Coffee Time

Artists are constantly working with their hands...furiously creating. After years of getting a piping hot cup of coffee only to set it down to grow cold because the clay demanded my attention, I figured why not make myself a lidded-coffee mug? Eureka! Granted this solution was not Archimedes discovering the method for determining purity of gold but, it was a simple and welcomed solution to keeping coffee & tea hot. Another welcomed note was that my vessel would not be a tacky Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts traveling man mug...it would possess integrity and have a much more pure intention, - the determined intention I transferred from hand to wet clay on the wheel as I happily created a bunch of swirling and spinning mugs.
The strange thing is for years I drank coffee and tea out of a silly non-descript Christmas mug that I am sure was mass produced somewhere in China - my own home lacked decent hand-made coffee cups. This was a rather pathetic and embarrassing point I had to admit. I have since made ammends and corrected such an abhorent situation - my home is currently filled with mugs made by fellow potters and friends from around the globe. Each morning I start my day drinking out of a well crafted vessel I find beautifully functional. I think of the potters I have met and shared time in the studio with both creating and learning. I think how grateful I am for the simple morning ritual...a cup of hot coffee...

Potters for Prosperity

I am in the beginning stages of launching a non-profit event "Potters for Prosperity". In light of the challenging economic conditions many nations face, particularly of late Haiti and Chile with the catastrophic events of natural disaster the seed has been born as an artist and "potter" to assist.
Our first event will be the "Throw Off" with many studios participating in an evening of creativity, humanitarian effort, spiritedness and our contribution to global generosity and peace. Additional information will follow so that you may be a part of this event and "place your bet" live and in person on the artist who throws the most bowls in one evening! Your up-front purchase of one "bowl" - the symbol of food, family, and plentifulness will help support others that face great challenge simply to survive! We look forward to your support.

Winter and Potting in the Caribbean

While the Northeast has been getting their fair share of blustery chill and snow I have been enjoying life in the Caribbean. Luckily potters are everywhere and I found this amazing pottery studio. It is a gem of a place and its reassuring to know that this large extended family I am a member of - potters - can be found all over the world. Where there is clay...I'll be there. Luckily, I can add sun, swimming & snorkeling in turquoise waters to creative days well spent.

The organic nature of creating

Very often the conversation with clay is one that is on-going...even as our hands are fast at work thinking we are creating a "certain something" it often turns out to be a "certain something else". I have often seen my work with clay and the nature of it as a metaphor for life...there are many stages to go through before we reach "success" and often we have to be prepared for the cracks and disappointments that can arise both in the kiln and in life, alike. Sometimes the key is to stay flexible and purely imaginative. Being willing to stay open to surprise will sometimes produce a unique delight.
This piece was one I had intended to be "something". Initially as I sat at my wheel looking at the beginning stage of what I deemed a disappointment, a conversation started to happen or rather a few simple words - "Moroccan Carnivale". The piece went from looking like an un-balanced and boring genie bottle to something much more lively - the fish going round and round concealing the "evil eye" to ward off dangers and dark spirits, the rings for a circus like gaiety. I imagine I am influenced by potters who potted a thousand years before me...the conversation and spirit of the ancient art of clay yet again passed through my hands and in the end I too was surprised.

Firing with a Master

Spending time with the Master Potter, Jack Troy was certainly a highlight. His work and book on salt firing are internationally recognized. We worked with what we had in terms of a fairly challenged kiln but along with artist, Mark Walnock we got some results by the second firing - a photo of the results is included I wonder if I will still be happily potting as Mr. Troy when I am in my seventies...

"COLD SOULS" clip on Conan O'Brien Show

This is a clip from the movie "Cold Souls" which stars Paul Giamatti. I was part of the art department crew and the clip shows one of the larger sets we worked on. The film just opened in LA and NY so go check it out.

http://www.tonightshowwithconanobrien.com/video/clips/paul-giamatti-pt2-073009/1140765/?__cid=thefilter

Newspaper Story

This article came out in a NJ newspaper last week. I had no idea the writer would share as much about me as he did. However, I'm hoping many people saw it and will jam the lines at the Long Beach Island Art Foundation with people wanting to put their hands in clay - the Foundation is a GREAT place!!! Come Visit!