FAQ
How do I visit the studio?
The best way to visit the studio is to call ahead or email me and make an appointment. 609-954-2994 or use our contact form. I work between two locations in Lambertville, NJ and in Boston, MA. It is necessary to contact me directly to discuss timing your visit. Each studio is open only when I am in town and on site. For directions please visit our directions link.
Is the pottery food safe?
Yes. All pottery is made with non-toxic materials and is totally food safe, as well as dishwasher and microwave safe.
Can I custom order pottery?
Yes. I often create custom platters, bowls, mugs and other items for any number of occasions. If there is a form you see in my galleries, but would like to see it with a different pattern, I can custom-make the form with that particular pattern. I also often produce custom imagery for a special occasion such as a birthday, a wedding, or a retirement. Please call or contact me to discuss the details and prices.
Can I buy pottery online?
Yes – Please visit our SHOP page, or contact me directly if you do not see what you are looking for or if the shop is offline. I may have something in stock, or may be able to make it for you directly.
Can I custom order tiles?
Yes. A significant part of my business is to work with individual clients on designing a custom tile installation for their homes or offices. Please call or email to set up an appointment to discuss your project.
How does the custom tile process work?
- First, I typically like to meet with the client and talk through what their ideas are for the installation. I will usually ask for photos of the room, or an opportunity to visit the site. I will also ask for exact measurements and samples of colors and surfaces used in the room – such as countertop samples, wall paint colors, floor material, and furniture color.
- Second, I work ton drawings of several variations on a few different ideas for an initial presentation. These variations have a range of imagery ideas and a high and low budget range. At this presentation I talk through the ideas with the client and get reactions to the different plans and budgets. This is an opportunity to focus and refine the project to the client's needs.
- Third, I work out a final set of images for the installation and present it to the client. We can refine the images further from there, if necessary, and can talk through more specific color choices.
- Finally, I work on the actual production of the tiles. Clients are welcome to visit the process along the way from wet clay to finished glazed tile.
Do you install the tile?
Sometimes. If your home is undergoing a larger construction project, I prefer that your contractor make the arrangements for the tile installation. If that is not available, then I am able to do the installation.
Do you give any classes?
No. I don’t do any regular classes. However, I do work with groups for workshops to produce tiles for a particular community project such as the Roosevelt Mural or the Nat Turner Park in Newark.
Can I buy a tile panel I see in your Public Arts galleries?
No. All the work for the Public Art installations are unique pieces commissioned for the site and are covered under US copyright. I am able to create new tilework along similar themes, but I cannot duplicate these public artworks.
Do you have exhibitions in other galleries?
Yes. The footer at the bottom of the webpage lists links to the galleries that carry my work regularly in their shops. There is also a link for any current exhibitions I am participating in.
Could you do a wedding registry?
Yes. I have done complete wedding registries for clients in the past. After discussing what the couple would like to include in the registry we will create a special active web page for the wedding couple from which guests can view and order. Please contact me to set up an appointment.
What is sgraffitto pottery work?
Sgraffitto is an old technique where the claybody, in this case a tan stoneware, is covered with a layer of a contrasting clay color. The image is sketched on lightly and then carved through the top layer of clay to reveal the clay body underneath. The negative space of the image is carved away leaving a slight texture to the piece. In my studio, I then glaze the entire piece with a transparent glaze.
What is a Salt Pig?
A Salt Pig is an old English utensil for storing salt on your countertop next to your stove. Traditionally the interior was unglazed to help absorb some of the moisture and prevent the salt from clumping. A "pig" is an old Scottish term for a pottery vessle. The large openning allows one to reach in and grab a pinch of salt and toss it into your cooking. Some people use them for alternate uses as well - such as storing dog treats or plastic bags.