Artist Statement
My first career in the arts was in modern dance, and I hold a Master’s degree in that discipline. As a choreographer, I enjoyed the challenge of creating form and design in time and space. Later in life I sought a new medium, and working with clay seemed a natural evolution.
The physicality of the work has similarities to the dance, and creating form using the three dimensional, plastic nature of clay bears a relationship to creating form with the human body. Throwing porcelain on the wheel demands strength, concentration and coordination. I use yoga breathing principles to produce the delicate yet strong pressure needed to pull the clay smoothly and evenly upwards.
Initially fascinated with creating highly symmetrical forms on the wheel, I soon found myself manipulating the clay after throwing to achieve organic, flowing forms. The endless flexibility of clay continues to amaze me. At the same time, I gravitated to porcelain. Porcelain is the strongest and purest white clay after firing, yet paradoxically is the softest and most pliable to work with.
