Who I Am
I'm a potter from northeast Wisconsin. I work with mid-range Stoneware, specializing in wheel-thrown, functional tableware. I love rich colors, matte textures, and am inspired by the night sky and our Wisconsin garden.
Several years ago, I began learning about Ollas, and soon became fascinated by them. After some experimenting with clays, and seeking the help of a wonderful ceramic artist, I made some for myself, and a few for my Etsy shop. I was quickly blown away by the interest in them, and for good reason . . . they work! In my view they are as brilliant as they are simple. Porous clay vessels planted around the garden and filled with water . . . they reduce water use by up to 70%, approach near 100% water efficiency, reduce weeds, and encourage stronger root systems. What could be better? .. . . Al Gore says we 'can't all do everything, but we can all do something.' I figure that making information about Ollas available is one thing I can do. Making affordable Ollas available to people is another. I now divide my time between making Stoneware tableware, and making terracotta Ollas. My hope for this web-site is that it might function as an Olla 'resource.' I'll do my best to keep it current with information on Ollas and how to use them, and to answer any questions you may have. If you have information you would like me to include, please contact me! |
My HistoryI've loved pottery since I took my first class in high school. I'm intrigued by everything about it . . . the clay, the wheel, mixing the glazes, the unpredictability of the firing, and to my surprise, even the marketing!
But it's taken me a while to get here! I went on to college and studied business, married a great (and patient!) guy, started a family, and began a career in social work. I've had a couple different jobs and lots of changes through the years, but always there has been my family, and always there has been the clay. My 'hobby' has grown into a business slowly. First, I bought a used wheel, then I took some community classes, then bought a kiln, then had the great fortune to work with my friend and mentor, potter Eric King. Finally, on a starry winter night in northern Wisconsin - the kind of night where anything seems possible(!) - I began to think about starting a pottery business. It has taken a few years, but here I am! Pottery life is a great life! Thanks for your interest in me. |