Above, back of Anagama kiln at Peter's Valley while firing many of the pieces in the photos below. See blog post Dancing with the dragon . Also see blog post Medieval Inspired
Recent Work
I’ve always had a special fondness for medieval art, but my recent work has so many connections that I literally call my current series “Medieval Inspired.” In This series I am playing with parts of human, animal, plant and ornamental forms intermingled with a thrown vessel. The inspiration goes beyond Medieval face jugs, baluster jars and other ceramic precedents. I am fascinated by how medieval ornament used in architecture, textiles, manuscripts, etc. can use very simple forms and shapes which when repeated creatively become rich and intricate ornament. I use rollers and sprig molds of my own making to add ornamental appliqué features to the basic thrown forms. The sculptural elements are inspired by the concept of bestiary, where species mix, match and combine into fantastical creations. It all begins with the thrown vessel. A bulge might become a head, or a chest. The foot of a vessel might sprout feet, or talons. All the ornamental and sculptural elements intimately relate to the thrown forms.
The sculptural elements do have their own iconographic significance to me personally. But these works use elements that have many potential symbolic and personal significances, and I don’t want to dictate to the viewer. I very much want the viewer to find their own symbolism, interpretation and meaning in these works.
The sculptural elements do have their own iconographic significance to me personally. But these works use elements that have many potential symbolic and personal significances, and I don’t want to dictate to the viewer. I very much want the viewer to find their own symbolism, interpretation and meaning in these works.
