My love for pottery originated as I grew up in Wisconsin in an area rich with hand-thrown pottery.  Having been a long-time admirer, I dabbled briefly (one semester class) in claywork while attending UW-Stout.  

Hands-on participation took a lengthy break, but admiration and study of the art of pottery continued until the Summer of 2007.  At that time, I reignited my active participation in claywork by enrolling in a class at the Greater Lansing Potters Guild (GLPG).  I quickly became addicted to the wheel and intrigued by the wonder of reduction firing.  I attribute my strong grounding in pottery technique to the outstanding instructors I had the opportunity to study under at the GLPG.  Most of my work is functional ware; and they instilled in me an attention to the blending of form and function.  

By the Summer of 2009 I had reached the maximum number of classes I could take at the GLPG, so I began to explore additional options for continuing my claywork.  During that summer I took classes both at the GLPG and at Clayworks Pottery in Wacousta, Michigan.  By the fall of 2009, I applied and was accepted into membership at Clayworks.  

While at Clayworks I have had the opportunity to assist in the building and firing of a Wood Kiln.  Although I remain impressed by the reduction firings in a gas kiln, most of my recent work has been wood fired.  The entire wood fire experience is very invigorating.  I find the earthy, natural, organic results from a wood firing to be beyond compare!.