The Artist

I am a ceramics artist living and creating in beautiful British Columbia. I was lucky enough to find ceramics in my first semester of high school in Glendale, Arizona. Captivated by the tactile nature of the medium as well as the relentless focus required through the creative process, I continued to take classes every semester through graduation. During my grade 12 year, I worked under Joseph Woodford, a large-scale raku artist. Under Joe’s tutelage my skill not only improved, but also my eye for detail and aesthetic. I received a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Ceramics and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Northern Arizona University, under the instruction of Paula Rice, Jason Hess, and Steven Schaeffer. It was during this time my love for the variability of atmospheric firings was kindled. The subtle transitions of color and variety in surface was unlike anything I’d seen in the world of ceramics. Following that, I moved to Salmon Arm, BC, where I managed and taught at a small community pottery studio for several years. During this time, I developed my current style and line of work, met and married the love of my life, and in May 2024 celebrated the birth of our first child.

 

The Work

The majority of my work is of a functional nature made on the potter’s wheel and fired to cone 6 (2232 F). Each piece is meticulously designed and labored over so the each aspect is not only a delight to use but also a joy to observe. Every detail is taken into account such as the way the lip is finished so that it not only fits the mouth comfortably but also is resistant to chipping from regular use or the occasional minor washing mishap. I spray glaze the majority of my pieces. This allows me to layer many more glazes than would be possible through the conventional techniques such as dipping or pouring, as many as six glazes on the exterior of a single piece. This extensive layering creates a more varied surface and allows for subtle transitions from one color to the next as well as from matte to glossy surfaces.

I also create work to be fired in a cross-draft wood kiln. Though the wood-fired work is also fully functional the process differs from my cone 6 work in a number of ways. First is that the wood kiln fires to cone 10 (2380 F). At this temperature the wood ash from the fuel becomes so hot that it melts and forms a glaze on the exterior of the pieces in the kiln. The surface of a piece will vary based on it’s position in the kiln as well as it’s orientation to the firebox and the specific clay body used. Pieces closer to the firebox will have glaze rivulets running down the piece in colors ranging from golden yellows to emerald greens depending on the type of wood used and amount or reduction throughout the firing. On the backsides of pieces and on forms further back in the kiln you’ll get more subtle “flashing” effects in the raw clay. These surfaces will range from whites and grays to yellows and oranges based on which clay body is used. These subtle transitions of color and texture heavily inform and influence my cone 6 work.

Apart from functional forms I also make “show” or “statement” pieces. These are fired in whatever kiln best suits the desired surface effects and are typically nonfunctional in nature. These are designed wholly around their aesthetic appeal with larger forms being over two feet tall. Perfect to frame in an entry way, populate an inset alcove, or decorate a mantle. These are actually my favorite pieces to make. As the scale of the piece increases so do the stakes. The largest ones taking several hours of work in creation without any margin for error. Then, even if the piece is thrown exactly as envisioned, the glazing process still holds the potential to disappoint. This challenge and risk continues to hold interest and push my skills.

 
 

Art Market Booth Set-Up 2019

Capstone Project at Northern Arizona Univeristy 2013

 
 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

2016-present Instructor at The Workshop: Studio and Gallery- Salmon Arm, BC, CA

2014-present Studio potter

2018 Aided in building a woodfired kiln with Robin DuPont at the Workshop Studio- Salmon Arm, BC

2011-2013 Flagstaff Artists' Gallery, co-op member, exhibiting artist

2007-2013 Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Fine Arts, emphasis in Ceramics

2007-2013 Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Science Business Administration, emphasis in Management

2012 Conducted two day workshop at Clayworks Studio- Edmonton, Alberta

2012 Flagstaff Open Studios Tour, Participant/Exhibitor

2007-2009 Studio Assistant/Apprentice under Joseph Woodford of Chandler, Arizona. Ceramic artist

2006 Teaching Assistant at West Valley Art Museum- Sun City, Arizona

JURIED EXHIBITIONS

2012

  • NCECA National Student Juried Exhibition, Jacob Lawrence Gallery-Seattle, Washington

  • It's Elemental Fine Craft Exhibition, Coconino Center for the Arts-Flagstaff, Arizona

2010

  • Paper and Clay 3, Invitational, Shy Rabbit Contemporary Art Gallery-Pagosa Springs, Colorado

  • NCECA National Student Juried Exhibition, Rosenwald Wolf Gallery- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • It's Elemental Fine Craft Exhibition, Coconino Center for the Arts- Flagstaff, Arizona

2009

  • NAU Student and Faculty Exhibition at NCECA Conference Center-Phoenix, Arizona

  • NCECA National Student Juried Exhibition, Tempe Center for the Arts- Tempe, Arizona

  • NAU Student Juried Exhibition, Beasely Art Gallery- Flagstaff, Arizona

  • Artful Drinking Vessel Exhibition, Pottworks Studio and Gallery- Hamilton, Michigan

2008

  • Celebrating Art of the West Valley III, West Valley Art Museum- Sun City, Arizona

PUBLICATIONS

Ceramics Monthly magazine, September 2009, "NCECA 2009 Regional Student Juried Exhibition", by Jessica Orlowski

West Valley magazine, June 2008, "Avenue of the Arts: The West Valley Art Museum", By Ronald T. Floyd

The Glendale Republic, June 2008, "West Valley Artists Featured in Exhibition", by Michael Senft