Biography
It was finding clay in high school during the late 90's that started me on my career as a maker. I grew up in Aurora, IL attending the nearby North Central College for my undergraduate education. It was in my ceramics classes where I began to meet clay artists and learn their stories. I was lured into the life of clay by their stories and after graduating, I accepted a position as artist-in-residence at Terra Incognito in Oak Park, IL in 2006.
I spent three years at Terra managing the operations of the clay studio and began to teach wheel throwing classes. I met many visiting artists there who inspired and influenced me on the way I work in clay. From Terra I went on to graduate school at Marywood University in Scranton, PA. During my time in graduate school I became a member of the local community of wood fire potters and was once again lured deeper into the world of clay.
In 2011 I graduated from the MFA program with a concentration in clay and moved back to Aurora with intentions of opening my own home studio. After a year of home renovation, the studio was operational and I began participating in local Art fairs. I also began teaching at the College of Dupage where I teach ceramics and wood firing. As well as returning to Terra Incognito to teach an adult pottery class.
In the summer of 2019 I moved to Villa Park and that fall built a new wood kiln at the College of DuPage. During the pandemic I taught ceramics online where everything had to be handbuilt. This inspired me to create a new body of handbuilt work for a reduction cooled wood fire workshop. That new style of work has become an inspiration in the studio as I continue to explore new forms and challenges. At the start of 2024, I left Terra Incognito to accept an additional adjunct position at Waubonsee Community College teaching ceramics and firing more wood kilns.
Statement
To make my work I must approach it with the learned skill from years of practice, a clear sense of the finished aesthetic but a willingness to intuit new avenues along the way. The years of continual practice have built up a muscle memory that allows for an instinctive making process. This helps me find my way to a place between the unconscious craftsperson and the conscious artist.
I strive to create work that feels as if it has always existed and was merely pulled down from the either and presented. The process is a delicate balance as the aesthetic intentions can be both a road map and road block simultaneously. My experiences and desires are the source for these intentions. How one chooses to interpret reality and respond to it. How we desire to achieve our dreams and aspirations. The exploration for greater meaning and connection amongst the noise.
These threads run through my mind just as the clay runs through my fingers. The craft of shaping the clay for everyday use is also an important factor as I create the work. The way the handle feels, how the rim feels upon your lips or the way my work will fit in your home. How the rough exterior shields the smooth interior and what it contains. The work is meant to be used and loved. To have a full life.
Gallery Exhibition List
Classes
I teach ceramics classes at the College of DuPage and Waubonsee Community College. I am also available to teach workshops about how I make my pottery. Contact me for more information about the classes or a workshop.
Train style wood fire kiln at the College of DuPage.