Artist Highlight

My father, being in the Air Force used the opportunity to raise me over seas. We lived in Italy, Netherlands and Germany. He always had us stationed miles away from the base, exposing me to their way of life. The local cultures and the old world feel of the towns influenced me a great deal and that’s when I started to pay attention to the history and the art of the areas we lived in.  

Back in the states I learned about antiques while working for an antique auction house in Reno, NV. I worked closely with the appraiser and started to learn about art from 30’s,40’s and 50’s. One of my other responsibilities was setting up a 10,000 square foot building for shows and auctions every month, this taught me the value of display.

I then moved to the Palm Springs area where I was introduced to the fine arts and the gallery scene. I started work with a prominent gallery in Palm Desert as an art director. This experience introduced me to interior designers, professional artists and an elite clientele that supported the arts. It was a new and exciting world. I Worked closely with designers which developed my eye for in home art installation. I also worked directly with the artists. One artist in particular introduced me to hand building and the field of ceramics.  After years of working in the gallery and practicing art on the side, I transitioned into being an artist full time.

My wife and I currently live in Draper, Utah. We’ve opened a gallery in the historical side of town. Besides running the gallery, I continue to build sculptures and attend fine art festivals displaying my works.    

                                                                                        
When I approach a project, I start by laying a base. I then use the coil method. I slowly build up the walls. I don't try to completely control the clay; I work the clay loosely to give the piece a looser more interesting shape. After I have my rough shape built I let the clay harden;  then I carve it with various tools. After that process is done, I rub the piece with a stone which is the last step. Now the piece is put in the green room where it is slowly dried.

Most of my glazes are my own recipes. I burn certain woods down to the ash; which is my main ingredient when making my favorite glaze, "Ash Glaze". My colors and drips vary depending on the wood used to create the ash. I apply the ash mixed directly onto the piece with different minerals using a paint brush. Then after I have my basic coats I accent the piece with other glazes. When it’s ready to fire, I fire to about 2150 degrees.