Like many other artists I gather inspiration from life experiences: from the world I am in and the things that are around me. My first trip to Italy was in 1997, where I fell in love with the bucchero pottery of the Etruscans, the culture that pre-date the Romans in the Italian peninsula. Returning a dozen times over the past 25 years, my appreciation for the pottery of this ancient culture has only deepened. Graceful forms are complimented by black velvety surfaces, with a sense of delicacy and drama within each piece.
Modern Italy also stirs my senses. From the café culture to slow food, or the evening passegiatta- the Italians seamlessly weave tradition with modernity in their daily experience. Family is important, food is meant to be appreciated, and eating well can be done with relative ease.
Enjoy some pictures of the magical place I consider a second home, together with a few pieces I made there.
 
          
          
        
      Piazza Repubblica, Cortona Italy
 
          
          
        
      Summer Festival, Piazza della Repubblica, Cortona
 
          
          
        
      Etruscan Bucchero at the Villa Giulia
 
          
          
        
      Vase
 
          
          
        
      Tall double handle urn
 
          
          
        
      Amphora with three openings
 
          
          
        
      Sunset over the valley
 
          
          
        
      Double double handle vase
 
          
          
        
      La Vendemia- making wine with the locals
 
          
          
        
      Cloudy view from the studio
 
          
          
        
      UGA ceramic students at work
 
          
          
        
      Vase with Gladiola
 
          
          
        
      Orvieto, holding a 600 year old pot
 
          
          
        
      Museum in Orvieto
 
          
          
        
      at the Mostra Exhibition
 
          
          
        
      Volterra Askos
 
          
          
        
      Pair of Vessels, long handles
 
          
          
        
      Sunset from the studio
 
          
          
        
      Pasticceria (pastry shop) in Asissi