I
have been working in the ceramic medium since 2002, and believe clay can enrich
the most fundamental and beautiful aspects of life: enjoying and sharing food and
drink. As a student in the Ceramics Department of West Virginia University and later
as a production potter at Jason Silverman Ceramics in Philadelphia, PA, I was drawn
to handmade pottery pieces for everyday use. I have sought to develop a very personal
yet functional style that celebrates the movement and the moment between the
hand and the clay, creating "maker's marks"-- unique gestures on the
clay's surface. Every item is thrown by me on the ceramic wheel, trimmed by me,
and glazed by me using glazes that I have formulated. I am very mindful of
creating pottery that stacks well in cabinets, feels comfortable in the hand,
and is unique. My "Jingle Bell Cups" (cups that have a void in the
foot of the vessel that contain small ceramic beads that ring when the cup is
shaken) are in the patenting process.
My
color palette highlights the maker's marks and is inspired by my home, Chicago.
As an avid cyclist, I often bike along Chicago's lakeshore. The fresh air, city
skyline, and ever-changing color of Lake Michigan during the seasons refresh
and inspire me. In the winter, I walk and take public transportation, always
keeping my eyes open to the views from the train
and buses. Chicago's thriving restaurant scene has introduced me to wonderful and
adventurous cuisine and especially to locally-sourced items, which I am excited to be
a part of. I am currently making one-of-a-kind pieces for chef Anthony Martin of Tru
restaurant in Chicago, among others.
