Artist Statement

I am a musician, singer, songwriter, poet and potter. Unfiltered Southern individuality is what I hope to express through my art. I strive to create wearable art that is not definable, not male or female, yet has a certain individualist quality that is timeless. Even the materials I use have a certain enduring value. Porcelain, a favorite medium of mine, is one of nature’s strongest clays.

When I combine my earthen art with a leather wrapping, it lends a strong organic earthy characteristic that I like in my jewelry. I savor the feel of the clay and the process of getting my hands dirty as I carefully shape and smooth the materials. The clay is then molded onto piping to attain the curved shape, fitting the curve of the wrist and making the pottery into a wearable design. During the initial drying process, the clay details are developed and the design stamped into each piece. Careful management of the clay is required during this phase of drying, as this is the most delicate and critical point in the process. A sponge technique is used to soften the clay edges into a smooth design. Individual buttons for the leather are also handcrafted and attached to the leather strap for fastening the bracelet around the wrist. The pieces are then fired at bisque temperature. The next stage in my process includes sanding, glazing, and the finishing details of the piece before the final firing. Working with color is for me both exciting and rewarding as the individual pottery begins to take on a personality. Opening the kiln after the final firing of the clay is my favorite part of the creative process. It is like Christmas every time, the surprising uniqueness of each piece that results after firing. This is when I determine how the pieces will fit together into the final artful design.  

 I want the buyer of each piece of jewelry to experience inner joy and beauty when wearing my artwork, the same feelings that I had when I created it.