"My desire to create ceramic artwork is fueled by the responsive nature of clay. The medium is extremely sensitive and faithfully records the most delicate touch. The physical intimacy inherent in a process as direct as coil building infuses my forms with the spontaneity found in nature. My current interest lies in creating objects of sensual beauty while finding recourse in living systems, both plant and animal. The resulting objects appear familiar yet they are simultaneously foreign. My vases are reminiscent of internal life systems, with narrow openings concealing their interior space. Conversely, exploiting their generous interiors, the bowl forms exude the impression of precipitous growth." - Tracy Shell