Artist Statement
I have had the good fortune of living the past two years in a progressive farming community. Being around organic farmers has made me pay attention to the origin of my food, and opened my consciousness to the origin of all things I use. My hope is that I bring the same level of consciousness to the users of my pots.
I grew up in Wyoming. Short grasses blanket the land that stretches in great, soft mounds all the way to the horizon, where tan meets bright blue sky with scant clouds. My forms echo the strength and beauty of this landscape. Wind-formed mounds of snow have undoubtedly influenced me, as have grass-covered hills, their round fullness implying volume and containment.
The natural environment I grew up in creates an awareness of survival. This perspective has influenced my values of function and practicality. Within Wyoming working class culture, individual value is rated by a person’s “work ethic”, and their ability to be “useful”. This perspective has permanently shaped my understanding of my place in the world, and has therefore given a basis for my work.
Making pots is a way of life for me. Decoration and proportional relationships are an enjoyable challenge.
Education
| 2009-Present | University of Florida, School of Art and Art History, Gainesville, FL, Masters of Fine Arts Candidate |
| 2006-2007 | University of Nebraska, Department of Art and Art History, Lincoln, NE, Postbaccalaureate Student |
| 2005 | Southern Utah University, Cedar City, UT, Bachelor of Science, majoring in Fine Arts/Ceramics |
| 2002 | Casper Community College, Casper, Wyoming, Associates of Fine Art |
Experience
| 2009-Present | Focus Gallery Coordinator, University of Florida |
| 2009 | Visiting Artist/Presenter, Ferrum College Art Department, Ferrum, VA |
| 2007-2009 | Apprentice to Silvie Granatelli, Ceramic Artist, Floyd, VA |
| 2006-2007 | Resident Artist, Lux Center for the Arts, Lincoln, NE |
| 2005-2007 | Studio Assistant to Gail Kendall, Ceramic Artist and UNL Professor, Lincoln, NE |
| 2005 | Summer Assistant to Clary Illian, Ceramic Artist, Ely, IA |
| Studio Assitant to Eddie Dominguez, Ceramic Artist and UNL Professor | |
| 2004 | Summer Assistant, Peter's Valley Center for the Crafts, Layton , NJ |
| Curator, Unique Perspectives, photography exhibit, Artichoke Lounge, Cedar City, UT | |
| 2000-2003 | Gallery Assistant, Nicolaysen Art Museum, Casper, WY |
| Studio Assistant to Lynn Munns, Ceramic Artist, Casper, WY | |
| Studio Assistant to Linda Ryan, Sculptor and Casper College Professor |
Exhibitions
| 2010 | 8 Fluid Ounces Exhibition, Baton Rouge, LA, Juror: Andy Shaw |
| 2009 | A Dessert Affair, Solo show featuring handmade pottery and desserts, Over the Moon Gallery, Floyd, VA |
| A la Carte Invitational, Phoenix, AZ, in conjunction with NCECA | |
| 2008 | National Cup Show, Barrett Clay Works, Poughkeepsie, NY, Juror: Leslie Ferrin |
| Instructors Exhibit, The Jacksonville Center for the Arts, Floyd, VA | |
| 2007-2009 | 16 Hands Apprentice Shows, May and December |
| 2007 | Clary Illian Pottery invited artist Thanksgiving Show and Sale, Ely, IA |
| Life on the Low Road solo resident artist exhibit, Lux Center for the Arts, Lincoln, NE | |
| 2006 | Lynn Munns: A Life Making and Teaching, Nicolaysen Art Museum, Casper, WY |
| 2005 | Southern Utah University Graduation Exhibition, Braithwaite Gallery, Cedar City, UT |
| 2003 | Casper College Graduation Exhibition, Fine Arts Gallery, Casper, WY |
| Where the Buffalo Roam, Nicolaysen Art Museum, Casper, WY | |
| 2000 | Solo exhibition, Whitewater Ceramics, Laramie, WY |