Description

Beneath the forest floor, mycorrhizal networks connect trees in systems of exchange. These fungal webs allow trees to share nutrients, water, and chemical signals, much like a close-knit community where individuals offer support during times of need. Just as people collaborate to help one another thrive, these networks enable weaker or stressed trees to survive by facilitating the transfer of resources. This is just one example of interdependence within the natural world that mirrors the way human communities flourish through care, collaboration, and mutual aid.

In the context of an environmental crisis, grounding ourselves in the natural world becomes crucial as we are frequently disconnected from it. It’s easy to become consumed by the routine and chaos of our human lives and lose sight of what truly matters. By celebrating the interconnectedness of ecosystems and communities, my goal is to inspire empathy, comfort, and understanding through thoughtfully crafted utilitarian objects that reflect the importance of supporting one another.

Clay, as a medium, resonates with me for its utility, permanence, and transformative nature. Every hand-thrown, hand-carved pot captures the immediacy of the making process, embedding each small movement in the form forever. In particular, I work to embody the warmth, resilience, and beauty of Southern Appalachia. My focus on ecology stems from a background in sustainability, and the imagery in my work draws heavily from Appalachian flora, fauna, folk art, and personal iconography. Along with clay, I also incorporate a variety of other traditional crafts into this show – all these pieces were made during work-exchanges at regional craft schools. These schools are non-academic institutions that preserve traditional craft techniques while also fostering creativity and experimentation.

All of my craft education has been facilitated through craft school work-exchanges and community studio classes. These experiences have provided me with invaluable technical knowledge and introduced me to a network of makers who prioritize collaboration, non-hierarchical learning, and mutual support.

Thank you endlessly to the communities at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Penland School of Craft, the John C. Campbell Folk School, and most importantly, Mighty Mud.