Process

 On the Wheel
I throw forms on the potter’s wheel with multiple layers, then carve strategically into the piece to reveal different facets of the space within. With forms like ruins tiles, I design a layout of complimentary shapes that sometimes recall shapes found in old architecture, and those become windows into the piece’s interior. I aim to strike a balance between exposing enough interior that the inner shapes are hinted at, but not completely revealed. For these sculptures I often break off segments of the piece to give the impression of crumbling and weathered stone. After construction is finished, I add glass and other materials to be melted into the piece during firing. Post firing wood or metal elements are also sometimes added.
For functional work the process is similar, with the added aspect that the piece must be fit for use. The majority of these pieces are pouring vessels, comprised of several wheel-thrown or hand-built elements. For functional pieces I often add glass windows post firing so that the contents of the vessel will be visible when it’s filled.

Off the Wheel
For work off of the potter’s wheel I primarily use the slab method. This involves rolling out clay sheets of varying thicknesses, then cutting them into segments and assembling the desired shape. After the piece is constructed, texture is added by scoring and breaking the surface of the clay. Additional media for hand-built pieces are added in the same way as pieces thrown on the wheel.

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