Rare Earth

Artist's Statement

The Future of Pots

Get More Creative

It's customary when showing a group of work to include a written statement - some words to support the objects on display. Too often these are merely indulgent self-promotion in artspeak that obscures as much as it reveals. That being said, here's my attempt to avoid the trend.

I've been a studio potter since 1992, and live and work in Fillmore, Indiana. My work is straightforward, utilitarian pots; made on the wheel and intended to fulfill a variety of needs. With evolving alterations to traditional forms and glazes, I make pots that - I hope - reflect the time and place they come from. I get a lot of satisfaction in creating objects that other people use and enjoy.

Each pot is unique and made by hand, without using molds or automated equipment. I don’t have a standard line or catalog, and freely mix in a variety of influences and inspirations. I am constantly exploring new forms, methods and glazes. However, this happens within the parameters of utilitarian pottery, which provide a useful framework and meaningful limitations. I rarely repeat the same idea in the same way.

I am strongly influenced by the Leach tradition (and therefore by Japanese and Korean aesthetics), modern Mingeisota potters, the Arts & Crafts idea of "truth to materials" and issues of craft and utility. I attempt to balance the delicate tension between form and surface, with the goal of making all parts of the finished pot resonate with each other. At their best, my pots have an internal consistency of style, function and purpose.

St. Earth Pottery, my studio and business, is a one-man operation. I perform each step in the process myself, from clay making to glaze firing and everything in between. I fire in a variety of ways, including electric, gas-reduction, soda and woodfired kilns. Most of my pots are sold locally, from my own studio or galleries, and my work is in private collections across the U.S. and internationally.

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