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Artist Statement:
My artwork reflects the beautiful colors and textures that are a part of life in the Appalachian mountains as well as pieces and parts of my life- past, present and future. Each creation is a one-of-a-kind part of my soul. I am an artist who loves what she does. I have loved playing in dirt all my life. My degree in Ceramics gives me the knowledge that allows me to collaborate with the clay and bring my work to life. I approach the clay with an open idea, and work with it as it takes its own shape.
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My process starts with many different textures and forms that I use to get varying impressions in the clay. My work is dried to a bone- dry state, meaning there is no coldness to the touch. It is then bisque fired to about 1500 degrees. During this phase I generally have an idea in my head of which direction my piece is headed. If there are to be additions added on later this when those will be decided and will make the piece truly unique. I will glaze each work with a variety of low fire glazes particular to the raku process. The raku firing stage is when the magic happens. I place my pieces in the kiln and bring them anywhere from 1850 degrees to 2100 degrees with a propane burner system. Once the kiln has reached the temperature I want, I turn the gas off, raise the lid, take each piece out and place it in a garbage can with newspaper. This stage is so important to the outcome of the work due to the rapid cooling from kiln to container. This step needs to be done in quick manner. The piece when put in the garbage can sets the combustible on fire, and cools quickly. The oxygen is taken away and the smoke penetrates the clay and glaze enhancing the range of colors and finishes. I leave each piece in the can for between 10 and 15 minutes to further cool before taking the pieces out and placing them in a bucket of water.The water phase stops the color process and sometimes creates flashes that are not visible until it is cooled completely. Once cooled, the piece is cleaned with an abrasive cleaning agent ash deposits. After a 24 hour drying period, I then assemble my pieces and add my additions.My additions are usually found pieces manmade or handmade. I will use glass beads from local shops or from my travels. I make small additions out of clay to add to my work, as well as add gold leaf to create more drama. Each piece is unique to It self and is truly one-of-a-kind. |
I live in Clemmons, NC with my husband and son. I have a ceramic Degree from Appalachian State University. I have enhanced my learning process of clay from area workshops and from trips to JC Campbell Folk School. Raku Firing is a trial and error process which makes the outcomes unique in their selves and even more exciting the more you learn and try new things. I am always experimenting, thus making my work always changing, unique, and sometimes raw. My current work is spiritual in that it has a southwestern flair. I am working with colors that are reflected in nature and are referred to as earth tones. My prayer boxes come from an old Indian ritual where you burn bad thoughts and purge them from your soul. Prayers are said to be answered when burned. The additions that are on these boxes are each special to me from my travels of good times. My treasure boxes have additions of smooth stones said to polish the soul. The Vessels that I have created are tribal and spiritual with a modern touch. I can’t explain where they came from in my mind but they came to me at a time when I needed some spiritual guidance and through making these vessels I found my own answers that I was looking for. They truly came from my soul. Making them Spiritual to me. Hopefully they will find homes that will bring prosperity and hope as they have done for me. I have added new things such as frames and mirrors and will continue to grow with ever-changing creations. Thank you.
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