Artist statement…

The Hunter-Gatherer Gene
A Ramble in the Woods

Making something from nothing; a silk purse from a sow’s ear or in the art world the found object or muse. When it gets right down to it, I prefer the former phrases. Imagine the joy in a person when discovering the first apple tree be it in the beauty of full bloom or laden with fruit and that first apprehensive bite with the tactile sensation of texture and sweetness as the juice flows off their lips.

That thrill of discovery is in all of us whether it be to challenge our minds, satisfy our senses or train our hands. For me pottery satisfies all of these possibilities. The formulation of glazes is a constant learning process. My sense of inner and outer form in relationship with the glazes I use can be satisfying, sometimes disappointing but always character building. Training myself to achieve a particular shape always brings joy. Giving your thoughts to the kiln, a journey through heat and time. Like coming upon a narrow log crossing a stream, do you use a more secure footing or do you take the log? I prefer the latter, knowing there will be lessons learned and surprises in store.

What an interesting walk it is, crossing the paths of many who came before me and those that are present.

Dedicated to my grandfather Jesse Todd and my friend Olin Graves who knew the value of a good ramble.