My forms are thrown on the wheel and cut or carved during the leather hard stage. Slip or glaze is used to create contrast with the dark unglazed clay or as a thin layer to seal the surface and allow the clay to show through. The pots come into direct contact with flame, ash and salt inside my wood burning kiln. Various tones are brought out in the clay due to the constant oscillation of atmosphere created by the stoking cycle.
Past traditions and objects from distinct cultures have set a standard for making soulful and enduring work. Influenced by these standards, I create contemporary pots specifically for use in the home and the beautification of domestic space. I am interested in the divergent relationship between the strength and fragility that exists in any clay object. While throwing, I concentrate on the structural integrity of the clay wall, ensuring that the form can withstand open cuts and intense heat from the kiln. The pieces that emerge through this method of construction and perforation are both sensible in design and sturdy to use.
My surroundings ultimately affect my pots in subtle ways. The corn and hay fields that stretch out in back of my studio are always slowly changing to reveal new lines or textures. A line where two fields come together will easily become a carved line in a vase or the dividing point between slip and glaze. The cuts in a basket or handle mimic the openings I see in an old two story barn across the road. When I look to history, I am most intrigued by objects with an intended function that also suggest the natural world of the maker. Our human story has been recorded in clay throughout the ages and gives us insight into the lives of past civilizations. As part of the story, I include my voice in clay and the passing of our time.
Hi Julie-
Do you do any on line sales ? Your pieces look beautiful
Hi Catherine,
Thank you for visiting my site. I will be making an etsy pageafter the holidays..it is one of my winter projects. For now, if you are interested in a paticular piece let me know and if it’s still available I’ll send you the price and shipping info. Do you live in the area? You are welcome to visit my studio to see what I have in stock or check out one of my upcoming shows in Philly or Ithaca.
Thanks again!
Hi Julie,
My wife and I visited your booth @ the Philly Crafts show just last week. I’m interested in one of your baskets. The one on the front of your post card. Could you give me some idea of cost including shipping to zip 19085. Christmas is coming and my wife would really love one of those bowls under the tree.
Thanks …Luke
Hi Luke,
Thanks for visitng my booth at Philly. I hope you enjoyed the show. For me it was great to be there meeting new people and sharing a bit about what I do. I have the basket you are interested in, the one pictured on my postcard. The price is $350. With packing and shipping to your zip code ($15), the total would be $365. There is no sales tax on purchases made on line that will be shipped out of state. I could have it ready for shipping by the end of this week and UPS ground would get it to you before Thanksgiving.
Let me know if this works for you.
Thanks again!
Best,
Julie
Hello, i am doing a project where i have to write an essay on a ceramics artist and i would like to choose you because im very interested by your art, is there any way i could get a backround of your life? the questions i need to answer are:
When you were born
What your family is like
When did you first start making art
How did you become an artist
Who influenced you or inspired you
What media do you use
If you can get back to me as soon as possible that would be greatly appreciated
This is extremely well written. I especially like the way your surroundings find their way into your work, along with your voice; very poetic.