I have been working in pottery since 1987. Most of my ceramic pieces are created by using methods based upon an ancient Japanese method of firing called Raku.
     Most of my own Raku firings are done by heating a glazed piece of pottery in a kiln until it is glowing red hot then pulling it out and placing it in a can of combustible material. Once the combustible material starts burning a lid is put on the can and ceramic piece is left to smolder in it. It is during this time that the colors of the ceramic piece are created. There is no way to precisely predict the outcome so each piece is unique.
     I have also been working with a new variation to the Raku, technique which I like refer to as "Horsehair" firing. The ceramic piece is heated in a kiln until it is glowing red hot. The ceramic piece is then removed from the kiln and I lay individual pieces of very course horsehair on the red hot ceramic piece. The course horsehair immediately bursts into flame but it leaves black lines in the clay.
     My techniques leave the resulting ceramic forms and vessels porous so they should not be used for food and they will not hold water.
     I am mainly self-taught but have attended several workshops around the country and studied with leading ceramists in the United States, Canada and Australia. These include Paul Soldner, Don Reitz, Gordon Hutchens, Yoshi Ikedo, Linda Arbuckle, Pete Pinnel, Anne Hirondelle, and Jim Lawton. I now reside near Poulsbo Washington.
     Previous shows include Sidney Gallery in Port Orchard, WA. Craft Center at the Seattle Center, Arts Council of Snohomish in Everett WA., Eagledale Arts Center on Bainbridge Island, WA., Studio Show on Bainbridge Island, ClayPeople Christmas shows, and the Stonington Gallery, Seattle, Washington.