Nature’s Palette Collection
“Nature’s Palette” is my latest body of work, a series of trompe l’oeil ceramics that invites the viewer to engage with the world of nature in unexpected ways. Derived from the French term meaning "to fool the eye," trompe l’oeil has a long-standing tradition of optical illusion in the arts. In this collection, I explore this technique through the textures and details found in the forest, where the beauty of the natural world becomes both the inspiration and the medium.
Each piece in this series transforms the fragility of decaying trees into artful objects—whether as bowls, wall sculptures, or vases, capturing the intricate details of driftwood, bark, and fungi. The work blends the organic textures of nature with the unpredictable nature of ceramics, offering a delicate balance between the material’s potential and its capacity for transformation. In doing so, I hope to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, questions of how something so lifelike can be rendered in clay, and the unexpected beauty that emerges from the tension between illusion and reality.
The inspiration for this collection comes from my daily walks in the forest, where I observe the subtle intricacies of trees and fungi in their natural environments. I take photographs to study later, but often, it’s the direct, in-the-moment observations that inform my work. This process of interpretation allows me to capture a particular essence of nature, rather than an exact replication. Through the slow, meticulous application of various clay bodies, glazes, and underglazes, I aim to create a visual feast—inviting the viewer to pause, reflect, and appreciate the tiny, often overlooked wonders of the natural world.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fascinated by the symbiotic relationships within nature, particularly between trees and fungi. In Nature’s Palette, I’ve incorporated these elements into the sculptures in new ways, celebrating the interconnectedness that sustains the forest ecosystem. It’s my hope that these pieces inspire conversations about the beauty of nature’s complexity, and encourage a deeper sense of connection with the world around us.
Ultimately, this collection serves as a reminder to slow down and take in the details of our environment. It celebrates nature’s ability to evoke wonder, gratitude, and joy—the small miracles that are always there, waiting to be noticed.
The Gathering View 1 14" x 14" x 7.5" (2024) Handbuilt Ceramic Sculpture with underglazes and glazes, multi-fired in oxidation
The Gathering embodies my quest to translate the ephemeral beauty of nature into a lasting artistic expression. Inspired by serene forest walks, this piece intricately weaves together fragments of memory, transforming clay, an elemental medium, into a tangible reflection of fleeting moments. Each sculptural element evokes the cycle of decay and rebirth, reminiscent of nature’s transient treasures. Through this work, I aim to bring the peace and calm of the outdoor world into everyday life, inviting viewers to appreciate the transformative power of craft in the home while fostering a deeper connection to the natural environment. -The Gathering View 2
Unfurling View 1
Unfurling View 2 11" x 11" x 7.5"
Captivated 7 X 14 X 14
Celebration Size: 6 X 9.5 X 9.5 in. Hand-built Ceramics,
Joyfully Decorated
The Dance Size: 6 X 8 X 8 in. Hand-built Ceramics,
Secrets Size: 16 X 8 X 4 in.
Healing (Wall Mounted) 27 X 7 X 4 in.
Grey Matters 16.5 X 8 X 6
Strength and Dignity 19.5 X 9 X 9
Growing Together view 1 7 X 10 X 10
Growing Together View 2 7 X 10 X 10
Delights of Decay (Wall Mounted) 25 X 8 X 3.5 in.
In the Thicket 5 X 11 X 11 in.
Nestled (Wall Mounted) View 1 Size: 26 X 5 X 3.5 in. Hand-built Ceramics,
Nestled (Wall Mounted) View 2 Size: 26 X 5 X 3.5 in. Hand-built Ceramics,
Wonder 20 X 7 in.
What Lies Within (Wall Mounted) View 1 50 X 5 X 3.5 in
What Lies Within (Wall Mounted) View 2 50 X 5 X 3.5 in