As an artist, my passion is exploring certain subtleties of simple shape and form.  My goal is to create vessels with quiet yet powerful emotional impact, utilizing the lessons learned  both at the conscious and intuitive level. Part of the real power of a piece, when successful, is the unity and harmony of the visual form with the tactile form. Such a piece can give quiet joy every time it is experienced, the shape and balance speaking quietly yet firmly.

Most of my current work is fine bowls and hollow vessels. They are inspired by traditional ceramic forms from around the world, and shapes found in nature. Much of my work is done with fresh green wood with which I deliberately utilize the natural distortion of the wood as it dries to alter and enhance the shape of the piece.

I constantly strive to simplify my forms through refinement. With the goal of minimalism I often create a series of similar work to explore and study nuances of form and tactile balance that interest and excite me. This allows me to experience an increased sensitivity to what at first may seem like small differences between pieces.  Since my goal is work that creates a subtle yet powerful emotional response,  I feel that including  this ongoing focus on the emotional impact of similar pieces is essential for my continued artistic growth.

 

I also often create multiple pieces from the same tree that I am working with. In this way I can explore the various qualities of the particular wood and tree, as every tree even of the same species can be different to work with. Learning more about the weight of the wood, color, grain, texture and the wood movement as it dries allows me to better take advantage of the specific material, incorporating these qualities of the material into the final pieces.

 

Many of my pieces have no separate foot. They rest in balance on a rounded lower portion. In this way the form seems more pure, with no interruption from rim to rim (visual or tactile). Although my primary focus and pursuit is the form of the vessels,  I constantly work on pushing the accepted 'envelope' on skills of execution in terms of the cutting and the sanding and finishing.  My goal is creating objects that make a statement of emotion in form , but for a piece to be truly successful the statement needs to reflect unequivocal excellence in execution.

 

All of my work is related--a continuous exploration and study of simple form. Within that exploration is a study of the interaction of vessel shape and the visible elements of the wood– grain, color patterns, etc.  Sometimes I enhance those patterns using techniques such as sandblasting and or  dyeing.  Since around 2002,  I have been pursuing  a series I call the "Bones of the Tree" in which the internal structure of the wood-the bones -is  revealed.    The "Bones of the Tree" is simply an evolution of my work,  studying the impact of radical manipulation of certain visible elements in the material on simple forms. More on this series can be can be found in Sand Carved Bowls.
 

 While I take great care and effort to utilize the grain and patterns of the wood to relate thoughtfully to the form of a piece, it is usually the form itself that excites me. In fact, for some work I prefer wood that is less dramatic, as that starkness can enhance the power of certain forms.

Another focus of my work is pushing beyond the accepted limits turners have until now set with working with very difficult woods.  In particular, I have been pioneering using rescued/recycled fresh Douglas fir as a turning medium.  It is very challenging, unforgiving and sometimes a bit maddening , but when successful the results are well worth the effort.   Some more discussion of this work with Douglas fir can be found here.

For information about what wood is suitable for me to rescue and recycle in the greater Seattle area , to best honor the spirit of that tree, click here.  If you are aware of a tree that will  be removed and might be suitable for my work, please feel free to contact me with details.