Stokes County Quarry

Early on as a kid I discovered the joy and challenge of creating objects with my own hands.  My Grandfather spent many patient hours working with me on building a variety of woodworking projects.

Papa, as he is affectionately known in our family, is a craftsman.  A stonemason by trade, but able to navigate many different materials depending on what the project needs.  He has helped teach me what it means to be kind, patient, and creative.  

I am interested in liminal space.  An area of transition where there is no clear definition of the beginning or ending points.  Up until this project these liminal spaces have been geographic.  Based on landscapes I have experienced. Stokes County Quarry begins to think about liminal space in terms of time.

The time it has taken to finish this piece is an important part of process.  These pieces have been made and fired over the last five years.  It is my way of honoring and memorializing my Grandfather's history as a stonemason.  During this period I took every chance to sit and talk with Papa.  Asking him questions about his childhood, working in a shipyard, time in the Army, raising his children, being a husband, owning his quarry, restoring antique furniture, traveling, and anything else he would share with me.  The project continues to evolve and grow as I spend more time with my grandfather and continue to reflect on his life.