My artwork is inspired by my love of New England. Our nearness to the water, the wonderful seafood, Fourth of July celebrations, and Cape Cod! My work distills abstract but familiar ideas like “Summer on the Cape” into functional ceramic pieces. For example, the lobster bowl. A simple, round form supported by a trio of lobster claws. I like the way the bowl is elevated and lifting upwards, ready to serve your favorite dish. I often find inspiration by re-using or adapting vintage objects and turning them into something new. I enjoy spending countless hours sifting through flea markets and antique stores. When I noticed an old stainless-steel automotive oil funnel, I realized that once inverted, a beautiful vessel was born. These vases are brightly glazed with an explosion of color, reminiscent of fireworks and the Fourth of July. Oyster shells are the quintessential shell food and have a wonderful iconic image. By casting and recreating them in clay, they become functional spoons and festive additions for table settings. A ceramic paddle, inspired by paddle boarding, serves as a cheese plate and a decorative wall piece. It represents my love of Bristol and the Narragansett Bay. I find the process of slip casting intense and rewarding. It requires prepping the form to be cast and setting up coddle forms to receive the plaster. It involves measuring and mixing the proper plaster to water ratio and pouring the plaster at the precise moment it is ready, before it hardens. There are so many steps that I continue to fall back on my training and methodically check my notes in order to make a successful mold. When it all comes together, from the beginning idea through the mold-making process to the final glazed piece, you are rewarded.