Morristown, New Jersey, where I was raised, used to be a beautiful Revolutionary War town with many local farms and dairies. Then in the 1970’s, large corporations came in and bought the farms, so the whole complexion of the county changed. But when I was young, it was gorgeous country and unspoiled. I have been an artist and maker since I was very young. I am the youngest of four and had three older brothers. My mother taught me how to cook, knit and sew when I was about seven. I first realized I had a passion for creating probably around third grade, and the best advice I’ve ever received is to begin something and follow through to the end.
Today I create in my studio in Weston, Connecticut, which is filled with light and space. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful barn to work in. As it is all mine, I can leave projects in various stages and not have to move things until they are ready.
I think an important accomplishment is that I send work out into the world and people live with the pieces that I create.
I am a self-taught potter. I’ve been making ceramics for over thirty years. When there is a process that I need to learn for my pots, I go to museums, research books and then ultimately, it is trial and error. For example, in 2013 when I wanted to know more about the history and production of porcelain, I did a residency in Jingdezhen, China, where they have been making porcelain for over a thousand years. I just wanted to understand the nature of porcelain and where it originated. It was a fantastic experience.
I try to have an agenda every day; however, as I work by myself, certain aspects such as answering emails, packing orders, dealing with the bees and working in the garden, all conspire to affect the amount of work that I am able to produce. I don’t count how many pieces I make and some can be time consuming to construct, so I do the best that I can.
When I begin my creative process, I usually begin with the shape that I am planning to make and then it depends upon the clay body. If I am using porcelain, there is a complex series of steps that includes making, glazing and then firing in a gas kiln. The earthenware is usually about a more intricate form.
My process for creating a ceramic is that I first sketch out the shape in my notebook, wedge up clay, sit at the wheel and construct a form. Then, if it is a pedestal or pot with multiple parts, I throw this as well to keep the clay drying at the same rate. When the pieces are leather hard, I trim the parts and then put them together with slip. When the piece is dry, the firings begin. First the pot is bisqued, and then can go through numerous glazing and firing stages. A good deal also depends on the clay body, as the porcelain, terracotta and earthenware have different personalities and have to be handled and fired differently.
I love throwing pots. I do keep certain pots and not for a grand reason. There is usually something special in the form or glaze that appeals to me and I don’t wish to give it up. These are usually quirky, but I know that they won’t be replicated, so I have them in the studio to use for flowers.
I work every day. I am either in the studio working on ceramics, or making photos, or cooking or gardening. I mostly listen to audiobooks while I work. Listening to a book, especially with a great voiceover, can be transportive. The flowers in my garden are also an integral part of my work and my inspiration.
I find inspiration in many places. I look in museums and exhibitions, books and even Instagram. It is good to see what is going on in the world. Just being in the barn every day and having a good workflow can be inspiring. Going to museums and travel opens up the mind and gives a change of scene. My family and I went to Athens for Christmas and it was incredible to study Greek pottery of all centuries in the land where it was created. The Acropolis was moving, stunning and I’ll never forget it.
I like my work to function, but try to include a sense of whimsy and humor.
Time is always a challenge. Although I work every day, I wish that I had more time just to explore without a production deadline. I am constantly aiming towards that. Creating is an ongoing endeavor and there is always more to learn.
Morristown, New Jersey, where I was raised, used to be a beautiful Revolutionary War town with many local farms and dairies. Then in the 1970’s, large corporations came in and bought the farms, so the whole complexion of the county changed. But when I was young, it was gorgeous country and unspoiled. I have been an artist and maker since I was very young. I am the youngest of four and had three older brothers. My mother taught me how to cook, knit and sew when I was about seven. I first realized I had a passion for creating probably around third grade, and the best advice I’ve ever received is to begin something and follow through to the end.
Today I create in my studio in Weston, Connecticut, which is filled with light and space. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful barn to work in. As it is all mine, I can leave projects in various stages and not have to move things until they are ready.
I think an important accomplishment is that I send work out into the world and people live with the pieces that I create.
I am a self-taught potter. I’ve been making ceramics for over thirty years. When there is a process that I need to learn for my pots, I go to museums, research books and then ultimately, it is trial and error. For example, in 2013 when I wanted to know more about the history and production of porcelain, I did a residency in Jingdezhen, China, where they have been making porcelain for over a thousand years. I just wanted to understand the nature of porcelain and where it originated. It was a fantastic experience.
I try to have an agenda every day; however, as I work by myself, certain aspects such as answering emails, packing orders, dealing with the bees and working in the garden, all conspire to affect the amount of work that I am able to produce. I don’t count how many pieces I make and some can be time consuming to construct, so I do the best that I can.
When I begin my creative process, I usually begin with the shape that I am planning to make and then it depends upon the clay body. If I am using porcelain, there is a complex series of steps that includes making, glazing and then firing in a gas kiln. The earthenware is usually about a more intricate form.
My process for creating a ceramic is that I first sketch out the shape in my notebook, wedge up clay, sit at the wheel and construct a form. Then, if it is a pedestal or pot with multiple parts, I throw this as well to keep the clay drying at the same rate. When the pieces are leather hard, I trim the parts and then put them together with slip. When the piece is dry, the firings begin. First the pot is bisqued, and then can go through numerous glazing and firing stages. A good deal also depends on the clay body, as the porcelain, terracotta and earthenware have different personalities and have to be handled and fired differently.
I love throwing pots. I do keep certain pots and not for a grand reason. There is usually something special in the form or glaze that appeals to me and I don’t wish to give it up. These are usually quirky, but I know that they won’t be replicated, so I have them in the studio to use for flowers.
I work every day. I am either in the studio working on ceramics, or making photos, or cooking or gardening. I mostly listen to audiobooks while I work. Listening to a book, especially with a great voiceover, can be transportive. The flowers in my garden are also an integral part of my work and my inspiration.
I find inspiration in many places. I look in museums and exhibitions, books and even Instagram. It is good to see what is going on in the world. Just being in the barn every day and having a good workflow can be inspiring. Going to museums and travel opens up the mind and gives a change of scene. My family and I went to Athens for Christmas and it was incredible to study Greek pottery of all centuries in the land where it was created. The Acropolis was moving, stunning and I’ll never forget it.
I like my work to function, but try to include a sense of whimsy and humor.
Time is always a challenge. Although I work every day, I wish that I had more time just to explore without a production deadline. I am constantly aiming towards that. Creating is an ongoing endeavor and there is always more to learn.
