Biography
I first experienced a wood firing at Brookhaven Community College under the direction of Lisa Ehrich. I immediately knew that wood firing was what suited my aesthetic.
This was my focus as I completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in ceramics at the University of Kansas. There I primarily worked with then graduate student, Derek Larsen. We fired an anagama together, and it is from him that I gained confidence and experience in wood firing. Towards the end of my time at the University of Kansas, I was able to take the lead role in firing and looked forward to building my own kiln.
In 2008 I moved back to my home state of Texas to be closer to family in Austin. I considered applying to graduate school but decided instead to put that money, time, and effort into setting up my own studio and building a train kiln. Currently, I have settled into a rhythm of firing several times a year. The process and the resulting work have been both gratifying and challenging; I look forward to refining the experience in the coming years.
Artist's Statement
I love the physicality of the wood firing process and the dialogue between kiln and operator. I create forms that reflect my interests and are meant to be functional, both physically and intellectually. Through the use of sustained high heat and wood ash, I seek a layering of surface information, both intentional and spontaneous, to create an expressive and unique visual depth. The clay is softened by the flame and the variety of colors, textures, and scars formed both surprise and satisfy.
Artist Resume
Education
2006
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Design, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Exhibitions
2016
Cherrywood Art Fair, Austin, TX (http://cherrywoodartfair.org)
East Austin Studio Tour, Tragus Clay Company, Austin, TX (http://east.bigmedium.org)
Texas Clay Festival, New Braunfels, TX (http://www.texasclayfestival.com)
Strictly Functional Pottery National - Innovation Award, Lancaster, PA (http://strictlyfunctionalpottery.net)
Capital City Clay @ College of the Mainland Art Gallery, Texas City, TX
2015
East Austin Studio Tour, Tragus Clay Company, Austin, TX
Texas Clay Festival, New Braunfels, TX
Strictly Functional Pottery National, Lancaster, PA
2014
East Austin Studio Tour, Tragus Clay Company, Austin, TX
Texas Clay Festival, New Braunfels, TX
Form & Flame: 4 Austin Potters @ The UMHB College of Visual and Performing Arts, Belton, TX
Strictly Functional Pottery National, Lancaster, PA
2013
7th International Texas Teapot Tournament, 18 Hands Gallery,
Houston, TX
East Austin Studio Tour, Tragus Clay Company, Austin, TX
Texas Clay Festival, New Braunfels, TX
Fireworks, Pump Project, Austin, TX
2012
East Austin Studio Tour, Fisterra Studios, Austin, TX
Fireworks, Pump Project, Austin, TX
2011
East Austin Studio Tour, Fisterra Studios, Austin, TX
2005
In Our Cups Exhibition, Lockhart Gallery, Geneseo SUNY, NY
2004
Cup: The Intimate Object III, Charlie Cummings Clay Studio,
Fort Wayne, IN
Fire on the Kaw, Kansas Union Gallery, Lawrence, KS
Gems From the Fire, in conjunction with The Naked Truth:
International Wood Fire Conference, Kirkwood Community
College, Cedar Rapids, IA
Publications
500 Cups. Lark Books, 2004