I was fortunate to have learned the fundamentals of working with clay from a gifted young teacher in the 70’s.

Dennis Staats was my mentor throughout my high school years. He took me under his wing as an independent study student.  He taught me how to mix clay and glaze, how to construct and consider a pot; the foot, lip, and belly, the inside and outside spaces.  How does a cup feel when you touch it and bring it to your lip? He taught me that clay can be an instrument and be formed to express ideas and emotions.

Clay=poetry. Clay=life. I found my material! I am eternally grateful to both.