I first began working with clay in January 2002. I currently particpate in a recurring open studio class at Chandler Gilbert Community College, under Al Pace's instruction, as well as taking numerous local and regional workshops. The open studio class time allows me to develop my technical skills and knowledge, and pursue the projects I'm most interested in. Since a complete home studio is not a practical reality for me at the moment, this classroom access to firings and work space suits me. I'm highly motivated, and work well in this environment.

I focus primarily on wheel thrown vessels in porcelain clay. From the very first moment I sat down at the wheel, I was enthralled. The hypnotic motion of the spinning wheel was mesmerizing. I found a tranquility and peace of mind in the process of throwing that was unlike anything I've ever experienced before. As a result of that transcendence, my forms feature smoothly transitioned curves that invite the hand to caress them.

As I became more confident in my throwing techniques, I realized I could further enhance my work with surface decorations. I've experimented with a variety of decorating techniques, including glaze colors, thick slip textures quickly fingered onto the pot, and precise, painstakingly detailed sprigs and incised carvings. My specialty is sgraffito in colored terra sigillata. This technique uses a highly refined thin slip colored with metallic oxides brushed onto bone dry greenware. A design is then drawn into the terra sig, all the way through to the softened surface of the pot. The negative space around the design is carved away, leaving a detailed texture that is later enhanced by glaze during the final firing. The drawn designs take their inspiration from nature, such as seaweed waving in the water, or plant vines that wind their way around a bottle. After carving, the pots are bisque fired, glazed and fired to Cone 10 in a reduction atmosphere.

The combination of form and surface decoration can produce sometimes dramatic results. Some pieces are very formal, others seem to belong to another planet. As a whole, I think my works speaks to my desires to escape the trials and tribulations of living an ordinary life, and be transported to a magical realm elsewhere.

In addition to making pottery, I have also worked with stained glass, and some embroidery, beading and jewelry. I am also a member of the Arizona Clay Association. I have lived in Chandler, Arizona, since 1995. When not making pottery, I also hold down a full time job as Director of  Certification for Prosoft Learning/Certification Partners Inc.