Artist's Statement & Brief Bio
I have been an artist in the Crystal Valley, just outside Carbondale, CO, for many years.
I have a passion for clay, and for excellence in creating functional work that is vital and unique, strong in form, yet quiet. I am looking for beauty, generosity, rightness of proportion and varied surfaces in my work – with elements of surprise. I fire my work in a soda/salt kiln, or with wood. My primary focus in clay has always been functional pots, which still fully engage my attention. My pieces are mostly wheel-thrown.
Although much of my work is in the high-fire range, I also make terra cotta, majolica glazed ware, in the tradition of brush-decorated Italian and Mexican ceramics. I am drawn to the richness and warmth of red clay, and the lush surfaces of tin-glazed majolica. Diane by Fresh-Fired Soda Kiln »
Before the Firing: Wood Kiln Partially Stacked |
Recent Wood-Firing Crew: Steven Colby, Diane, and Ben Stout
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The Same Pots After the Firing!!
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My real, true love in clay is porcelain. I love the way the clay feels and the way it handles on and off the wheel. Porcelain highlights the details, shows off the glazes and wood or soda fired surface, and stands up to daily use with great vitality.
Living in the West, so suffused with beauty, feeds my soul and gives me the inspiration, courage and vision that I need to keep changing and working as an artist. I always wish I had more time to fire one more kiln, to make one more run of whatever form…but there they are for now. It makes me very happy when someone tells me that they drink out of one of my cups every day! I love making pots, what else can I say!?
I got my start in clay in Kansas City, MO, at the Kansas City Art Institute. I have worked as a potter and teacher for almost 30 years. I am the (former) founding director of the Carbondale Clay Center.
My work is available at my studio Showroom, just six miles south of Carbondale: Directions to my Studio.