Workshop philosophy:

I find joy in sharing the techniques and experiences I've learned with people who are eager to learn.  I share what I know and then leave the door open for personal interpretation.

An example would be the tar paper (roofing felt) technique I've developed for working with slabs. (See the images above). The tar paper helps support the slabs so forms can be constructed that otherwise would be hard to build.  This technique lends itself to boxes and large sculptural forms.  In a workshop I demonstrate the technique then work with the participants to make their own ideas a reality.

To illustrate the various influences on my work, I show workshop participants slides of my work and discuss the origins of the concepts.  I also like to use slides of my trips to major international ceramic centers such as Faenza, Italy and Jingdezhen, China to help illustrate the long history of ceramic art and provide inspiration.

I encourage the students to think critically about their work. I use both individual and group critiques to help them to explore and develop the potential in their ideas.  I encourage journaling and sketchbooks as tools to develop ideas for work.