2006, with my son, at Roger Bauman's Noborigama kiln, New York.
artist statement
My work consists primarily of wheel thrown functional stoneware. For me, the fun is in the forming of the vessel. I find the tactile feeling of the clay in my hands as it passes through my fingers reassuring and relaxing. When I’m finished throwing a pot or have just removed it from the wheel, for me at least, it is at the pinnacle of it's beauty. It feels alive and still full of limitless possibilities. As it goes from wet to dry, some of that vitality evaporates as well. The application of a glaze layer is an attempt to recapture some of that initial beauty.
My work consists primarily of wheel thrown functional stoneware. For me, the fun is in the forming of the vessel. I find the tactile feeling of the clay in my hands as it passes through my fingers reassuring and relaxing. When I’m finished throwing a pot or have just removed it from the wheel, for me at least, it is at the pinnacle of it's beauty. It feels alive and still full of limitless possibilities. As it goes from wet to dry, some of that vitality evaporates as well. The application of a glaze layer is an attempt to recapture some of that initial beauty.
Over the years I have experimented in a variety of firing temperatures and techniques. From experimental low fire techniques, like naked raku, horsehair firing, stanous cloride fuming, mid range oxidation firing, crystaline glazes, ash glazes, cone 10 reduction firing, wood and salt firing. There are certain aspects of each that keep me from commiting to only one. I try to let the work tell me what type of glaze or firing will best suit it.
in brief
Sometime around 1998 I made a decision to get back into ceramics after a ten year hiatus. I loved ceramics in college (Tyler School of Art) and took as many elective classes as my schedule would allow, but I just didn’t see it as a viable career path. In addition to ceramics, I studied photography. But after moving to New York City, and working as a photographer, I began to feel the need to knead. I began by renting shelf space at a small pottery studio in my Chelsea neighborhood. Soon after, I was a member of the faculty, and not long after, I became part owner. None of this was according to a cohesive plan, it just felt right and things just fell into place. After having a child we moved out of NYC and in 2006 found a home in Katonah, NY, where I now teach art and ceramics full-time. While I am interested in all facets of ceramics, my work mainly consists of wheel-thrown, functional, stoneware.
Sometime around 1998 I made a decision to get back into ceramics after a ten year hiatus. I loved ceramics in college (Tyler School of Art) and took as many elective classes as my schedule would allow, but I just didn’t see it as a viable career path. In addition to ceramics, I studied photography. But after moving to New York City, and working as a photographer, I began to feel the need to knead. I began by renting shelf space at a small pottery studio in my Chelsea neighborhood. Soon after, I was a member of the faculty, and not long after, I became part owner. None of this was according to a cohesive plan, it just felt right and things just fell into place. After having a child we moved out of NYC and in 2006 found a home in Katonah, NY, where I now teach art and ceramics full-time. While I am interested in all facets of ceramics, my work mainly consists of wheel-thrown, functional, stoneware.
work experience
Director of The Clay Education Center in NJ, giving workshops in wheel-throwing, raku, and making clay musical instruments. As director, I coordinated visiting artists from around the country.
Director of The Clay Education Center in NJ, giving workshops in wheel-throwing, raku, and making clay musical instruments. As director, I coordinated visiting artists from around the country.
Co-owner/teacher at LaMano Pottery in NYC, and taught at numerous craft centers in the area including: The Craft Students League in NYC; Rye Arts Center in Rye, NY; The Art School at Old Church in NJ; New Jersey City University in NJ; Westchester Community College Center for the Arts in White Plains, NY; Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY.
I am currently a full-time Visual Art faculty member at the King School in Stamford, CT and part-time teacher at The Katonah Art Center in Mt Kisco, NY.