In 1993 I fell in love with the movement of flame through a wood-kiln. Its sensuous quality is something I seek to capture in my work with soft forms, full curves and flame paths etched into the surface. This quest led me to an M.F.A. from the University of Iowa. I now own Mill Creek Pottery in Illinois, where my apprentices and I work to advance the cause of wood-fired pottery.

In 2013 I was a Fulbright Senior Scholar in Taiwan exploring the potential of local materials. Recently I have been a visiting artist, lecturer and kiln builder at The China Academy of the Arts in Hangzhou. Clay is central to my life.

When I first envisioned this program, I thought I would mostly be doing critique twice a month. Boy, was I wrong. Throughout my first year I found that each student's needs varied greatly and that professional development, writing artist statements, gallery representation, as well as community building all needed to happen. In 2022, I added a fantastic warm and welcoming manager, Ann Marie Cooper, as well as two teachers, and their enthusiasm and commitment have broadened the scope and power of this program. We added a lecture series, and guest critiquers, allowing students broader perspectives. We cross-pollinate ideas and sometimes meet in our full force of over 40 students.

I am excited to see what you are making, and more importantly what you are thinking. Critique and feedback are still at the core of my teaching, helping students see what they are making, and then refine their ideas. I feel very pleased that as the program has grown I have more and more resources to help my students next level their own work and careers.

The true power of Cohorts seems to be the nimble way small classes and personalized learning allows us to meet students where they are, and move forward as a group. I hope you will consider joining me in 2024 as we get better and more engaged in our studio practice.