The sake sets that I create have more to do with the navigation and nesting of multiple forms than with the actual consumption of sake.  I am scandinavian after all.  Regardless, they are always functional, and encourage community and camaraderie.  I consider them 'ritual' forms more than every-day forms, and they transition beautifully from pedestal to table.  

I have been lucky enough to apprentice with Clary Illian, one of the best functional potters in the nation.  Her focus on ease of function made a huge impact.  A discovery in graduate school, however, turned my focus towards 'awareness of function'.  I found that I pay more attention to an object if it's use requires contemplation.  Although the beautifully functional mug with the handle that springs effortlessly from the form is something I will always chase, my professional focus has been on the object that requires some navigation.  These are some of my favorite drinking vessels. 

The ceramic vessel has been associated with food and food preperation for thousands of years.  Both historically and as a design quandary, the idea of function lends itself to endless possibilities.   I explore the functional vessel with both a potter's and a sculptor's sensibilities, and often enjoy defying the function somewhat, in favor of a visual solution.  

Exhibition photo's show the work in it's best "presentation habitat", however, most pieces are much happier in people's warm and welcoming homes.  I think of galleries as temporary shelters for pots.  Fortunately, I have been given the opportunity to show at some fantastic galleries, and I am grateful  to those who have invited me, those who care for the work while it is in their guardianship, and those who celebrate the arts by opening their doors to it.  

Here are some photo's and some information on the processes that I employ to bring this work to life.  

This is where I try to post interesting, fun, and/or ridiculous projects that I have taken on, and/or continue to take on!  I believe encouraging the arts to live beyond the walls of the studio or gallery, and I do what I can to "get the art OUT THERE".  This sometimes means community service, teaching children, helping folks, doing workshops, or any number of other projects and activities.  These are some of them.