Some time ago, I realized I preferred hand building to throwing pots on the wheel. I like the intellectual process of conceiving a form, working it out in clay, creating a template for the pieces that are needed, and then putting the pieces together to make the pot. Using slabs allows me to decorate the surfaces with embossing, stamping and slip before I build the pot. This additive process inspires endless shapes and gets me away from always working in the round. Building the pieces becomes a meditative process and I love working quietly in my studio. Most of my influences come from the man-made world. I am particularly fond of Chinese bronzes and Asian ceramics. Their spare silhouettes are clear and strong and seem to have an inner peace. This love of simplicity and clean lines informs all my work. Having people appreciate or even buy my work is inspiring and encourages me to keep inventing pots.