I love my hands in the clay, preparing my studio for a day of work, rolling slabs, designing objects, and painting. I worked in stoneware for the most part and on the wheel. We made our own clay, gas fired pieces, worked early mornings and late nights. I wasn't that fond of wheel work or that interested in the nuances of stoneware glazes. I wanted to see color and paint more than I could figure ou
t how to do with traditional stoneware. Many many years later, a friend on Martha's Vineyard asked me to help her with a tile job she had and I got sucked right back into clay. It was so inspiring and I knew I had to pursue my work in this medium. I was pretty rusty to say the least, but I put my head down and kept at it. Once my kids were in school, I started Buffer Zone Ceramics on Martha's Vineyard, where we lived year round. I worked in earthenware with underglazes; a whole new palette opened up for me and I loved it. A slab roller, a few homemade molds, a lot of determination, and I was on my way. After I have rolled out a slab and determined the piece I want to make, I think of food! I imagine a green salad, a pesto salad, a potato salad, pasta with a red sauce or something I like to eat. I think, what would look good holding that appetizing food? So, in fact, much of the time, food is my inspiration. I choose the colors to compliment menus. I like to make functional pottery, pieces that are decorative and useful. I like to use a lot of color because I think it is cheery and brightens the dining experience.
