Hollow Work Ceramics

09/30/2026

Photo shoot with musk melons.
Aren’t they beautiful?
They taste like cantaloupe!
Grown on a DC roof farm by Cat :)

06/28/2026

Yesterday was the 2 year anniversary of my friend Chad’s death so I figured it would be a good time to share images of the urn I made for him. I made the form over a year ago but didn’t finish decorating it until recently.

How does one ‘decorate’ an urn? Chad was an artist. He was a doodler. He was a musician and an ‘outside of the box’ thinker.  He was absurd and I loved that about him.  He was into decoration
so It occurred to me that he would appreciated a bit of experimentation, a bit of bizarre imagery, some stream of consciousness–don’t think too much about it-creativity.  It’s how I make my ‘Contemplates’. I use dinner plates from the thrift store, just a couple of bucks each, and collage commercially printed ceramic decals onto them.  I work with piles of decals surrounding me and a pair of scissors, and I grab and cut and stick things together and see what works. They are studies in compositional choices and a chance to notice the conversations that can occur between images.  It’s surprising, delightful, and often humorous.  I never know what will happen.  By using the commercial plates it feels less precious, and that’s a fun ‘no pressure’ feeling that works well for the making of ‘Contemplates’.  Anyway, Chad always liked these plates and he owned many. He was a supportive friend.  He encouraged my weirdest art enthusiastically.
 
For many years I’ve had visions of working like this – quickly collaging and then firing on the decals - but with pieces that took time to make, but I’ve been intimidated and distracted and time flies by etc etc. So, I really had a ureka moment while trying to figure out how to decorate this Urn! What better way to pay homage to Chad than to throw caution to the wind and improvise? It felt a little bit like making music. I know he would approve.

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

This weekend! Please come visit ‘WILD THINGS - The Art of Kusamono’
a beautiful festival at the National Arboretum!

I will be there selling pieces I’m very excited to share. I’ll be there on Friday only, but the festivities will be all weekend, including workshops and demonstrations. Young Choe’s workshop includes one of my pots to create in :)

This festival has been arranged and created by Young Choe
Look at her page to see her magical art. It will take your breath away!

This three-day weekend event is devoted to the Japanese botanical art of kusamono. Discover how wild grasses, wildflowers, and other small native plants may be artistically arranged to suggest miniature representations of natural habitats. Often displayed alongside bonsai as an accent, kusamono stands on its own as a complete expression, emphasizing simplicity, seasonality, and a sense of place. Come see the exhibit and watch free demonstrations every day in the museum’s Exhibits Gallery. Buy kusamono plants, soil, and ceramics from vendors on the East Terrace.
FONA

05/06/2026

Hi Friends! I’ll be at the National Arboretum this coming weekend for the Bonsai Festival!

Here are some I made

💚Come by and celebrate nature 💚
Go for a walk in the arboretum. It will definitely make you happy!

Friday 5/8 from 9-4
Saturday 5/9 from 9-4
Sunday 5/10 from 9-3

04/30/2026

I’m excited to share this work with you! These bonsai pots have been in my brain for many years and it feels good to follow through. I think that might be one of the hardest parts of making art!

04/30/2026

Hello Friends!
I hope you can visit me at the National Arboretum for the Potomac Bonsai Festival. I’ll be selling pots made especially for these magical little trees. I’m thrilled to be participating again this year. It’s a fun and intimate event filled with people who are incredibly passionate about this living art form. Held each year on World Bonsai Day weekend, the Festival is hosted on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue NE in Washington, DC.

‘Join us for a full weekend of bonsai exhibitions, live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, children’s activities, and vendors from across the country. Preview the Festival on Friday with bonsai vendors and bonsai displays. A special ceremony officially opens the festival on Saturday at 10:30 AM, featuring bonsai leaders and dignitaries.

This year, we are excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum and the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Join the party!’

Friday May 8th, 9am - 4pm
Saturday May 9th, 9am - 4pm
Sunday May 10th, 9am - 3pm

04/19/2026

Finally finding time to try an idea I’ve had in my head for years. The black will turn a sepia once fired so I’ll share pics again once they’re done. I’ll likely add some flowers too because I can’t help myself!
Anyway, I’m excited about these! They are pots. I’ve been wanting to use imagery on them that relate to the scale of the trees. Stay tuned!

I’ll be participating in the Bonsai Festival at the National Arboretum 5/8-5/10.
I’ll post more information soon!