Sculpture Inspired by Nature

These photos are examples of series of works inspired by trees, rocks, cactus, bamboo, shells, crystals, seed pods, blossoms, and the human body. I employ throwing, coiling, slab-building, and pinching in order to create sculptures.

I consider a piece successful if it has vitality, seeming to come to life when finished.  I employ pit firing, salt firing, unglazed reduction firing, and horsehair raku because the firing adds texture and color to the works that I do not entirely control.  Using these firing methods generally allows me to finish my work at the raw clay stage, employing different colors of clay, texture, and burnishing when the clay is still being formed.  I like finishing the pieces while the clay is still in its most beautiful wet stage, so that the impetus for the entire work is fresh.