The primary energy I bring to my ceramics practice is slow, intentional meditation - spirituality. It is the basis of my approach to both the potter’s wheel and my surface decoration techniques. It helps me rhythmically throw clean, elegant forms on the wheel, and funnels through my inspirations to create the physical results in my work. My central inspiration is history - cultural, architectural, geometric, and botanical patterns throughout time and place. I combine elements from these myriad sources to build my own patterns and visual language. Even though the physical process of decorating is quite slow, it feels rhythmic and focused in the mind - like solving a puzzle. It becomes about design - how the elements fit together and across the whole surface or form. One of the most profound joys of making and presenting this work is that it reaches people of so many different cultures. I am frequently told by others that they see something in these pieces that reminds them of their background or lived experience, even if I didn’t intentionally make it so. I hope to continue to reach the souls of others in this way.