For 44 years, I have been a speech-language pathologist and I continue to practice and love my profession. Twenty-seven years ago, when I decided to take a class in ceramics, (my attempt as a working mother of 2 young children to find something I could do “for me”), I had no idea that I would develop a true passion for this form of creative self-expression. Many of my happiest and most mindful moments are when I am engaged in the process of creating something made from clay. I enjoy both hand-building and throwing on the wheel. Most of my pieces are functional in nature, whether related to food and drink or to display beautiful things that grow in nature. A fairly consistent theme noted when looking at my pieces is the use of texture of one sort or another.

In addition to high fire stoneware using Cone 10 glazes, I also enjoy salt firing pieces to achieve a different look and to contrast the shine and texture created by the salt on the bare clay compared with glazed portions of a pot. When the opportunity arises, I also love the process of Raku. Not food safe, my raku pieces are primarily decorative in nature and include mezuzahs for the doors of people’s homes and jewelry such as pendants and earrings. I also occasionally work with terracotta earthenware and use underglazes. Recent undertakings have included making the tiles for behind our cooktop in our newly renovated kitchen and tiles for our master bath.

Discovering ceramics was a blessing for me. When I am absorbed in creating something out of clay, I am totally present in that moment. I often say that making pottery is the cheapest form of therapy I have found!