From My Hands to Yours
From My Hands to Yours
As far back as my kindergarten days, I can recall having a strong creative desire. I vividly remember the day Miss Blue asked our class to finger-paint a tree. Walking around she began assessing our work; taking in an endless sea of solid green circles, supported by solid brown posts...
I am continually experimenting with new design shapes, non-traditional glaze combinations, combinations of throwing and sculpting techniques, and firing styles. In many circumstances, I begin with one idea in mind, and then somewhere along the way, the clay moves me in a new direction...
I am never offended when someone uses my work for functional purposes. Quite the opposite: I love hearing someone explain their creative (and functional) deployment of one of my pieces. My goal is to spark the imagination, offering “Works-of-Clay” to add a touch of beauty to your home or office....
Among the many distinctions between these firing techniques, Raku pieces should not be used in association with food or drink purposes. Raku is a general term encompassing numerous primitive pottery firing techniques.
I deploy the name of Portuguese born Brazilian entertainer "Carmen Miranda" as an analogous reference to describe my signature lid designs (some would describe as unorthodox). Relative to the jar, these lids are disproportional in size. These Carmen Miranda designs are highly detailed and brightly colored. Frequently these lids require as much Studio time as the jar itself.
Many of my decorative plates and dishes include sculptured clay additions. You will also find many of these pieces are not traditionally shaped., and consistent with my approach to pottery, an emphasis on visual appeal over functionality.
Display Options: Upon request, I can add appropriate hardware to any of these pieces to accommodate hanging: "Wall Art". Appropriately sized easels can also to used to enhance shelf display visibility.
Creating unique jars and lidded jars are my personal favorite, and I have made far more of these pieces than any other pottery category. I consider Lidded Jars to be my “signature work”.
Full credit to Dan Rians (my Nephew), for inspiring me to create my Cigar Lounge series. Early in 2023, Dan had asked if I could make him ash tray. Read entire story below:
All work included in this section of my Gallery represent pieces that do not currently fit into any of my established categories. Reserved for the ultra one-of-a-kind creations... Piece shown here, "Morning Ocean Commute" is a perfect example.
Although my decorative vases can be also to deployed on their own, I believe these creations also invite functional use: Fresh flowers, dried flowers, and some of my vase designs enhanced as candle holders. I believe the line between pottery and sculpture is gray.
When I first inspect a newly finished piece, frequently I am compelled to name it. In some instances, as soon as I hold it in my hands, the perfect name jumps into my head.. On other occasions, an appropriate name comes a few days later.
Understand, this strange habit is coming from a Man who has always named the cars he drives, among other inanimate things I own (Houses, bikes, backyard furniture...Nuts, I know.) Some of my Clay Works have no name. I cannot force the process. As a big Clint Eastwood fan, I think of these pieces as " The Clays with no Name".
Generally speaking, I believe I am in my strongest creative position when I simply put my hands on the clay, and silently ask, “Where should we go today?” Once the work is complete, I simply wait for the right person to view it and say, “Wow…I really love that.”
Although this is my preference, I remain open to specific suggestions and requests. Please e-mail me if you would like to discuss your creative vision.
Was the piece that caught your eye sold? No worries! Unique, commissioned work is available upon request.
*50% prepayment required for commissioned work. Balance due only after you hold the finished piece in your hands and are 100% satisfied.
OK, let's just get this out of the way now.....YES, I am a DOG....Names' Max (Better known as, "Max, The Dog").
If you like my updates, you are clearly an intelligent and discriminating Human of impeccable taste. For the rest of you two-legged walkers, "talk to the paw..."