I design my pots to be comfortable and minimal.  Think of beach stones and soft bodies: a full curve, muted color, asymmetry and dimples.  I choose porcelain for its working qualities and skin-silky touch.  As the most dense clay available, it becomes impervious when fired to 2300 degrees in my highly innovative kiln.  In keeping with strong environmental ethics, I built an efficient kiln that fires primarily on waste vegetable oil in a carbon-neutral footprint.  Trained in the use of reduction-cooling methods, I achieve a palette of red, orange, and salmon in the porcelain’s unglazed exterior.  I also use a smooth dark stoneware that registers brick red, violet and black tones with yellow ash.  Pots from my kiln resemble wood-fired work and are finished with a light coating of clear soda glaze to make a smooth eating surface.  I dabble in sculpture, mostly I make durable dishes for everyday use.
 
We crave comfort in a world whose only constant is change.  What generates comfort?  Time-honored rituals, pleasant memories associated with a space or encounter. Sometimes we may find a memento to embody the favorite memory.  Handmade dishes live in this lovely limbo between simple serviceware and ritual object. We can still create environments that speak of generosity and sensory comfort.  When food is prepared and presented mindfully, I find a nourishment far beyond simply eating.

Media: ceramic
Website: CathouseClay.com