About the Process
Just like many things, making pottery takes much patience and many, many steps....
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Once upon a time:
the lumpy beginning
This is what the clay looks after I've cut it from the block and I'm about to begin wedging (think: kneading dough)
NEXT: Throwing...
Not like a baseball, on the potter's wheel
Incidentally, there may be no crying in baseball, but when I first was learning to throw on the wheel, there were definitely a few tears at times...it's a hard-won skill, the throwing,
not the crying.
A Note from the Potter
Anyone who has developed a fond attachment to a specific coffee mug knows how objects in the home can quickly and uncannily acquire personal value -- that mug your grandmother gave you becomes an icon of comfort or that pitcher you use to serve iced tea becomes emblematic of summer-time chats with your best friends. After working for almost ten years in clay full time, I am still fascinated by the influential relationship created when human hand reaches out to inanimate object. Of course, this relationship is an integral part of my process as a ceramic artist in a very practical way: I use my hands to transform a lump of clay into something that will eventually be useful, enjoyable, and meaningful. Like most relationships and people, much hard work, patience, hope, faith, and prayer come between the lumpy beginnings and the final discovery of seeing if my work has been strong enough to withstand trial by fire (or rather, electric kiln). But I don’t consider the story of each piece complete until the creative process and the relationship with the work is extended into the lives of others. My hope is always that the new life and grace I have been given in Jesus Christ will be reflected in every piece. When something I have made is placed in the personal space of the home, it can be a reminder of life and goodness and purpose in the midst of the day-to-day. A humble mug becomes art that influences someone else’s life in a positive, daily-routine sort of way. In short, it becomes a blessing from one fellow human being to another.
And just as every life is unique, every work that comes out of my studio is unique in its details. By incorporating objects, textures, and colors from nature into my designs, I attempt to bring the beauty and careful detail of nature indoors.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art specializing in ceramics and a Bachelor of Arts in English, I started working as a full-time potter. I have a home studio where I enjoy making muddy messes every day with the help of my feline and canine studio buddies. My work is available in many shops, galleries, and shows throughout the Texas Hill Country and beyond.
Step (wait, what are we on?): Putting in the Details...This is my favorite part.
At this point, the wheel-thrown form has been drying a bit and is now at what's called the "leather hard" stage. While the clay is not as tough as an old boot, it is firm enough for me to add a sprig, inscribe words, add texture, and other details.
Next: the Bisque
After the ware is completely dry, it is loaded into the kiln (with the help of my cat, Susan) and fired at a low temp (about 1900 degrees).
And then...
The ware is glazed.
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The pretty, shiny surface and color are added.
Only it really just looks like more mud.
It isn't pretty until....
Through the magic of electricity and 2,200 plus degrees...
(yes, another, hotter firing), this happens...
Why Scripture?
I think all of my work is inspired by my relationship with God, His word, and all the careful detail of nature. So it has just been an organic extension of that inspiration to make pots that are able to have scripture written on them (it takes some planning!). Because the Word of God is powerful and encouraging and healing, writing it on a bowl, or a mug, or a serving dish means that, as the piece is seen and used, the scripture on that piece is being read and used and incorporated into the daily life of a person or a family.
For example, picture a mother sitting at the kitchen table in the early hours of the morning. She's worrying about the path her child is taking. And she's holding onto a mug made by another human being and it reminds her that she can cast her cares on Jesus because he cares for her and everything to do with her including all her people.
It’s wonderful to think that maybe that scripture and that pottery combined can give a little encouragement to another person in a unique way.
Let's face it, everyday we're told we are defeated and discounted in this world. But that is not true! We need reminding that God cares for us and values us. How much does he love each of us? Well, he sent his Son, Jesus, to ransom us. So, a lot.
It's my hope that my work plants timely seeds of hope and encouragement.
I can't go into every home of every person I meet and sit there constantly reading the Bible out loud to them--that would be weird. But I can make pottery with scriptures proclaiming God's loving care for them and that piece does go into the places people live and plant seeds of hope.
And they lived usefully and beautifully ever after
because, oh, please let this work be a blessing to someone!
