Artist statement During my art education, I was fascinated with the exercise of gesture drawing, the act of creating an image quickly with little or no line. This type of drawing encourages aninstinctive or intuitive gesture. For me, the product of this exercise reveals the essence of the subject. I see the same possibility of revealing essence, while collaborating with the clay, a much slower process. One of my greatest influences is the work of Elie Nadelman. The rhythm and balance in his sculptures, his lyrical design and the impact of light and shadow are all qualities that continue to inspire my work. Essentially a minimalist, I use the most time honored hand building techniques. My tools are simple and mechanization minimal. Most of my work is low fired earthenware. The soft patina on the sculptures, which appears to defy the material on the sculptures, is a process called terra sigillata. This is a process which is the oldest form of sealing clay, dating to ancient Greece. My intention as an artist is to investigate and honor our experience as human beings and all that that requires. I believe that all beings and things are connected and I attempt to live consciously in that knowing. Through clay I am reminded that in nature we find the connectedness and understanding for which we so desperately strive. I am committed to sharing the knowledge I have so graciously been given and teach whenever possible. I believe very strongly in the work that we artists and craftspeople do and feel it imperative that we pass on not only the ability but the confidence to find the creator within us all.