The leaf impression seen on my pottery comes from my favorite sugar maple in the back yard. Due to the maple trees being bare during the winter months, I preserve the previous year's maple leaves by freezing them in water. I press the real leaves into the soft clay knowing that they will burn away during the firing process.  Hand mixed glaze is then applied around the natural leaf impression giving each vessel its' own individual organic look and feel. My pottery is a constant reminder to count my blessings.  I hold a basic unassuming form, I shape and sculpt the accents; add the hand mixed glazes that reflect the colors of the earth.  I see how the vessel changes as the form is refined in my kiln, coming out beautiful,strong, and functional.  This process is like my own life, continuously being shaped and formed in the Master Potter's hands.  Looking back at each vessel and my life, I see how far we have come.