Bio

After taking classes in graphic design, painting and sculpture at Valparaiso University (Valparaiso, Indiana) the ceramic medium became the one that grabbed my attention. It seemed to combine the three-dimensional aspects of sculpture and the two dimensional element of surface design. Manipulating clay directly with my hands became my passion and getting to work with the fire of the kiln was a bonus!

Wanting to expand my knowledge of the creative, historic and technical components of this process I was accepted into the graduate program at School for American Craft, Rochester Institute of Technology. (MFA 1977) Having been born and raised in Rochester, New York returning there was a natural fit. I studied glaze chemistry and ceramic history with Hobart Cowles who as a member of my father’s church had exposed me to the possibilities of ceramic artwork when he created tilework for the altar of the recently completed sanctuary. While at SAC/RIT I had the opportunity to work as a studio assistant to FransWildenhain. Trained in design and ceramics at the Weimar Bauhaus, Frans was part of the post-war emigration to America. RIT was an opportunity for him to share his expertise in both technical and creative elements of ceramic artwork. As he was in his late 70’s then, I became his”muscles and truck” assisting in the preliminary construction of large garden sculptures, tilework and throwing multiple pieces to his specification that he then chopped apart and reassembled. I became aware of the daily routine of his studio and the commitment of galleries and patrons who supported his passion.

In the fall of 1977 my wife Suzanne and I moved to Bloomington encouraged by Valpo friends and enticed by affordable property and a creative community of like- minded craftspeople. I landed a position as designer and lead potter with the Bloomington Pottery Company which was recently transitioning from cast artwork to wheel thrown pieces. Leading a team of 5-7 throwers, I made 70% of the pottery for the 4 retail stores while others concentrated on wholesale orders. 1980 saw the birth of our son Matthew, my future studio assistant. ( He became a drummer instead!) After 3 years at the Bloomington pottery Company I established my own studio initially making salt-glazed pottery and tilework eventually shifting to the high fire (2350 degrees) stoneware I now produce.

Having amassed a variety of ceramic and artistic knowledge I developed a desire to share this and pursued my teaching certificate at Indiana University. Soon student teaching and some substitute work was behind me and I was hired to teach at Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis. (The previous teacher quit and bought a liquor store!) As an urban high school Tech students faced many challenges but each year a few latched on to ceramics as a diversion from life and other classwork.

Twenty years passed, commuting from Bloomington to Indianapolis, and I retired from the classroom to return to my studio. I blew my retirement fund remodeling my studio and adding a new studio for Suzanne’s weaving. Days are now spent packing a lunch, walking the 12 feet to the studio door, turning on some Hawaiian music and playing in the mud. My ceramic work is forever evolving, pots are made in series and glaze experiments keep me challenged and inspired. I hope that my artwork will enhance your home or office and give you as much pleasure as I had making it.