Melissa has been working in ceramics for over 20 years. She creates utilitarian stoneware pieces that play with color and lines to create pieces that are comfortable.

The desire to make objects from clay has remained a driving force in my life. For the last 20 years, I have worked to develop both technical skills and creative expression.

I make what I feel and I always want my art to speak for itself.

I like to alter thrown pots with contrasting cuts and edges. Sometimes I add screws, nuts and bolts and metal handles to make it interesting. Creating assemblage pieces out of reuse materials and clay trimmings is another focus of mine.

There is always something new to create. I love the feel of porcelain as I push the limits of its elasticity and its translucency. In our world of excess and need, fusing art and function makes sense. I am happy to make art that can be used by people on a daily basis.