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About me...
(yep, I am writing this myself)
I grew up for the first 12 years of my life in the mountains of Montana. We had a large ranch that butted up against a large mountain range: a brick and wood house my mother and father built - heated by wood we chopped, horses, pigs, chickens, cattle, gardens... Sounds romantic although most folks don't realize how much work, love, tears and blood go into a ranch. I often rode our work-horse "Pagen" or my work pony "Killer" (he earned that name, don't ask). On my "off" days I would hike up into the mountains and could get several ranges away before I ran into other people - if ever. The mountains had my respect and brought me serenity. I always loved that ranch and still consider the mountains my home and my solace, so when I discharged from the Army after 13 years, it was inevitable I would end up back here! I've had a lot of jobs and careers in my life, but art has always been my passion.
Unlike many potters, I was drawing and painting for many years before I found the wheel. I didn't know it when I moved here, but Helena, Montana is almost a clay meca - with probably more potters and sculptors per capita than any place I've been - and I've traveled a ton! I loved "playing in the mud" immediately. There is an absolute serenity and living only in the present moment when working on the wheel - you must be completely aware of everly aspect of your body, while also in tune with the earth between your hands in order to create harmony and balance in a piece. This is the reason I often call it "muddy mindfullness". Yep, the computer spell-check sure didn't like that word!
After I got to a point in pottery skills where I could create actual round pieces (if you've ever tried throwing, you know what I mean haha) I immediately started working to incorporate my drawing and painting into my pottery. My continued obsession with my own garden along with the mountains and wilderness are evident in most of the pieces I create. When I am stuck artistically, I simply pack my drawing pad and watercolor box into my backpack and revive my soul and energy in the mountains I am so fortunate to live by.
All of my pieces are functional and "food safe" because I want to invite people to incorporate art and beauty into their everyday life. Sure, many of my pieces are also pretty on display, but I feel that it is a significant step to use a delicate piece of art during your meals. Take a minute to slow down and appreciate your life and the beauty around you! Many of my pieces are also very large - in part this may be because of my own large family and all the times we still get together to celebrate. It also has to do with my own Camino experience and the joys of inviting strangers together for a meal, music and laughter. In this day and age, it seems more important than ever to really take the time to connect and reconnect with others in positive and meaningful ways.
About me...
(yep, I am writing this myself)
I grew up for the first 12 years of my life in the mountains of Montana. We had a large ranch that butted up against a large mountain range: a brick and wood house my mother and father built - heated by wood we chopped, horses, pigs, chickens, cattle, gardens... Sounds romantic although most folks don't realize how much work, love, tears and blood go into a ranch. I often rode our work-horse "Pagen" or my work pony "Killer" (he earned that name, don't ask). On my "off" days I would hike up into the mountains and could get several ranges away before I ran into other people - if ever. The mountains had my respect and brought me serenity. I always loved that ranch and still consider the mountains my home and my solace, so when I discharged from the Army after 13 years, it was inevitable I would end up back here! I've had a lot of jobs and careers in my life, but art has always been my passion.
Unlike many potters, I was drawing and painting for many years before I found the wheel. I didn't know it when I moved here, but Helena, Montana is almost a clay meca - with probably more potters and sculptors per capita than any place I've been - and I've traveled a ton! I loved "playing in the mud" immediately. There is an absolute serenity and living only in the present moment when working on the wheel - you must be completely aware of everly aspect of your body, while also in tune with the earth between your hands in order to create harmony and balance in a piece. This is the reason I often call it "muddy mindfullness". Yep, the computer spell-check sure didn't like that word!
After I got to a point in pottery skills where I could create actual round pieces (if you've ever tried throwing, you know what I mean haha) I immediately started working to incorporate my drawing and painting into my pottery. My continued obsession with my own garden along with the mountains and wilderness are evident in most of the pieces I create. When I am stuck artistically, I simply pack my drawing pad and watercolor box into my backpack and revive my soul and energy in the mountains I am so fortunate to live by.
All of my pieces are functional and "food safe" because I want to invite people to incorporate art and beauty into their everyday life. Sure, many of my pieces are also pretty on display, but I feel that it is a significant step to use a delicate piece of art during your meals. Take a minute to slow down and appreciate your life and the beauty around you! Many of my pieces are also very large - in part this may be because of my own large family and all the times we still get together to celebrate. It also has to do with my own Camino experience and the joys of inviting strangers together for a meal, music and laughter. In this day and age, it seems more important than ever to really take the time to connect and reconnect with others in positive and meaningful ways.