Artist’s Statement

Thirty years ago I left an academic career in biology to immerse my hands and head in the making of pots, first in Alaska, and now on Saltspring Island, B.C. I learned the basic steps, and much beyond, from two wonderful teachers. First, there was Al Johnson who taught in the Arts and Crafts Program, Cowell College at the University of California, Santa Cruz. This stint was followed by two intensive summer programs taught by Dean Schwarz from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa.Serendipidously the teachings of these
two came from the Bauhaus tradition brought to North America by Marguerite Wildenhain. Many workshops by skilled craftsmen/women followed, including one by Ms Widenhain herself. But most of the learning has come from the mistakes and failures that the willful clay throws our way, as well as the successes and kudos.

My path has lead to creating forms that allow meticulous slip carving as
surface decoration. My love of geometry, of pattern, and of the stories
abstracted from my life inspire the surface decor. In the earlier years my work was always functional bringing beauty into the rituals of daily life. Now some of the work, although still vessel oriented,is created for visual enjoyment as well as functional use. It can be found in collections in North America, Europe, and elsewhere.My Life, interrupted by war, led me in a new direction; leaving me with emotional pools of unresolved human relationships, lost contacts and an absurd feeling of attachment to something non-existent.

Artist’s Works

Double Catenary Arch Series", Slip-carved stoneware vases with built-in frog to 12" 

Banner Images