I met Jack Troy in 2011 at Ox-bow when he was teaching a two week wood firing workshop that Counted for my last college credits at SAIC. During the few conversations I had with him, he asked me the questions that led me to decide to try and be a potter for a living. The massive amount of knowledge he gave me along with that brief bit of guidance led me to rent my studio and focus my time and energy where I could to making pots. That process began during that workshop and four years later I was finally able to quit my last restaurant job. Thanks Jack for helping me see the possibilities. #claygratitude (at Ox-Bow, school of art and artists’ residency)

During this particular pit firing in 2011 with my great uncle Chuckie we burned all of the furniture in his studio along with the pruned branches from his olive trees. While it burned we sat listening to Egyptian pop stars from the 70’s, making paper from the bark of his trees. Over many years he has given me guidance with my art and been an inspiration, working hard and being brave and hopeful in the face of darkness. More than anything I am grateful for the true friend I have on the other side of the world. Love you uncle Chuckie. #claygratitude (at Orot, Hadarom, Israel)