Studio

Toki no wa loosely translates to English as "pottery of harmony".

I have attained a personal level of harmony in my studio. In the late 1970’s Shoji Hamada became a mentor to me in spirit.  Through research, I learned of his “truth to materials” approach for Japanese artistic design and craftsmanship. Shoji Hamada and his culture have had a great influence on my art and my life. 

Ukeyo-e, Japanese wood block prints fascinate me.  In my work I incorporate the cultural and artistic strengths of artists such as Utamaro, Hiroshige and Hokusai of the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Japan. Their detailed work and depiction of common everyday life, "the floating world", is transferable to the ceramic surface. I use a variety of clays to create vessels that lend a surface to this style of decoration; refined yet simple.  

I enjoy clays that possess a composition which is varied and diverse; textural.   This type of clay allows me to work in my studio with a new-found freedom.  Holding these types of clay in my hands, I feel child-like, ready to explore.

The work that has emerged from these varied materials, exist in contrast and in harmony.