More About Me

I’ve had quite a journey with clay. I’m currently the Chief Clay Officer and proud “Soul Proprietor” of Journeyman Ceramics, based in Bend, Oregon, where I’ve been for the last 17 years. My love for ceramics didn’t start smoothly, though. I first encountered clay while studying for my undergraduate degree in Fine Arts Sculpture in Massachusetts back in 1998, and I failed miserably at it (and I’m the first to admit that!). Thankfully, life has a way of guiding you back to where you’re supposed to be. A good friend, Seth Rainville, was teaching wheel throwing at the Phoenix Art Center, and that’s when things really clicked for me. My passion for clay was born.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of developing my skills through apprenticeships, traveling through Arizona and even Belgium, while also earning my Masters of Education from NAU. Throughout this journey, I’ve come to believe that working with clay is not only a craft but also a deeply mindful and meaningful practice. There’s something ancient and grounding about working with clay—it connects us to our ancestors who have used it for over 10,000 years for both utilitarian and expressive purposes.

In the fall of 2019, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a full-time artist. And while the pandemic in 2020 brought unexpected challenges, I persisted. Now, I’m working out of my home studio in Bend, teaching both adults and children how to use clay as a tool for mindfulness and creativity. When I’m not working with clay, you can usually find me playing bass or spending time with my two black cats, BAT and D’Art, who are always by my side.

For me, pottery isn’t just about creating functional objects—it’s about tapping into a tradition that teaches us more about ourselves, our communities, and the world we live in.