I began my personal exploration in clay over 25 years ago when my young son was taking a clay class. He ventured off into other creative avenues, but my love of mud continues to be a source of enjoyment and challenges. I experience an inherent joy and relaxation in taking a lump of clay, wedging it, throwing it on the wheel, adding texture and dimension and then waiting for the bisque piece to come out of the kiln. The last step, glazing, turns that initial lump of clay into a final piece of art. I create hand-thrown functional clay pieces.
Clay + Heat + Glaze = Pottery; But the missing piece that brings it to life is The Potter -Merle Slyhoff
Whether it is a mug, a bowl, a vase or a platter I work the clay to maintain a simplicity of design while considering the ergonomics of use. My design aesthetic is minimalist however a fascination with texture and surface design enables me to enhance the simplicity through carvings, texture work and piercings that allow the glazes to intensify the final work. Running a one-woman operation, I design and create my work at my Glenside, PA studio, always striving to create pieces that brings joy to the user.
Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen
I am a member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and a Juried Member of the Bucks County Guild of Craftsmen, a chapterof the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. My work Trees won an award at the Cheltenham Center for the Arts Member Show and I participate in many juried fine craft shows, including the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Fine Crafts shows, the New Hope Arts and Crafts Festival, the Doylestown Arts Festival, the Artists of Yardley Craft Show and many other regional fine craft festivals.
My work can also be found on the web and in local galleries. To follow my work and to find out where I will be follow me on Facebook and check out my web page.
2019 Festival Featured Items:
- handmade pottery
