My work is a conversation with the clay. Some designs are planned, others grow out of interesting scraps, but all begin with circles. And all, planned or not, change as the conversation evolves. The designs are abstract reflecting my interest in form and color, movement and pattern. I view the wall hangings as paintings. I have begun framing them to emphasize their function as fine art.
Coming Home, framed tile, 12” x 12”
Carved leather hard vessel
The process involves several steps. First comes making the tile or form from hand rolled white earthenware slabs . Clay is added, subtracted, cut, carved and stamped as I add texture and detail to create a relief sculpture.
Painting underglaze on greenware
Once the clay is dry, I apply color using underglazes. Then the bisque firing.
At times I will use a wash of black to emphasize texture. Vessels are then glazed and fired once more. I am currently using a cold finish on sculptural works. I have begun experimenting with water color and chalk pastels on top of the fired underglaze. I can feel my painter self seeping into the clay self more and more. Fun times.