Process
The Experience of Ceramics
Ceramics, for me, is more than just an art form; it’s a deeply sensory experience that engages the whole being. The interplay between touch, texture, weight, and visual presence creates a connection that is both immediate and somewhat profound. When someone holds one of my pots, they aren’t just holding an object; they are engaging in a silent conversation with it, feeling its form, its balance, and its unique character. Each piece of pottery I create carries its personality, a distinct statement that resonates through its shape and finish. The versatility of clay is truly remarkable — it offers endless possibilities for creativity and expression, which continually inspires and challenges me as a practitioner.
Testing
One of the aspects I cherish most in my work is the ability to push the boundaries of what clay can do. I am constantly exploring the material’s physical limits, testing how far I can stretch its capabilities while still maintaining its integrity. My imagination often takes the lead in this process, running ahead of the practicalities of making, but it is precisely this chase that I find so rewarding. The pursuit of new ideas, forms, and techniques is what fuels my passion. Every new challenge opens up possibilities for more innovation, more complexity, and more depth in my work.
Process
The process of creating ceramics requires patience, space, and a keen sense of anticipation. It allows me to step back and observe, to engage in a dialogue with the material as it transforms from raw clay to a finished piece. This process is inherently meditative, offering a rhythm that is both grounding and inspiring. While the initial stages of creation might be spontaneous, driven by a burst of inspiration or an idea that suddenly takes shape, the journey to completion is much longer and more deliberate. This blend of spontaneity and careful refinement is, for me, the true essence of being a ceramicist. It is a dance between the immediate and the enduring, between the impulsive spark of creation and the measured patience required to bring a piece to life.
Iteration(s)
The art of ceramics is a cyclical journey, one that requires not only skill and knowledge but also the discipline of repetition. Each piece is an opportunity to deepen my understanding of the material, to refine my techniques, and to push the limits of what I can achieve. This craft is intensely personal to me—it is an extension of who I am, a way of expressing my inner world through form and texture.
Finding Form
When I work on the potter’s wheel, the experience is both powerful and mesmerizing. There is something almost hypnotic about the way the clay responds to the slightest touch, the way it transforms under the pressure of my hands. The process requires a delicate balance of focus and fluidity, where hand movements and pressure adjustments come together to shape the clay in real-time. It’s an addictive process, one that draws you in with its rhythm and demands your full attention. Achieving fluency in this craft takes years of practice, but the reward is in the moment when everything aligns — when the clay responds perfectly to your touch, and the form begins to take shape as you envisioned. Attention to detail is crucial, especially in the turning and finishing stages, where the final character of the pot is defined. At this point, the clay is firm enough to handle, allowing me to make the final adjustments that give each piece its distinctive finish.
Materials and Methods
Currently, I produce a variety of ceramic pieces, ranging from individual, one-of-a-kind creations to functional tableware and limited-edition small-batch items. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted and fired at high temperatures, up to 1,260 degrees Celsius, to ensure durability and a refined finish. I work with a selection of clays, including porcelain, each chosen for its unique properties and the specific qualities it can bring to a piece. Recently, I have expanded my practice to include low-fired raku and smoke-fired pieces, which are more decorative in nature. These new explorations allow me to play with different firing techniques and finishes, adding another layer of complexity and interest to my work.
Drawing
Drawing is an integral part of my creative process. It serves as a tool for conceptualizing and planning my ceramic pieces, allowing me to explore ideas before they take physical form. My sketchbooks are a vital resource, filled with concepts and designs that I often revisit and build upon. Translating the energy and spirit of a two-dimensional sketch into a three-dimensional object is one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of my work. It’s a process that requires not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of form and space. Through this conceptual translation, new ideas are born, each one pushing the boundaries of what I thought was possible.
Slab Work
Beyond wheel-thrown pottery, I have also developed a deep interest in slab-built forms, which offer a different kind of creative challenge. These sculptural forms are often folded, twisted, and manipulated into unique shapes that can stand alone or work together as a series. Each form is a canvas for textural exploration, allowing me to experiment with different surface treatments and finishes. The possibilities here are endless, and I find great joy in the unpredictability of the process—no two pieces are ever exactly alike, each carrying its unique character and story.
Passion
In everything I create, whether it is a functional pot or a sculptural form, the process is a journey — a continuous exploration of the possibilities that clay offers. It is this journey, with all its challenges and rewards, that drives me as a ceramicist. Each piece is a reflection of my ongoing dialogue with the material, a testament to the creativity, skill, and dedication that ceramics demands. Through this process, I can express not just my artistic vision, but also a deeper connection to the material and the craft itself.
