this current series of work is largely involved with glazes that are metallic or bronze-like. the larger vessels are hand built using slabs of clay, often in conjunction with thrown and altered components. these creations sculptural vessels and can reach heights of six feet. creating a ceramic piece this large generates a myriad of dynamic and technical frustrations, which is why few ceramic artists attempt large scale work, and although I have never found a way to escape these difficulties i am still addicted to large scale work.

i often notice that other artists are also attracted to and use the image vessels in their work. all cultures seem to be fascinated with vessels, perhaps because in essence we are vessels ourselves, being composed of 75% water. in search of an understanding of ourselves we seem to be looking in a mirror trying to figure out what is on the inside, wondering what is the value contained in the vessel, and what is its purpose? in my singular efforts to reach an understanding i have come to believe in the contemporary artifact. the humanness of my work is evident in the appearance of each piece. each contemporary artifact holds the record of the maker and their intentions during the creative process, and has its own story to tell. the issue of the artifact is that the creator is not available to explain the artifact as well as the incidents surrounding its creation to the observer. the observer therefore takes their best shot at understanding the artifact while unintentionally inserting their own subjective selves into the process.

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