Mud Man's Bio

I have had the 'clay bug' since 1986 when I took my first Adult Ed class in wheel throwing in St. Paul, MN.  With the help of numerous instructors and workshops, I was able to sustain my passion of making pots throughout a corporate career.  With the luxury of retirement, I am now able to focus on pottery, which includes the teaching of wheel throwing in multiple locations.  My home studio is located in Hingham, MA on the South Shore of Boston.  I sell my work from my studio and at select local venues (noted on the Schedule page).

Influences
I have had the opportunity to learn from numerous skilled potters but two have had significant influence on my potting skills.  Michael Gabriel of St. Paul, MN is an artist of multiple mediums and a very skilled potter. Michael is not afraid of taking chances with his throwing and glazing and produces functional ware that is a pleasure to use.  Michael's natural enthusiasm is infectious and is a large reason why I stuck with pottery in the early stages.  Odion Ogogo of Lagos, Nigeria comes to clay from a very different culture than Michael but is as skilled and enthusiastic.  Odion throws exceptionally fast and thin and showed me what it takes to be a production potter.  Odion introduced me to larger shapes, teaching me how to make African water jugs, and shared his techniques for smoke-firing pots.  I've always appreciated the techniques and skills these two artists have shared with me but I'm especially glad that clay introduced me to their friendship.

Philosophy
I don't really have an 'artistic statement' of my own to share.  I do, however, believe in the oft-stated maxim that "a pot is not complete until it's been used".  I love to throw pots and then know that people are using them.  My hope is that people will want to touch and pickup the pots that I make.  I derive great learning and encouragement by selling at craft fairs and talking with potential customers.  Seeing what shapes and glazes prompt a pot to be picked up is invaluable to me.  This interaction is the "moment of truth".