A handmade pot isn’t just an object. It’s an experience. A chance to connect.
Connect to Something Beautiful
Handmade forms provide a canvas for compelling glazes. Glazes that I mix myself combine to create amazing effects. Look closely and discover new details.
Connect to the Earth
Natural clay and minerals refined from the earth. Heated to over 2000 degrees. Transformed to something new and permanent.
Connect to a Real Person
Every detail of each piece is a result of my hands and thoughts. Look closely to see marks of the process. And the subtle differences in every piece.
Learning the Craft
I got a chance to work with clay in middle school and high school, hand building some projects. In college I took a couple ceramics classes and learned to throw on the wheel. I loved it so much that one of my senior projects was a full dinnerware set. My parents bought me a wheel for Christmas one year and I made pots during summer breaks. I took a break from clay while living in a small apartment for a few years after college. When we bought a house I started assembling a space to continue working with clay. I now have a fully functional home pottery studio which allows me to work with clay whenever I have the chance. I continue to learn by reading, taking workshops, and talking to potters online and throughout the Michiana region.
My Work
The majority of my ceramic work is wheel thrown, functional stoneware. I enjoy making things that can be used. Mugs, cups, plates, bowls. Since IÂ create every piece myself, by hand, I can assure a high standard of quality is met. Both in aesthetics and function. View some of my favorite pots.
Making Pottery
After forming the clay and letting it dry, each piece is fired to over 1900F to make it permanent and easier to decorate. Liquid glaze, most of which I mix myself from powdered minerals, are applied to each piece. Then the pots are fired again to over 2200F to melt the glaze and create a functional finished piece. For more details you can read about the process.
My Creative Space
Half of our basement is dedicated to making pottery. I have a pottery wheel, small slab roller, work bench and plenty of shelves and tools. Though it’s not a lot of space, it has everything I need.