Artist Statement

I find the most inspiration in traditional, functional, atmospheric pottery. Forms that you see repeated throughout history are repeated for a reason: they serve both functional and decorative purposes wonderfully. When I make pots, I try to draw from the qualities I admire in traditional pottery while also creating work that feels personal to me. Atmospheric firings in wood, salt, and soda kilns make for dynamic surfaces that you can’t achieve in any other kiln. Each firing is unpredictable, and that uncertainty often results in pots that exceed my expectations. The natural variation in each piece makes the work feel alive. Forms that respond well to these kilns are both challenging and exciting to make, and it is what primarily draws me to this type of firing. More than anything, I want my pottery to reflect dedication and craftsmanship. Even though I will never make a perfect pot, I want to make things right, and well, so they last a lifetime and mirror my passion.

Artist Biography

I am a Virginia-based ceramic artist. I currently fire my work in wood kilns throughout Virginia. Growing up in Virginia, I have been influenced by historical pottery local to the region, specifically North Carolina pottery. The use of slip decoration, stained-glass shards, and wood kilns is extremely common within the state, and I enjoy incorporating these ideas into my own work through atmospheric firing and surface design. My carved surfaces are inspired by stained glass windows and Gothic architecture, reflecting my appreciation for detail, craftsmanship, repetition, and precision. Through wood firing, carving, and layered surface decoration, I hope to create pottery that feels both historical and technical while still creating work that is unique. I am currently completing my studies in studio art at Liberty University and expect to graduate in December 2026. I am also an intern at The Cub Creek Foundation, where I was a resident artist during the summer of 2025.