As a ceramic artist, tiles have been the focal point of my work for the past several years, I am always expanding on ideas for textures, tessellated patterns and subject matter. I continue to make my own tools from clay, by carving and shaping stamps and rolling pins to use as the background textures in my compositions. My latest work explores the use of tiles as a canvas that is not connected physically, but through the composition. The branches flow into the panel next to it visually if not physically. I am really excited about the three dimensional elements on the tiles, please have a look at my portfolio.
Last spring my children and I planted giant sunflowers in the two foot strip of land between our house and the driveway. They came up, in all their glory, with their giant seed-filled heads bending at their weight. The height was spectacular, they reached our dining room window, which was perfect for us to observe the colorful birds who came to feed on their bounty.
Goldfinch, cardinals and sparrows perched on the back of the giant sunflower head and bent their neck down so their beaks reached the seeds. They plucked them and cracked them and devoured every last seed. Not only was it thrilling entertainment for all of us, but I hope it will be a lasting memory for my boys that will instill an appreciation of nature.
