• HOME
• WORKS
• INFO
  • STUDIO
  • KILNS
  • STATEMENT
• EVENTS
• PURCHASE
• LINKS

My first studies of the art of pottery were at the University of Calif. at Santa Cruz with Al Johnsen. There I learned the basics of making pots and it was really from that time in the mid 1970’s that I felt drawn to the great pottery traditions of East Asia. These traditions have since been a source of inspiration in my work. Through my studies first of Chinese at UCSC and then Japanese while living in Japan, these cultures have become more accessible to me. I have been able to study with potters in Taiwan and Japan, and to find my own way.

The greatest influence on my clay work is undoubtedly the Japanese potter/artist Yoshihiko Yoshida. I was fortunate to find such a generous man to study and apprentice with for a period of 3 years between 1983 and 1987. His philosophy, emphasizing simplicity and vitality in clay work, embodies what I aspire to achieve in pottery.

The pottery-forming techniques and kiln-firing experiences I gained at Yoshida’s studio were invaluable, but there was perhaps a deeper lesson I learned while working with him. That has to do with having a breadth of vision in one’s work. Yoshida is an avid student of art through the ages, and there were always old objects at his house to be viewed, held, & studied. The objects spanned the world, including textiles from Indonesia, jars and carvings from Africa, ancient pottery from Asia, and the list goes on. I knew without having to be told that my beginning efforts as a potter had a long way to go to measure up to such master works of the past.

From Japan back to the USA, I settled in the Portland area in 1988 where I remain to this day. My passion in clay continues to be stoneware, the throwing & forming of clays enhanced with slips & glazes, all fired in high-temperature reduction atmospheres.

RESUME (pdf)