I am beginning a series of “Geological Totems”, made of steel with wood-fired or stoneware clay sections. In loose terms, they represent strata of stone peculiar either to sea or to land. My intent when I first began to think of the totems was that the clay elements be white stoneware that would, over time, become stained by rain and rust flowing down from the steel sections. While I still have this in mind for future works, I had an opportunity to participate in the firing of an anagama wood-fire kiln belonging to my friend Ruri. The effects of atmosphere and ash depositing and melting to form a glaze layer on the clay revealed some unanticipated delights.

At right are a 76 inch totem and a detail shot. Because of the construction and installation methods, the totems are virtually unrestricted in height, and can appear precarious, yet be completely stable.

The table shown below owes its inspiration to the Japanese landscape motif called Kare Sansui, or Dry Stream; another expression of my fascination with weathered stone.