I believe pottery can transcend the purely utilitarian, becoming a work of art that is integrated into our daily living. I envision functional pottery not only in terms of straightforward usefulness, but also, its ability to invite the user to take pleasure in everyday activities, inviting participation, promoting hospitality.
Our culture appears to have less and less appreciation for meaningful ritual, such as Sunday suppers at Grandma’s. The gathering together of family and friends around the dinner table can be a catalyst for ritual. As we see more people at fast-food restaurants, it appears that a home-cooked meal is a thing of the past. Since pottery has a strong relationship with food service and meal times, it has the potential to intensify the depth of meaning and memory each person carries away from the table. Cooking, eating, and sharing, are all important uses for my pots.
Pottery exists in a socially interactive framework involving daily rituals that vary from the mundane to the exalted. My work varies according to the event, such as a homey breakfast for two, a candelabrum to light a dinner party, or a platter to
serve a main course.