I am drawn to textures and use relief carving to bring depth and dimension to my designs. Much of my inspiration is from nature; close-ups, snapshots and different stages of growth. Like the way light falls through leaves on trees. The effect is similar to the dappled light you will witness when a candle is placed inside one of my carved translucent tea lights. By considering light when working with the ceramic medium, I intend to project a mood; one that is both calming, beautiful and thought provoking. A tactile medium at every step of the process, the texture, weight and proportion of the clay must look complete and feel good in the hand. I work towards that feeling with each and every piece.

From my first class, ceramics was a field that I just couldn't get enough of. It was the only class that kept me coming back for more. After I received my BA I started working at a ceramic supply house and at a ceramic cooperative as a kiln techinician and instructor. Between these two positions I was able to develop a personal style in my own work as well as gain so much hands on knowledge that I decided to fore go graduate school and work towards my own private studio. In 2005 I moved to Truckee, CA and got my first taste at running my own studio in the garage of my aunt's home. There were days where my clay would be frozen and I would have to put pieces up in the main house to keep them from cracking in the cold. Firing a kiln with the garage door open for ventilation while three feet of snow is coming down is quite an experience. I would pack up my bisque ware and haul it to the college close by or even take it on a 7 hour road trip to Arcata where I fired at my old cooperative. In 2007 I moved to Eugene and spent about a year working in community studios at the University of Oregon and Clay Space, just to keep my hands in the mud. When Clay Space opened in March of 2008 I was hired on as an instructor, trading beginning and intermediate wheel throwing classes and workshops with one of the studio managers. I am excited and proud to announce that I will have my first fully operational studio opening in 2009, just in time for my thirtieth birthday!

RESUME:

1997-2002 Arcata, California Humboldt State University
BA in Studio Art with an Emphasis in Ceramics
Certificate of Study in Museum and Gallery Practices

2002-2005 Fire Arts Center
Kiln Techinician
Ceramics Instructor

2002-2005 Phoenix Ceramics and Fire Supply
Sales associate specializing in product advice from clay and glazes to tools and equipment

2005-2007 Moved to Truckee, California
Fired Work and Volunteered at Sierra Nevada College Ceramics Department
Member of Tahoe Art Center Gallery
Participated in Lake Tahoe ARTour and the Tahoe Art Center Christmas Gallery of Gifts

2007-present Moved to Eugene, Oregon
Firing work and teaching classes at Clay Space in Eugene
Starting private studio in Springfield