Inspired by the brushwork of Vincent Van Gogh, my sgrafitto carving of a Cypress Tree captures the grace and power of these beautiful trees growing here on the Monterey Peninsula. Stoneware clay. Height 8 inches. Diameter 4.25 inches. SOLD

Carved in a white slip over a rich red stoneware, this Pelican has a subtle dramatic presence. Living here in Monterey I appreciate and study the Pelicans. Their grace and power in juxtaposition with their slightly comical physique. The vase is glazed in a soft matte blue-green. Stoneware. Height 8 inches; Diameter 4 inches.

The carved bird is a design from Greece, the 2nd Millennium, BCE. The sacred water bird was a part of myths in ancient cultures. She carried the Cosmic Egg, containing our Universe, and was a symbol of Gaia, the Giver of life, happiness and death. The women, dancing in an ancient regeneration ritual are enclosed in a seed form, symbolic of new life. Thus I made my piece into the seed form. Dancing hourglass-figures were portrayed on ancient vessels as engaged in rites for 3000 years. The Moon was a symbol of becoming.
This piece is 3.75 inches tall by 3.5 inches in diameter.

This small vase depicts the Snake-limbed Goddess as depicted on a Palatial Cretan Sarcophagus, 14th -13th Century BCE. The Snake appears in many ancient Creation Myths. In one Greek myth, Gaia the most ancient Goddess, created the first snake Ophion from the North Wind. Together, they danced upon the waves of Chaos and created the Cosmic Egg from which our Universe was hatched. The snake's seasonal renewal of shedding its skin made it a sacred symbol of immortality for our ancestors. The flowing designs of Spirals were believed to awaken dormant life force and were associated with healing. These designs were carved on the walls of Paleolithic caves (15,000 BCE). Stoneware Clay. 4.5 inches diameter.

This small sphere is meant to bring you a sense of wonder and peace.
The design of a Water Bird is from Minoan vase, Crete from the 16th century BCE. The sacred water bird is linked to universal myths in ancient cultures, considered to be one manifestation of the Great Goddess, Gaia, giver of life, happiness and death. This bird carries the Cosmic Egg which in Creation Myths, contained the entire Universe.
The Moon was a symbol of becoming. The Spiral designs, originally painted on cave walls, were believed to awaken the life force and aided in healing. The hands, also painted on the cave walls of pre-history, were symbolic of healing and the energizing touch of Gaia.
This piece is 3.5 inches in diameter.

The Great Blue Heron is one of my favorite birds. I always feel blessed when I catch a glimpse of one. I carved this image in the Sgrafitto Technique. The contrast of the black and white image is balanced by the soft green glaze.
I create my pieces to be used in daily life. Enjoy!

This small box has the design of a Rose on its lid, with a part of a poem by Rumi on the side:
"How does the Rose ever open its heart
And give to the world all of its beauty?
It feels the encouragement of Light upon its being,
otherwise we all remain too
frightened."
The box comes with a soft pad (removable) inside to protect whatever precious item you might want to keep in it.
The box is 4.5 inches in diameter and 2.75 inches tall.
I include a copy of the poem with the box.
If you have a favorite poem you would like inscribed on one of my boxes as special gift, please contact me.

The Cypress trees that line Carmel Beach often catch my eye. Their silhouettes are beautiful against the sky, either blue or foggy gray. Carmel beach is known to be dog friendly and there are always dogs walking and playing.

I used the Sqraffito technique on this piece. This is a decorative technique where, after I throw the piece on the wheel, I coat it with a fine colored slip. I then carve my design into the slip, revealing the white clay underneath. The final step of glazing the piece protects the carving. The inside is lined with a removable cushion to keep something precious safe.

Stoneware clay with glazes. 4.75” diameter x 3” tall. SOLD