Artist's Statement
"Double Catenary Arch Series",
Slip-carved stoneware vases with built-in frog
to 12"
Thirty years ago I left an academic career in biology to
immerse my hands and head in the making of pots, first in Alaska, and
now on Saltspring Island, B.C. I learned the basic steps, and much beyond,
from two wonderful teachers. First, there was Al Johnson who taught in
the Arts and Crafts Program, Cowell College at the University of California,
Santa Cruz. This stint was followed by two intensive summer programs taught
by Dean Schwarz from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa.Serendipidously the
teachings of these
two came from the Bauhaus tradition brought to North America by Marguerite
Wildenhain. Many workshops by skilled craftsmen/women followed, including
one by Ms Widenhain herself. But most of the learning has come from the
mistakes and failures that the willful clay throws our way, as well as
the successes and kudos.
"In Hiding",
Slip-carved stoneware vase
14",
Fired to cone 10
My path has lead to creating forms that allow meticulous
slip carving as
surface decoration. My love of geometry, of pattern, and of the stories
abstracted from my life inspire the surface decor. In the earlier years
my work was always functional bringing beauty into the rituals of daily
life. Now some of the work, although still vessel oriented,is created
for visual enjoyment as well as functional use. It can be found in collections
in North America, Europe, and elsewhere.
"Tripot",
saggar fired stoneware with bamboo legs,
waxed linen,
ht 6" x 9"
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