running with a theme

I’m a firm believer that you must enjoy what you’re doing in art and currently, I’ve taken a real fancy to what I call “ocean textures.”
I live on the coast but don’t actually like the beach—thanks to a “near-death” experience as a child—but I’ve always loved the mystery of what lies beneath the surface. The ocean itself is majestic, isn’t it? It’s more water than the human mind can really comprehend. It’s powerful—deadly!—yet peaceful, relaxing, and full of astonishing life.

Years ago, I went on a cruise with my family and spent hours just staring out the cabin window at the waves. SO MUCH WATER. What secrets lie beneath?

We visited a few small islands. It was supposed to be fun, but honestly, I found it heartbreaking: coral crushed by hundreds of tourists tramping over it, and local people trying to make a living by selling cheap trinkets imported from China with the island’s name scribbled on. It was sad… but I digress :)

Back to ocean textures!
I’m genuinely excited to spend time next year creating an Ocean Texture Series. Clay lends itself beautifully to this theme. I’m using Raku clay, which has a sandy grog that naturally echoes the feel of shells and stone. And because clay dissolves in water, any markings I make can be softened back—just like the tide softens a sea shell.