Commissioning Process
I am both at the cutting edge of digital fabrication and linked to the tradition of ceramics. I am motivated by a love of experimentation and a passion for creating work that tells a story and delivers impactful experiences. Understand my artistic process below.
1 / Inspiration
I am inspired by the intricacies of flora, the artistry of patterning, and the complex geometries of contemporary forms. There is beauty in our surroundings and I seek to bring it to life.
For commissions, I seek inspiration in the unique contexts of projects, such as local flora, the ornamentation of adjacent historic landmarks, or the geometry of the interiors and exteriors that my work will complement.
2 / Digital development
Once I develop a pattern and form that inspires me, I translate my two-dimensional sketches and drawings into digitally modeled 3D geometries that will be materialized in space. My parametric design process allows me to explore scale, dimensionality, and the link between the overall form and intricate infills before I begin working with the physical material.
3/
Experimentation + Fabrication
A key aspect of my work is experimentation and prototyping. I enjoy physically hacking existing machines and all my work is made on 3D printers I built. I spend hours in my studio experimenting with clay bodies, scales, geometries, connections, and glazes. Each final piece is the result of countless prototypes.
For commissioned projects, clients are provided with final prototypes for approval upon request.
4/
Hand Refinement + Firing + Glazing
I am not interested in the perfection of machine-made objects and the imprint of my hands is evident in the details, since each piece is refined by hand once it leaves the printer. The pieces must then dry for several days before kiln-firing. Once bisqued, they are removed from the kiln, glazed by hand through traditional artisanal methods (if applicable), and then kiln-fired once again.
5/
Coordination
I have extensive experience coordinating the integration of my site-specific work into projects. This includes collaborating with clients, architects, and interior designers at the outset of a project, working with engineers during design development, and working with general contractors and masons/tile installers to ensure a smooth installation.
6/ Packaging & Delivery
I consider the logistics of shipment, installation, and maintenance from the outset of a project.
Projects within a 50 mile radius of my studio in Pittsburgh are often delivered by me; projects outside this range are shipped from my studio to the client. Either way, the work arrives clearly labeled, protected, and ready for installation.
7/ Installation
For large scale projects, I include a detailed graphic and set of step-by-step installation instructions. I can also be contracted to supervise installers, ensuring a smooth system installation. I also provide ongoing maintenance instructions, though you can be confident that using ceramic means my work is color-fast and easy to clean using standard cleaners.