I was born in the North Carolina town of Greenville (Pitt County) and attended undergraduate school at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. Studying under Art Haney (MFA , Alfred University) and Charles Chamberlain (MFA , Alfred University), I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1978. It was in this year that I exhibited in "The Covered Jar", a juried national exhibition, sponsored by Westwood Ceramics Supply Company, City of Industry, California.
Covered Container
Stoneware clay, underglazes, lead clear glaze.
7.5" H x 9" D
My graduate studies were at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. Under the instruction of Chuck Hindes (MFA , Rhode Island School of Design) and Bunny McBride (MFA , Alfred University), I received a Master of Arts degree and a Master of Fine Arts degree; during this time I received a scholastic award from the Ford Foundation. This three year combined degree program was completed in 1981. My MFA thesis was entitled, Technicalities and Aesthetics of Clay Extrusion for the Artist/Potter. Portions of this manuscript can be read HERE.
University of Iowa studio, 1980-81
During this time at Iowa, my work was exhibited in numerous prestigious national exhibitions, including "Marietta College Crafts National", "Westwood Clay National", and "Architectural Ceramics: A Documentation". International exhibitions included "Interiors/Exteriors"(NCECA) and "Energy Art". My work was pictured in Ceramics Monthly (February 1981 - Marietta National) and reviewed in Artweek (July 1981 - Westwood Clay). In 1983 I presented a NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) conference lecture entitled, Packing and Shipping of Ceramic Objects.
Convergence #1 *
Extruded earthenware clay hollow tile; hand built and altered.
31.75" H x 27" W x 21" D
* Joan Mannheimer Collection
After leaving Iowa City, I entered into another professional field, putting aside clay endeavors. Thirteen years later I returned to clay and embarked on a totally different venue. My initial interest was in exploring southern folk art, which evolved from an interest in traditional southern pottery. I began making animal figurals, utilizing glazes and firing methods that were linked to this state's (NC) pottery heritage."
As my work evolved, texture became an important element and the turtle form took center stage. The repetition in my use of materials and form allows an idea to be developed. That which is learned through the making of one piece can be pushed farther in the next. The continued use of the animal figural allows a measure of humor and seriousness to be injected into my art.
Currently my work in clay explores the record of impression. Juxtapositioning repeating patterns, I create randomness and investigate asymmetry within symmetrical order. Through my selection of hard-edge geometric shapes, I display the clay's ability to capture my decision of design for that moment. Adding surface texture and color, aside from the clay itself, aid in more asymmetry and increase the visual depth. The random placement of spatial elements lacking in geometrical definition places even more disorder within the boundaries of the form. This chaos intertwined with repeating order typifies the world that we live in and the daily lives of so many.
Spatiospectral Clustering Turtle
Earthenware clay, terra sigilatta, oxides, stains, quartzite chips.
4.25" H x 16.25" W x 12.50" D
A parallel interest is that of color for the sake of color. I am currently experimenting in layering vitreous engobes, as well as abrading through layers of colors.
Degenerated Colorization Turtle
Earthenware clay, engobes, quartzite chips.
2.00" H x 9.75" W x 7.50" D
I am a North Carolina native; my family has lived in the state since 1710, being part of the original New Bern settlement. I lived in Robbins, NC (Moore County; located within the Seagrove, NC radius) from 1986 to 2002. This eastern Piedmont region of North Carolina has had a heritage of pottery making since the mid-1800s. It was here that I established Horsepen Kiln Studio.
From Robbins I relocated to Charlotte, NC. where I am currently an adjunct lecturer with UNC-Charlotte, teaching Ceramics Handbuilding and Three-dimensional Design. Examples of my students' work can be seen HERE. I have re-established Horsepen Kiln Studio in the Asheville, NC (Buncombe County) area. This region also enjoyed being a major pottery center during the mid-1800s, and continues to be so.
Visitors are always welcome to visit my studio, Horsepen Kiln. Please inquire for directions by using the form located at the bottom of the Purchase/Comments page.
Please click here for Select Exhibitions resume, and forthcoming /current exhibitions.