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Although I
started in clay a bit late in life, I am constantly motivated to learn
more. The process of creating in clay is fascinating to me.
I primarily use a white stoneware along
with different colored slips in
order to accent the glazes. I like using porcelain slip because it shows a
purer quality in the glaze. Using a white stoneware and porcelain slip
allows the glazes to mature to a great brilliance and have better color
clarity. I also like how the slip creates another dimension to the piece.
Hand building and altering thrown forms are some of the techniques I
incorporate into creating my pottery. On some on my pieces I have used
Mesquite ash, sprinkled on top of the glaze to create a ‘sparkled’ effect. I
spray from two to five glazes on each piece, then fire in a gas reduction
kiln to over 2400 degrees.

My pieces are functional with the thought that they are to be used and when
not in use, displayed as a form of art. My platters are wired so they can
be hung on the wall or displayed on a stand. I use all my platters when I
entertain, then wash them and put them back on a stand. I design my pieces
as sets so they compliment each other.
I make everything from salt and
pepper shakers, goblets, platters, salad sets, large urns and yard lanterns
to custom designed bathroom sinks.
I started throwing clay in 1996 as a
student of the Coleman Clay Studio. I spent the next five years at their
studio and started teaching for them in 1998. I was a student of Tom
Coleman until they closed the clay studio in 2001. I have taught hand
building and wheel throwing, both beginner and advanced.
For the last four summers, I have attended MISSA (Metchosin International
Summer School of the Arts) in Victoria, Canada. I also attend various
workshops in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. I started and named my pottery,
San Gabriel Pottery,
in 2000. Since then, I have conducted workshops for various schools on
hand building and wheel throwing. Photos of my work have been Clay
Time and Ceramics Monthly. A photo of my work is also in Robin
Hopper’s book, Making Marks, 2004.
I am a graduate of Palm
Springs High School. I have been living in Las Vegas since June of 1980.
Galleries:
Raku Gallery, Jerome, Arizona
Gainsburg Studios, Las Vegas, Nevada
Shows:
Neiman Marcus, Trunk show, April 6 - May 6, 2006
Funtional Pottery Show Exhibit, March 2006
Indian Wells, California, March 2006
Summerlain Show 1996-1998 with the Coleman Clay Studio
The Coleman Clay Studio shows from 1996 until they closed.
Airport Show in Las Vegas - 1997 with the Coleman Clay Studio
Art Fest in Henderson - 2001, 2002, 2003
Holiday in Clay with the Coleman’s - 2001, 2002, 2003
Claremont Street Fair 2002
Scottsdale, Fifth Avenue Show 2003
Las Vegas, Mark Vranash Shows 2003, 2004, 2005
La Quinta Arts Foundation 2004
Magazines:
Clay Times (Gallery) 2001
Ceramics Monthly - April 2003, Geil Kiln Ad
Exhibits:
St. Petersburg Clay National 2003
Publications:
Making Marks by Robin Hopper, 2004
Workshops:
Citrus College, Glendora 2003
AKA Designs, 2004
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