“We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness. ” - Thich Nhat Hahn

Artist Statement

Once a long time ago I started reading a book about chaos theory that left an indelible impression on me of the infinite connections in our delicate world. The shapes, forms and patterns of very small things are reflected in immense things. Order emerges from chaos, and while the patterns repeat, they are never truly the same. Every pattern we observe confirms that change is the ultimate, underlying truth of the universe. Years later another book, The Beginners Guide to Constructing the Universe which explores the profound, underlying meaning of number, pattern, and symbolism in art and nature, would deepen my knowledge and interest in the web which connects the universe. It re-introduced me to the geometric principles behind ancient works of art and architecture, and revealed the ways in which these great creations of mankind mirror natural forms and shapes, and embody the underlying meanings that resonate in the souls of humankind. My work is an invitation to meet in that place inside of each of us which is beyond words where we experience our relationship to the vast greatness of the universe and are awed. 

The plants and animals I explore in my work are chosen because of their place in the web of connection, their meaning, the fluidity and grace of their forms, and for the ways they delight me. I call my work "the ecology of Mim." This ecology includes plants, trees, flowers, insects, birds, and reptiles, many of which are humble or overlooked for more exotic or flashy species. It is the lovely and tragic Luna Moth that captures my imagination rather than the more spectacular butterfly. It is the bane of yards everywhere, the dandelion, which I champion as a useful edible and medicinal plant, and honor as the bearer of the deepest wishes of the inner child. The simple violet is as compelling as the sacred lotus. And while swans with their grace and elegance find their way into my work, so do the harsh calling crows and ravens, clever intelligent bearers of mystery and messages.

As I continue to explore my personal ecology and the techniques and tools of my craft, new and different creatures and plants call to me. Sometimes inspiration requires that I alter the form itself, breaking its circular symmetry to shape petals, the ribbed sections of a pumpkin, or a simple oval to reflect the idea of an egg. As I continue to study the ways different flora and fauna are constructed (to render them more fluidly and expressively in the forms, surfaces and additions to my pots,) glimpses of the fascinating mysteries of the underlying workings of the natural world reveal themselves, whispering of ancient mathematics, and new science. The golden spiral, found everywhere in nature, appears often in my work. I use carving, sculpted relief, sculpted and altered handles and knobs, and layers of painted glaze on the surface of pieces to achieve my goals. I work in stoneware, fired to a high temperature in a gas kiln, to make it durable, usable, strong. The transformative nature of combustion firing is important to me symbolically. Fire is only ever partly under control, which allows chance, and the element of chaos in the pattern to enter into the work. My life has been immeasurably enriched by this journey, and it is my joy to share this celebration of our spiritual and ecological connection with the world.

About the Artist

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