Severson Dells Series
When visiting Severson Dells, a nature preserve in Rockford IL, in spring 2025, I recorded the different birds I saw. In the following weeks I spent hours throwing mugs to use as a base, then painting and carving each by hand. Each one is unique and special, representing a unique bird that visited Severson on the same day I did. They are all birds native to Northern Illinois and equally important to the ecosystem.
"Severson Dells: Baltimore Oriole", Ceramic, 2025
"Severson Dells: Black-Capped Chickadee", Ceramic ,2025
"Severson Dells: Blue Jay", Ceramic, 2025
"Severson Dells: Eastern Bluebird", Ceramic, 2025
"Severson Dells: Eastern Meadowlark", Ceramic, 2025
"Severson Dells: Indigo Bunting", Ceramic, 2025
"Severson Dells: Palm Warbler", Ceramic, 2025
"Severson Dells: Rose-Breasted Grosbeak", Ceramic, 2025
"Severson Dells: White-Breasted Nuthatch", Ceramic, 2025
Ceramic Journal Series
Since Spring 2023, I have spent countless hours bird watching. My love and appreciation for birds grew, and during that time, I began to log each bird as I saw it. Now I want to share these sightings with others while evoking the beauty and unique qualities each species has. This is an ongoing project that aims to journal and illustrate every bird I have ever seen and will ever see. Each mug depicts a male and female from the species, with a handle made from found sticks and secured with artificial sinew and beeswax.
"Ceramic Journal: Pileated Woodpecker", ceramic, wood, & artificial Sinew, 2024
"Ceramic Journal: Pileated Woodpecker", ceramic, wood, & artificial Sinew, 2024
"Ceramic Journal: Peregrine Falcon", ceramic, wood, & artificial Sinew, 2024
"Ceramic Journal: Peregrine Falcon", ceramic, wood, & artificial Sinew, 2024
"Ceramic Journal: Dark-eyed Junco", ceramic, wood, & artificial Sinew, 2024
"Ceramic Journal: Dark-eyed Junco", ceramic, wood, & artificial Sinew, 2024
"Ceramic Journal: Northern Cardinal", ceramic, wood, & artificial Sinew, 2024
"Ceramic Journal: Northern Cardinal", ceramic, wood, & artificial Sinew, 2024
"Ceramic Journal: European House Finch", ceramic, wood, & artificial Sinew, 2024
"Ceramic Journal: European House Finch", ceramic, wood, & artificial Sinew, 2024
