My first experience of working with clay was in elementary school. The feeling of it between my fingers, I have never forgotten. The part that was most interesting to me was the limitlessness of the material. It can literally turn into anything! How exciting to think that what you can make anything from a coffee cup to a monumental sculpture. I was hooked. And have been my whole life.

Scripture says, "But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand." Isa 64:8
This is a verse that echos in my mind when I work with clay. Just as I push and pull the clay into the desired shape, so the Lord is fashioning me through the sanctifying work of His Spirit.

Fast forward a lot of years, and I am still hooked. That's why I still make an effort every year to find some clay, find a kiln, and bring ceramics into my art-making practice. It's good for my heart and hands!

Every step of the process (kneading, building, drying, firing, glazing) reminds me of the parallels with which God works in our lives. Here are a few process pics below. You can see how much the clay transforms from beginning to end. In Picture 1, the raw material, then the various stages of drying the glaze prep in picture 2. Then putting the glazed pieces into the kiln, firing, and then the anticipation to open the lid and see inside, in photos 3 & 4. What a change!

Exciting News…I have had the opportunity to make a fundraiser ornaments this year!

The First group that is dear to my heart is Called to Care, which you can read more about here. As you know, I am Sumter County’s Director for our local chapter. We share the love of Jesus with the Foster Care community in practical ways. This year our county has already helped 52 children! A portion of the sales will go to Called to Care.

For the Love of Ceramics