Artist Statement

I am an artist; scientist; craftsperson; engineer. 

Explorations in pottery as a child set me on the path to study science and engineering. Not only did I love throwing pots and working with clay in my youth, I was curious about glaze chemistry and the reactions that produced the color palette of glazes during firing. Along the way, I learned that these same reactions are at the heart of many technological advances. For example, redox reactions of iron oxide produce a spectrum from yellow to red to black in ceramic wares, but are also the basis for some catalysis reactions in advanced water treatment and solar water splitting. Moreover, the reactions that turn pink cobalt carbonate to the rich blue oxide phase are similar to reactions in cobaltate materials, which can be used to generate electricity from waste heat.

Always driven to the practical, engineering was an obvious discipline for me to continue studying as it would allow me to stay connected to the applications of my scientific discoveries.  After a decade of intense study and learning, I found myself with two complimentary identities –potter and researcher.  As a potter, I am both an artist and a craftsperson.  As a researcher, I am both a scientist and an engineer.

Science and engineering define the fundamental origins of what has kept me connected to pottery since I was a young child.  Through science, I fell in love with discovery and the beauty of micro and nano scale investigations.  In engineering, I learned to use scientific discoveries to improve life and outcomes around the globe.  As an artist, I explore unique and creative interpretations of classic forms. As a craftsperson, I focus on objects with function and utility.

The pots I make reflect my approach to materials research –unraveling structure-property-processing relationships across length scales. In my work with clay, I create pots that reflect the chemistry and mineralogy of their component materials in their macroscale forms. Such hierarchical relationships are associated with increased performance of sustainable energy materials, thus forming a complimentary relationship to my research career. My passion is making wheel thrown pottery and I focus on the contrast between the organic shapes of wheel-thrown forms and the geometric motifs present in the constituent minerals at the micro, nano, and atomic scales.

Recently, I have transitioned from stoneware to porcelain.  A bright, white, and translucent clay, porcelain has a well-established reputation for being fussy; it is more susceptible to collapsing, warping, and cracking. Being an individual who likes both change and challenges, I set out to learn the rhythm of porcelain and use it as a substrate on which to display the chemistry, materials science, and mineralogy of the clays and glazes that impassion me. In this process, I have found that porcelain is an accessible medium for beginners and I greatly enjoy teaching others about working with this beautiful clay.

Overall, in my work as a potter I strive to create pots and foster interactions that express the science and engineering of artistic creations.

updated November 23, 2019