I have been creating cobalt blue and white decorative pottery for thirty years. Though I have a master's degree in painting, I have always been more fascinated with clay. Working with clay is much more direct, and I like the tactile quality of the clay.
My wheel-thrown forms tend to be classically influenced, but they sometimes evolve into simpler, contemporary shapes. Each pot is decorated with floral designs using the sgraffito technique. After pots are dried, I apply ten coats of cobalt slip on the surface. The design is etched free-hand through the colored surface into the clay. All negative spaces between the flowers are then scraped away leaving the contrasting blue floral pattern against the white clay.
I am drawn to textured surfaces and repetitive patterns, as I am influenced by fabric design and other decorative arts of Japan. My studies in wildlife management fostered a love for the flora of my home state of Louisiana. Most of the decoration of my work has been developed from my study of native plants.
As I share my work, my desire is for the audience to enjoy the beauty of nature that enhances each piece, as well as the form and function of my pottery. |
