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.

Why/what do you like about hikidashi?

Pulling directly from high temperature and the sudden cooling process reveal extraordinary effects that have a depth and beauty as those embodied in nature. I like the fire, the process is fun, and the effects are often fascinating.

Hikidashi is relatively unknown in the US, do you feel it is important people know what it is?

Of course. It speaks for itself. It has it's own look, no boundaries and is fun. It also has more durability for function than low fire raku ware. In Japan, people say tea tastes better from a hikidashi piece.

Hikidashi Guro Vessel, Comet-001