Keri started throwing in high school and immediately felt connected to the rhythm, process and possibilities of clay.  The relationship between form and function of each piece thrown on the wheel was limitless. She fell in love with the whole process: a simple lump of clay- earth- thrown on a wheel or shaped by hand into something of beauty and utility.  In college, clay paired well with anthropology studies, navigating through different cultures, resources and vessel shapes.  After graduation, she built a gas kiln and loved the challenge of the atmospheric firing – the late nights, the flames rising out of the chimney and peep holes, the mix of control and luck in the final outcomes from the mouth of the kiln. 

Now in midlife, Keri uses an electric kiln instead of gas and makes mid-fire rather than high-fire wares. Solar panels on her roof acknowledge the energy use involved in this process.  She gravitates towards functional wares, combining simplicity and often sculptural details to create movement... small tumblers in red clay for daily use, detailed face pots somehow sea urchin-like, or leggy vessels that may walk away. Some things haven’t changed since Keri first started working in clay; She continues to be amazed by how versatile and beautiful ceramics are, and how the process connects her to the earth and people. That connection centers her. And there is nothing like drinking from a favorite mug in the morning or the beauty of a vase holding fresh cut flowers…