Inspired by ancient Anasazi and Mimbres potsherds, Michael began making southwestern pottery nearly 20 years ago. He digs local clays from the ground near his studio in Woody Creek, CO. The clay is filtered to remove rocks and debris and then hand coiled to form each piece. Over the past 16 years Michael has studied extensively with Potters of the American Indian Pueblos and Mata Ortiz, Mexico. In 1989 he began an apprenticeship with Juan Quezada. His work is now uniquely his own, but the influence of this master ceramist remains deeply within his work. "My work addresses the innovation of traditional pottery. Over the past Twenty-five years I have studied extensively under Juan Quezada and many matriarchs of the southwest pottery traditions. Initially, I was drawn to ancient ceramics by the harmonious fit between vessel form and decorative pattern. Following that fascination I experimented for years with painting. Today my work continues investigating form and pattern using texture as the design element. I am fascinated with simple gestural shapes and how pattern evolves as it moves over the pottery surface. I enjoy the collaboration with outdoor Raku and bon-firing as they inject spontaneous elements into the work. The source of my creative energy is derived from contact with the natural world. I love the process of digging clay and forming these objects with my hands. Much of this work is a reflection of daily life."