Life Vessels, has traveled a long and evolving path. The concept first emerged during my graduate studies, taking shape in ways I couldn’t yet fully articulate. I briefly revisited the theme at the turn of the century, working in clay once more before stepping away. When I returned to clay in 2023, I found myself instinctively exploring these forms again—though their meaning remained elusive.

It wasn’t until May of 2025 that I had a revelation: these vessels are reflections of life itself. They embody the losses we endure – the holes cut into the pot leaving voids, the journeys we take – the lines around the pot, and the episodes that mark our existence – the marks, dents and dots on the pot. Each piece with handles and the relationship of those handles to each other speaks to the relationships that define us—whether with a spouse, a parent, a child, God, or something more abstract. Some connections are symbiotic, flowing seamlessly between entities, while others are starkly perpendicular, clashing and contrasting in unexpected ways. And within each vessel, there is an untold tempest, symbolized by the tail of the lid spiraling down into the pot—the inner struggles we conceal from the world, even from those closest to us.

Like life itself, these vessels are composed of many distinct parts, all converging to tell a singular, deeply personal story.

My Life Vessels pieces consist of 3 series currently; Clay Bag Series, Unusable Teapot Series, and Tempest Bowl Series. 

My journey with my Clay Bag series, began in 2023 when I rekindled my passion for working with clay. After participating in a transformative workshop, where I witnessed a skilled potter create an elegant oval vase from a thrown form, I felt inspired to return to my studio and experiment with this technique. The process of manipulating the clay after shaping the cylinder captivated me, revealing a world of diverse forms and possibilities. I began to incorporate elements such as lids and handles, challenging both myself and the material to explore new creative boundaries. As I worked, I discovered that the forms I was crafting began to tell stories—narratives that resonated with my experiences, emotions, and the complexities of life. My nonverbal intuition, guided by my right brain, often outpaced my verbal thoughts, leading me to reflect on relationships, inner struggles, and the emotional highs and lows that shape our existence. This exploration marked a significant turning point in my artistic journey, allowing me to finally comprehend the deeper meaning behind my creations, which I now refer to as my Life Vessels.

Throughout my artistic journey, I have developed a profound passion for crafting expansive, wide-open bowls, and my Tempest Bowl series exemplifies this dedication. Each bowl is meticulously designed with a delicate edge, often measuring a mere 1/16th of an inch or less, showcasing the intricate artistry involved in their creation. The swirling lines that adorn the surface of these bowls symbolize the tumultuous storms and tempests that we all encounter in our lives, evoking a sense of emotional depth and complexity. These bowls are not merely functional art pieces; they serve as poignant reflections of the emotional turbulence we experience. Their fragile appearance belies a sturdy construction, representing the resilience we cultivate in the face of adversity. As one gazes into the mesmerizing swirling patterns, it invites a moment of introspection, prompting us to consider our own personal storms and the beauty that can emerge from chaos. This series aims to foster a sense of connection, reminding us that even amidst life's challenges, beauty persists, and stories unfold. Each bowl is a unique creation, capturing the essence of a fleeting moment, a memory of a tempest that has shaped our existence.

The My Unusable Teapot Series serves as a foundational exploration that paved the way for my subsequent Life Vessels Series. In this initial phase, I delved into the art of pottery, transforming simple vessels into intricate works of art. Each piece was characterized by its unique scale, the intentional voids, and the tempestuous lids that intruded upon the inner spaces, creating a dialogue between form and emptiness. This period marked a significant journey of experimentation with clay, allowing me to push the boundaries of my creativity. It was a time of discovery, where I began to understand the deeper meanings behind my creations, which would later be fully realized in the art produced in my later series.

A mug form I originated in graduate school.  A mug that is meant to be mingled with as you can't put it down while it contains anything.