Bio
I was born on October 12, 1972 and grew up in Southern California.
My interest in music took me to the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. Not very keen on the rigors of the Conservatory I decided to find another area of study knowing very well that I would continue to play music even if I chose not to study it. At the end of my sophomore year I accidentally discovered the art department and in particular the ceramics studio. The second I saw a person throwing on the wheel, I knew what my major would be. The thought of a job or financial security never entered my mind. It was completely an intuitive decision.
The next three years would be spent with faculty and peers that became like family to me. I spent many hours in that ceramics studio. My professor, Dick Kakuda, had a huge impact on my development. His influence is still strong and very few days go by when I don't think about him.
It was Dick that encouraged me to apply to the International Workshop of Ceramic Artists in Tokoname. I did and was not accepted. I spent most of the next year improving my portfolio and applied again. This time I was accepted. I spent a month in Tokoname, Japan living and working with not just Japanese artists, but people from all over the world. It was a phenomenal experience and would inform a large portion of my future work.
I am currently living in Portland, Oregon where I have set up a studio, joined a band (leighmarble.com) and thrown caution to the wind. It is an exciting place to be right now, a place that I think holds a tremendous amount of potential for personal growth. The food's not bad either.
Artist Statement
For some reason in my mind I'm stuck in some barren tundra-like landscape where the Rocks stand like sentinels and the Sky is a swirl of white and grey. Often when the Wind blows, you get a hint of the Ocean that is just out of view. Things happen slowly, imperceptibly here. Life exists, but you have to look.
You have to look...
I make objects because it feels very human to me. It gives me a sense of participation in this time I have been given. I am always at a loss for words when I view the perfection of Nature. My work is a feeble attempt at interpreting its wonders. Nonetheless, I feel a need to work with materials that in a visual or tactile way take me back to our elemental roots. What machine can do this?
I am captivated by the daily use of an object. I try to design pieces that feel good to use and in return provide joy to the user. When you pick up one of my mugs, I'm not trying to have a conversation with you. I would like you to think about how that piece is contributing to your experience. Remember that a person made it.