What are a few major influences in your work? Living in Japan for 14 years has had a substantial influence on me. Japan is a very deep and sensitive culture, refined in the beauty and art of enjoying all things. Qualities of Zen and Jomon pottery have always intrigued me. I fell in love with the sensual pleasure the Japanese held for the imperfections in the nature of the material itself. Things viewed as flaws and unrefined like glaze problems, crazing, shivering, stray stones in the clay or even a crack or fingerprint are aesthetically pleasing.
What made you willing to participate in the 1st annual Hikidashi Fire Show?
Mike and I go way back. When he came to Japan a few years ago, I was just starting to experiment with hikidashi and Mike connected with it. He took it back to the States and started something real good for his classes to enjoy. The 1st Annual Hikidashi Fire Show sounded great and I am happy to be a part of it. |