The moment before a storm passes over a quiet landscape, animals and humans alike seek shelter, oftentimes in small groups. These small communities wait out the storm together; sharing a short, intimate moment while the storm rages on outside. In this fast-paced digital age, there are very few moments where we gather with friends and family to slow down and catch up. If we are not careful, we could lose one of the most important aspects of humanity: having a sense of community amongst our peers.

Growing up I had a large network of friends and neighbors I considered family. It has always been important for me to have a strong support system wherever I am. Because of this, I strive to make functional vessels that promote use, interactivity, and festive gatherings.

My cake stands, sundae dishes, and dessert plates are lively, fun, and playful. The combination of thrown and altered, handbuilt and molded pieces give my vessels a sense of uniqueness while supporting the surface decoration. By trapping air inside areas of the vessel, I give off the illusion of weightlessness and movement, similar to clouds.

I draw inspiration from Japanese potter Ogata Kenzan. His use of bold colors and lyrical patterns was influential to the Kenzan-yaki movement. The incised lines and application of underglazes on my pots are done in a similar fashion. My surface philosophy stems directly from Kenzan’s bold choices. The surfaces of my dishes are drawn in a quirky, fun manner, similar to Dr. Seuss’s illustrations.

My porcelain vessels reference the atmospheric dynamic between topographical and meteorological patterns through asymmetrical designs from an aerial perspective. By using multiple component sets, bold colors, and pattern, I celebrate the merging of complex entities that represent the interactivity of humans.