North Carolina, and I graduated from Erwin High School in 1978. That's where I had my first ceramics classes, and I was hooked from the very beginning. After high school, I worked in various factories in the Asheville area, including Sayles Biltmore Bleacheries, Gerber Baby Food, and Steelcase. Life took over, and I focused on raising my family - my wife Debbie, her daughter Crystal, and our son Kyle.

In my later years, I found myself drawn back to ceramics. I started taking classes at AB Tech in 2012 and was accepted at Squeaky Wheel Potters Studio in 2016. Being part of this community has been an incredible experience. I served on the kiln committee for five years and then as treasurer on the Board of Directors for three years.

My passion for ceramics is driven by my love for earth tones and natural forms. I enjoy creating functional pieces that reflect the beauty of the natural world. Recently, I've been experimenting with incorporating glass into my work, which adds a whole new level of texture and interest.

If I could give advice to someone starting out in ceramics, I'd say don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. Ceramics can be unpredictable, but that's also what makes it so exciting. Keep practicing, and don't be too hard on yourself if things don't turn out as expected. Most importantly, have fun.