My favorite art to create is functional pottery that carries meaning. I take ceramic forms like mugs, bowls, plates, and decorative pieces, then embed sea glass collected from the coast into each design. I love turning something naturally weathered by the ocean into art people can use every day. It blends craftsmanship, history, and storytelling into one piece. Every item is unique because no two pieces of sea glass are ever the same, making each creation one of a kind.

I find inspiration in the outdoors, both above and below the water. As a commercial diver and fisherman, I see beauty many never experience. Underwater, I’m inspired by ocean textures, marine life, and movement. Above water, I draw ideas from coastlines, driftwood, forests, and fungi growing on trees. Beach walks and diving for sea glass show me how nature shapes everything over time, and that beauty is reflected in my work.

With $25,000, I would upgrade my studio from a small wine cellar into a proper workspace where I can create comfortably and teach classes. I’d invest in a newer kiln, like a Skutt, to improve quality and production. I would also build an online store to reach customers across the USA & internationally. Part of the funds would go toward travel and booth costs for more art shows and markets. Most importantly, it would help grow a handmade business built on storytelling & sustainable ceramic art.