Before Time Hand-built, Glazed Stoneware Painted wood frame 26"h x 26"wx 3"d 2003 Artist Private Collection

Before Time began as an exercise in shape, balance and texture. It was constructed during my advanced studies program with the sole purpose of pushing myself into difficult situations and then (at times with the advice of my instructor) learning how to get the clay and glazes to cooperate. All consuming at times, the results became most rewarding to me. The directions that I went in, the turns that I took along the way, and the expanding skills that allowed me to successfully reach my destination were travelled in a timeless state of creative consciousness. When I gaze at this piece today, I can still hear the bustling of the classroom in the background, the voice of my teacher and audience telling me to keep going, while I shaped that unique artistic expression which became my own "style".