I've been making things since I was a little kid, but nothing drew my curiosity like crafting things with my hands. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, I embraced all the trends: box weaving gimp jewelry, making macrame plant hangers, "bead" rings made from colorful wire lifted from construction sites, embroidered jean jackets, and of course, pottery (though at the time, I specialized in ashtrays for my mom and dad).

I studied ceramics in college for a bit, but eventually shifted my focus to graphic design. Then, in 90s-era San Francisco, I rediscovered my love for clay at a little studio (Ruby's Clay Studio) in the Castro. I kept that newfound love alive as best I could as I moved through my career and the country, working in the ad business in DC, Boston, SF, LA, Chicago, and ultimately, Cincinnati. It was here in the Queen City that my passion for creating inspired me to sign up for a class at Core Clay, and from that moment on, I knew that pottery had to be a part of my life. But it wasn't until I got sober and retired that I was able to really focus the entirety of my creativity into ceramics.

In January, Core Clay awarded me a 3-month residency, an opportunity that released sense of inspiration, passion and playfulness that had been simmering inside for far too long. It was the best gift I could have ever received.

"Sprout" is the culmination of that residency. In this theme of growth and experimentation, I draw inspiration from the natural world, including seed pods, plants, and the rich, earthy color palette of the American west (or a 1970s kitchen).

In the words of my mentor, Sam Buganski, "This collection is like a mushroom trip in Joshua Tree".

So, please enjoy the trip.