Splitting Hares

This work represents a memory's duplication of life's rare and beautiful moments.


Living in close proximity to the Rocky Mountains I am in amazement by the sheer immensity of the landcape and am humbled by
the smallest creatures living within. Occasionally I catch a glimpse of something out of the ordinary, an animal with unusual posture or behaviour. I commit that moment to memory with the intention of recreating what I've witnessed later in studio.

I work with clay because for me, it is most appropriate: what better medium to express nature than with earth itself? Primarily using stoneware clay I sculpt each subject by hand and carve in the finer details. They are mounted atop a vessel, which serves the same purpose a picture frame does for a photograph. The vessels are surfaced with glazes formulated for their organic appearance. The figures however, are covered in a thick envelope of matte glaze, signifying that which is now just a distant memory.

Cuddle pots

These works are an examination of naturally occuring relationships. I take great pleasure in observing naturally occuring relationships featured in our Canadian landscape. For example, the effect that two tiny saplings might have on one another on the forest floor. The lean on each other, they intertwine and grow together. Each gives each other strength and stability in their mutual quest to reach the sun.

My process of grouping clay pots together is reminscint of these types of relationships and my surface treatment reflects textures found in our natural surroundings. I enjoy discovering how one clay pot will react to, or compensate for the other being push against its side. Together they may bulge, collapse, or grow in height, eventually settling in to one another. These cuddling pots belong together, yet, when removed from their grouping they stand alone.

Quack a Tu.

I thought I might christen this new blog by paying homage to this quirky little bird plate. Unfortunately, earlier this evening I discovered this little guy in pieces under the kitchen table - most likely a victim of my not so agile and quite elderly feline.

Every few weeks I like to take a break from the potter's wheel to sit quietly with a cup of tea, underglaze pencil in hand and let these funny little creatures draw themselves. Aside from creating the plates themselves, I must admit that the drawing part comes without much effort - it's comfortable.

They seem to be appreciated by others, much to my surprise they were almost sold out at my first sale (I've been on a seven year hiatus - now that my monkey is in school I'm back in studio). For me, these little creatures have so much personality. Some are grumpy, some are snooty, some are really goofy and others appear below average intelligence. When I spread a dozen out together I smile and think of them as my make believe dysfunctional family - hee hee.

This little guy was my favorite. I wasn't going to let him go... old man Biter cat knocked him off the table and the porcelain shattered into many very small pieces. Glad I got a photo.

Au Revior Quack a Tu.