The design of the pots submitted to the SOQ are in part inspired by Emily Carr’s “Scorned as Timber, Beloved of the Sky” (1935). I have long been obsessed by the singular tree on the horizon, making it a reoccurring theme in my work. Similarly, and not surprisingly, given the work is thrown on a wheel, which spins and that I am so influenced by the ocean and water, the spiral is another regular motif that shows up on my pots.

This particular design, features a lone tree and is intended to evoke a sense of strength or standing tall. Depending on my mood, sometimes it also evokes a sense survival or “I will get through this.” I hope that users of this pottery, will feel a connection to the tree as both a literal representation of nature as well as a symbol strength and perseverance.

The more subtle markings represented in the swirls, are intended to both play on the sense of water that is integral to life but to also be indicative of how everything in life is interconnected and inter-dependent. This theme is more prevalent in the cups and mugs which feature a spiral both inside the cup and on the underside with each of the roots also forming a curly-que.
The idea of carrying a design onto the underside of cups and mugs became a focus for me during the pandemic. During the first few months of this challenging time, I watched team mates on endless zoom calls “worrying” and practically ringing-out their cups, as anxiety worked its way from their bodies, through their hands and into their coffee cups. I felt that the bottom of mugs should offer a smooth tactile experience for the hands, as part of this anxiety release and a visual surprise for whoever might be sitting on the other side of the screen or across the table from the cup users, perhaps even sparking a conversation or connection between people during this time of isolation. The roots of course, are also intended to reflect a connection that we all share to the earth and its systems.