Latest Projects

How I Create

Clay is one of the earth’s most organic, natural resources. When designing with clay I am naturally drawn to create pieces that replicate nature’s textures, patterns and forms. Using clay as a building material also makes it easy to adapt my work into more structural, geometric forms. If I am to be a true artistic student of the world around me it is important to allow exploration and inspiration in both arenas of organics and geometry. Relying on both outside visual context as well as more soulful allowances helps me to create starting with a mere lump of clay.

About CHRIS

After retiring from a 34 year career teaching art in the Galesburg School District, Chris quickly started plans to build a new studio space mainly dedicated for clay work. Although stoneware clay for both functional and sculptural work is the main media Chris uses, she also works two dimensionally in painting, drawing and collage work.

Functional Clay Works

Using both brown and white stoneware with cone 5/6 glazes and underglazes, Chris creates several different groupings of functional pieces. Mugs, crocks, bakeware, plates, platters, bowls, vases and trays are among the useable items.

Drawings

Fantasy and detail are the usual focus for Chris’s drawings. Drawing from a ‘visual file cabinet’ works are often a combination of ideas from the imagination and real life. Pen and ink, colored pencil and pastel are the tools of choice.

Sculptural Pieces

Using rounded forms such as platters and bowls as the base, Chris creates many pieces derived from both organic textures and geometric designs on the surfaces altering them from a functional service. Large vases are also constructed to become more than a vessel by utilizing strong form, texture, line and color that draw the viewer away from mere function to a sense of sculpture.

Paintings

Although few in number, Chris’s paintings are done in either watercolor or acrylic. This is an avenue she hopes to explore further if life and time allow!