Native Missouri Series
This series explores the various native species that inhabit Missouri. Many of these I pick due to my connection to them. The critters and creatures I’ve grown up next to.
MISSOURI CRITTERS, 20259.25" x 10" x 10"
Earthenware clay, slip, terra sig, underglaze
This vase features some "critters" native to Missouri that were drawn, carved, and painted. These critters include cicadas, earthworms, carrion beetles, and more. Many of these organisms are decomposers and play a crucial role in the ecosystem, breaking down and recycling dead organic matter.
Featured Species: American Burying Beetle, American Carrion Beetle, Annual Cicadas, Banded Pennant, Black-and-Yellow Lichen Moth, Dung Beetles, Earthworms, Eight-Spotted Forester, Fireflies (Lightning Bug), Four-Spotted Lady Beetle, Giant Walkingstick, Ladybeetles, Periodical Cicadas (and larvae), and Roly-polies.
MISSOURI NATIVE BIRDS, 202512" x 12" x 12"
Earthenware clay, slip, terra sig, underglaze
This piece highlights backyard birds—specifically the ones I see every day at my porch feeder in rural Missouri. The accompanying text lists the title and a short description. I used a combination of carving and stain to create depth and make the birds really stand out against the background. Keeping the surface unglazed reinforces the natural connection of the material and subject matter.
Featured Species: American Robin, Blue Jay, Carolina Wren, Common Grackle, Field Sparrow, House Sparrow, Tufted Titmouse, Turkey Vulture
MISSOURI'S GREATEST, 20257” x 4.5” x 3”
Stoneware clay, slip, underglaze, stain, cone 6 clear glaze
Using underglaze and slip trailing, this piece highlights two native Missouri waterbirds: the Great Egret and the Great Blue Heron. I find these waterbirds have a mysterious and almost mystical quality to them. Their physiques and snake-like necks make every pose striking. I incorporated a lot of slip trailing with minimal carving to help add depth. I really love the quality of linework and motion I can get with this technique.
Featured Species: Great Egret, Great Blue Heron
MISSOURI NATIVE GRASSES, 20253.5” x 3.25” x 3.25”
Earthenware clay, slip, underglaze
This cup showcases four native grasses of Missouri. I used slip-trailing to help the grass feel more dimensional and add some movement to the lines. Adding a stain helps bring out the fine details and is one of my favorite parts, as it really ties the piece together.
Featured Species: Big Bluestem, Eastern Gamagrass, Indiangrass, Riveroats
