Paula Joyce Neville

Marquette, Michigan, USA

Title: Winter Berry

Year of Creation: 2009

Glaze: Copper matte, transparent and Shaner Red Wash

Clay Body: Stoneware, cone 10

Dimensions: Height 24 inches, Width 7.5 inches

Artist's Statement: Creativity is an inner fire, mystical substance that feeds our souls. The mystical journey drives us into ourselves, to a sacred flame at our center.

I want my work to reflect the goodness in nature, and goodness we have within. The beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers portraits of bitter cold and driven snow as well as the promise of rebirth, the sweetness of living things in bloom and the dignity of maturity.

As an artist, I offer my best labor to the forces of nature. Even after I have done all I can to create something in my own image, I offer my work to the fire. The kiln's fire has the final say.