What started out years ago as a relaxing one-night-a-week diversion, pottery gradually commandeered much of my free time. I started taking pottery classes at the Clayworks studio at Roberson Museum and Science Center in Binghamton, NY.

After several years at Clayworks, I set up my own basement studio. I’ve sought more advanced instruction such as an intensive workshop in saggar and raku technique by Charlie and Linda Riggs and a raku class taught by Ramon Camarillo.

I also experimented with techniques like smoke-firing, not always with satisfying results.

While working almost exclusively with wheel-thrown forms, I’ve worked on various carving and deformation techniques. In particular, I’ve explored “church key” patterns, inspired by the wonderful work of Ken Standhardt.

Lately my focus has been on the sgraffito technique to create graphic images of nature and geometric shapes carved into an overglaze.

Over the years I’ve had some success selling pieces online at an Etsy shop and at arts-and-crafts fairs (even winning some prizes along the way!).

Selling my work helped defray the costs of time, materials, and equipment but I no longer actively promote my pottery as other interests and priorities elbowed their way into my busy life. I still enjoy the challenge of making pottery and sell some work through a local arts cafe and occasionally make pieces for friends and family.

Most people are unaware how much work goes into making hand-crafted pottery. Have a look at this brief video for a light-hearted glimpse of some of the many steps a potter invests in creating something as simple as a coffee mug.