I was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, in an environment steeped in art, and moved to the States as a teenager. After college I went to Japan as an English teacher, and accidentally fell in love with clay. Becoming an apprentice in the famed town of Mashiko afforded me an incredible introduction to the world of ceramics, and the magic of firing traditional wood burning kilns. After two years in Japan I continued to learn in the States through apprenticeships and workshop with studio potter Otto Heino and ceramic sculptor Paul Soldner. After establishing my home studio, workshops and artist residencies have served to augment my artistic vocabulary and to work collaborate with other artists. Most recently, I was at the Cider Creek Collective in Mendocino, California.

Over the years I have continued to participate in wood firings. It is a privilege to participate in one of these firings, and requires a devoted, hard working community to complete the many days and nights of continuous stoking. The reward are one-of a kind pieces that reflect the magical alchemy of fire and flying ash landing onto the pieces and forming a natural glaze.

My passion lies both in throwing functional pieces on the wheel, and in hand building sculptural and ritual objects. I suppose my style reflects both Japanese and European influences and sensibilities. Formulating and testing new glazes is endlessly intriguing, and I am always in search of somewhat muted, rustic and textural effects. The connection to nature and the elements is always present in my artistic vocabulary.

I find greatest satisfaction in seeing the relationship that develops between the object, and the person who uses it, sometimes daily. Something as simple as a favorite coffee mug or tea bowl, or that special flower vase, can elevate the seemingly mundane to a ritual of beauty and appreciation. This is what gives me meaning as the maker.

My home and studio are down a dirt road and up on a hill on the outskirts of Grass Valley. Here, I make all my work, mix all my glazes, and fire my electric and gas kilns. I also teach wheel throwing to adults and children, and host workshops with visiting artists. Clay and fire are what feed my passion, and being able to share that passion with so many friends, and strangers, is a joyful experience.