My current work is made up of symbol systems much like the ancient language of Cuneiform. Like Cuneiform, my language is written in clay. While the pieces of clay were generally small tablets my work tends to be wheel thrown ceramic pottery but I do also create tablets. The marks I make are very linear in nature and are applied through the method of sgraffito.

My sgraffito work is primarily made from two symbols. The first symbol is a scallop shape. It seems the possibilities for design creations with this symbol, one intertwined with another or overlapping, are endless. Some large, some small depending on the pattern in my internal vision for the wheel thrown vessel in my hands. The work can look as delicate as crochet or it can take a more solid form. This shape can be changed to accent the curves and appear more like waves or can be made more angular. I see the shell of the scallop as an undulating, yet geometric shape. It brings me joy to carve this shape.

The second part of my language is made from two perpendicular lines, the first line at approximately a 45 degree slant like a front slash \. Then the perpendicular line comes off of that, usually near the center but sometimes higher. I make additions to this symbol and it changes the feel of it.

The form of my work is evolving to incorporate shapes that will work together with the surface. I am presently working to find a shape I would like to use as a focus. This part of the journey has just begun.

It brings me internal peace to carve into clay. The order in a chaotic world. For centuries sgraffito has been used. The clay dictates when it is ready to be carved. Too soon and the design will not be crisp. At just the right moment, it is incredibly satisfying. It can take hours to carve one piece but there is no time in this space. The world falls quiet and I am alone, at peace, with my clay.