As a ceramic artist I work both functionally and sculpturally specializing in small scale work. I prefer to work with porcelain for it's purity, smoothness, and the level of detail that can be achieved with it. Carving and manipulation are important parts of my process. I usually feel like a piece is unfinished unless it has been carved in some way. I choose to work both sculpturally and functionally simultaneously because it cultivates a certain dynamic to my work as a whole. I enjoy going in more than one direction at once and the contrast that it brings to my work. Contrast is very important and I seek to create it through sizes, media, and styles. For example: texture vs. smoothness, earthy vs. brightly colored, and control vs. spontaneity, etc.
My inspiration derives from nature, textures found in nature, and it's powerful effects on natural or man made objects like weathering or decomposition. I try to implement elements of this into my work by mimicking patterns found in nature or using found natural objects. Another source of inspiration to me as an artist is children, how they play, learn, and the objects that they are drawn to. My tiny scale teapots and sculptures instigate a sort of child-like reaction and attraction to them.
Although I both admire and appreciate work of a larger scale, I personally prefer to work on a scale of tiny to small. I find that the intimacy level is dramatically heightened with tinier works of art. Attention to detail becomes extremely important and the viewer often has to fight the urge to touch, pick up, and interact with the object. Work that can be held presents a different kind of closeness in which all imperfections can potentially be seen. For this reason craftsmanship and attention to detail are crucial. Working on a miniature scale presents a challenge, dominating the medium is key, and concentration becomes a necessity. My obsession with the small scale and attention to detail requires control and patience which I strive to develop further in my body of work.