After working in clay and making utilitarian, wheel-thrown work for many years, the opportunity for a change in direction has been delightful. My recent work is more about content and expression than about form and function. After my recent travels to Faenza, Italy and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, I have embraced a different way of working. There is a sensuality that exudes from these cultures rich in spirituality. The thought that spirituality and sensuality are closely connected is the basis for my current work.

As I work on wheel-thrown and altered container forms, I add spiritual as well as erotic symbols. The controlled glaze patterns have a Faentine reference but also represent structure and control. Selecting to leave some exposed terra cotta gives the piece a raw, earthy look. The arch form makes reference to architecture as well as the symbol of spirit or religion. I also use floral references which have a very sensuous aspect to them.

Working in a more expressive manner is exciting to me. I am interested in the dynamics of opposites that coexist in the world - one depending on the other, pulling and pushing in an effort to find a balance. From the construction of the form to the decorative surface, the idea of opposing forces is clearly a part of my work. As I continue my work, I look forward to the road ahead and am excited about the journey.