From Maremma to Milwaukee: Reclaiming Space Through Art

Coming back to Milwaukee after my Italian adventure has been quite the adjustment. The peaceful landscapes of Maremma feel worlds away from the political tension bubbling here at home. It's like I went from soaking in a thermal bath to being dropped into the middle of a heated debate – culture shock! This stark contrast hasn't discouraged me, though. If anything, it's fueled my creative fire. When the outside world gets overwhelming, where better to retreat than my studio?

In Italy, I was fortunate to learn from artisans whose families have perfected their crafts for generations. These artisans transform simple materials into pieces filled with history and soul using techniques passed down through centuries. Watching them work was a profound reminder of what patience and tradition can create.

Inspired by these experiences, I'm pushing my ceramic work in new directions – specifically, going bigger and bolder. I'm creating larger forms that serve practical purposes while sparking conversations. Each piece responds to our complicated times while honoring traditional techniques.

Ready for their first firing

I've always juggled my dual identity as cultural strategist and artist. This balancing act has its challenges, but these two parts of my life increasingly inform each other. The issues I encounter in my work often find their way into my art, transformed through clay and fire into something tangible.

As Stephen Sondheim put it: "Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos." My newest work blends techniques recently learned with reactions to our current moment, where craft meets concerns. Working with clay feels particularly fitting: dirt transformed through pressure and heat, emerging as something entirely new yet connected to its origins.

In the coming months, I'll be sharing pieces that document this chapter. I'd love for you to join me on this continuing path between Maremma and Milwaukee, between tradition and innovation. Through exhibitions and studio updates, I hope to create opportunities for conversation about art's role in helping us make sense of our world.

Stay tuned for news about my upcoming shows starting in June with fresh work.