trying to make increasingly louder visual statements about the vessel and its elevation, I decided to step sideways and spend some time making quieter, more carefully made pots; to let my hands and body practice, to allow myself the time to re-learn the skills. Although I still have a strong compulsion to cover the vessel with ornamental additions, curly exxtensions and exagerated, non-functioning handles and knobs, this work is intentionally and unequivocally rejecting that temptation. I set up some rules, gave myself restrictions and I am revisiting pots that are about volume, containment and the interaction between form and surface. Glazes that seduce and pull, moving over balanced form; lids that fit, pots that work well, pots that feel welcoming and sure. I have been re-educating myself on the tactile and the haptic draw of useful pottery; because ultimately, this is my source.
2016