Altar Pots

I first encountered clay at the same time that I began practicing meditation. It has been more than 10 years since those first encounters, and clay and meditation continue to be the twin pillars upon which my life revolves. My studio practice is an ongoing exploration of how contemplative and artistic practices can intertwine - how they can support and further each other. So I was thrilled this Fall to receive a commission to make 100 sets of altar bowls. 

Each set contains a woodfired bowl, showing off the raw clay, as well as a white and black glazed bowl. 

The bowls will be available Spring 2016 from The Organization of Nature Evolutionaries, as part of an "Altar Kit," containing a cloth, basket, and pamphlet, along with this set of bowls. I enjoyed thinking, as I was making these, of the way they will come to be used. An object becomes sacred, I believe, not because of how it is made, but because of how it is used. Still, I think something of the makers mind and heart is transmitted through to the final product. In this sense, the fairly simple act of making a bowl becomes an activity that encompasses my whole life. I am excited to be making more and more pots for the alter these days - pots to hold offerings, candles, incense, flowers. I would love to hear from you if you have any ideas for forms that would be helpful for your alter or sacred space, it would be a true honor to make them.