Clay as a medium is the oldest and most universal art-making material and because of this, its relationship, partnership and evolution with humanity is inseparable. Clay has been used in every facet of human life from the culinary arts, to international trade, manufacturing, agriculture, the invention of writing and the construction of towns and cities. Even today, clay continues to play a significant role in the advancement of civilization. This primal element, therefore, because of its intimate partnership with man, is the perfect medium to help tell the story of the human race and its attempts to achieve virtue in personal, cultural, religious and societal levels. In many religions around the world, clay takes on deeper spiritual and ritual significance. Mankind* is often said to have been formed by clay. Many native cultures refer to Mother Earth and in Hebrew, Adam literally translated is red earth. The objective of this body of work is to provide a contemporary, relevant and accessible story of ceramic history and humanity's search for truth and goodness since the beginning of time. The work also intends to confront modern societal moral plagues as well as the existing barriers between ceramic craft and fine art. This discourse will occur through three progressive series or themes that start with historical and scientific facts in the Primal Element Series, proceed to research based investigation in the Ceramic Virtue Series, and end by addressing contemporary social issues in the Prophetic Revelation Series.

Gallery Representation

Rourke Art Gallery and Museum, Moorhead, MN
Underbrush Gallery, Fargo, ND
Lattitudes Gallery, Bismarck, ND