Shell Series (2005)

Pay attention. Observe the details. There is such joy in the little, hidden things.

Working with handmade embossing stamps and exploring surface treatments for a larger body of sculptural work, I created a series of test pieces that became the Shell Series - garden rocks, domestic bowls and, ultimately, narrative sculptures.

 

Test pieces are always a joy to create. Sometimes more so than the larger work they are a model for. Infinite options need  to be focused down with boundaries and enforced limitations or chaos would reign. When testing a new body of work for materials, process, surface decoration, or glazes, I like a test form that is useful or beautiful. It is important to me that nothing is wasted and everything can be either repurposed or reimagined as an artwork in itself. I am drawn to large scale work but the precious nature of small pieces constantly surprises me.