About Page
Artist Statement
Ceramic art satisfies my need to create things both beautiful and useful; as such the medium allows me to remain true to both my own desires for expression, and to my practical rural background. Although my pieces can be called pottery, they are not what people generally picture when they hear the term. My pieces reflect my continuing interest in the spirit of rural Nebraska, especially the colors, textures, and the feeling of its wild and domesticated landscapes and my internal connections with it. They are also the product of many trips to the local nursery as a young child, a good number of years in the landscape business, and the seasonal comings and goings of the flora and fauna in my own back yard. I am fascinated by rich, layered colors and textures. I encourage people to pick up or touch my pots, especially the functional pieces, to experience the textures and presence of the clay, in addition to the enjoyment received from viewing it.
All of my pieces are hand-built with white or red earthenware clay. They are created using primarily slabs and coils. I do not use a potters wheel. I create additional texture in my pieces by using different tools to treat the surface of the clay, or by carving or applying freehand patterns or images or using handmade bisque stamps to impress patterns into pieces. I aim to create a feeling of richness and depth by applying layers of slip, ceramic stain or underglaze, finished with clear or colored translucent overglazes. A recent favorite technique is adding dimensional dots or squiggles that stand out from the surface. For some pieces, additional lustre glazes are used to add accents of another color, gold, or a metallic sheen. Glazes used on surfaces which might come in contact with food are all lead-free and food safe.
I wish you great enjoyment of my work!
Gallery Representation
The Burkholder Project, Lincoln, NE
New Earth Clay Pottery and Art Gallery, Fairbury, NE