Artist Statement

I studied for several years at Hornsby TAFE ceramic department, where I learned many different techniques of working with clay. I was most often drawn back to hand building which I find contemplative and relaxing. In 2005 I discovered a way of working clay that was unusual but highly enjoyable to me and I spent a number of years exploring the possibilities of hand pleating clay.

This work has been interrupted by osteoarthritis in my hands.  An inevitability perhaps.  So I had to find a new way of working with clay that didn't put as much pressure on my thumb joints. 

Once again I was drawn to the power of translucent porcelain, together with textural shadows.  I had been given some Keraflex porcelain to try out - a thin, flexible sheet of raw ceramic materials.  I found I could get it to adhere to my porcelain clay and so began my current work.

I sgraffito, etch and paint onto Keraflex panels.  I coil build forms with porcelain coils that have been hand rolled. I then cut windows and insert the Keraflex.  When dry the work is single fired to cone 9.