I learned to make pottery 50 years ago from Henry Okamoto at the Clay Art Center in Port Chester, N.Y. Henry taught me about the Japanese tea ceremony and the concepts of wabi sabi and shibui. He opened my eyes to the beauty in everyday things which may at the same time be imperfect, simple, plain, even old and worn. These ideas freed me from the disappointment of failing to make things perfect, and allowed me to experience the pleasure of making useful objects. I taught pottery for 25 years in high schools in New York and Massachusetts, meanwhile continuing to make my own work. Now I work in my studio in Brooklin, Me. making functional stoneware. I am still inspired by Japanese traditions.