These pieces were created using stamps carved from clay. I chose birds that I think are beautiful or have a dynamic personality and combined them with berries and flowers. The flowers, leaves, and berries are three dimensional on some pieces by making them from small sprigs (a small molded decoration made from clay). Inspiration for the series comes from nature, Oriental prints, and designs created during the Arts and Crafts Movement. Much of the color of the birds and berries is applied by brush with vibrant underglazes. On top of all the decoration goes a tinted transparent glaze that I formulated.

The blossom series was inspired by tapestry fabrics and nature. The flowers, leaves and berries were created from carved clay stamps. In the making process, they were pressed into sheets of clay (for the flat works like platters and trays and some wheel thrown work like mugs) or were carved into clay after being created on the potter’s wheel. The color was created by layering multicolored glazes. Some of the magic happened during the kiln firing as the minerals in the glazes began to interact. Each piece was hand stamped and individually created.

Leaf patterns, fish scales, raindrops-these natural elements all inspired the patterns and glazes of this series. Japanese maple and Ginkgo leaves have been used to press into the clay for some trays and platters. Koi fish have been carved into vases and plates. Trout fish have been made into serving dishes and leaf patterns have been rolled into wet clay and formed into leaf bowls and servers. The beauty of the imperfect and individual character of natural things has held my attention and love for many years.