artist statement

I find a deep familiarity with the natural world. When I am fully present, I notice how nature reveals itself in its nuances — the bizarre, the uncanny, and an effortless beauty that seems almost accidental. This reverence for nature inspires my work, particularly my exploration of fluid, organic forms and simple, intentional glazing.

In my ceramics practice, I approach the clay with mindfulness and presence, allowing it to guide the process. This intuitive, somatic connection creates a dialogue between the material and myself. I embrace accidents and flaws, letting them inform the final form. These imperfections echo the natural world's uncontrived beauty — fluid, organic, and serene.

Drawing from my yoga and meditation practitioner background, my work is as much about process as it is about product. Each piece reflects a delicate balance, inviting viewers to explore the emotions and curiosity that arise when confronted with imperfection.

stoneware, textured glaze, 14x8x12 in.
stoneware, textured glaze, 14x8x12 in.
stoneware, textured glaze, 14x8x12 in.
stoneware, matte and shiny glazes, 14x16x8 in.
stoneware, matte and shiny glaze, 14x16x8 in.
stoneware, glaze, 16x10x7 in.
stoneware, glaze, 16x10x7 in.
stoneware, matte glazes and copper oxide wash, 15x18 in
stoneware, matte glazes and copper oxide wash, 15x18 in
stoneware, slip and underglaze, 14x6x6
stoneware, slip and underglaze, 14x6x6
stoneware, underglaze and shiny glaze, 12x6x6
stoneware, underglaze and shiny glaze, 12x6x6
stoneware, slip and matte glaze, 12x6x6
stoneware, slip and matte glaze, 12x6x6
stoneware, slip and matte glaze, 12x6x6
stoneware, matte glaze, 6x11x11
stoneware, matte glaze, 6x11x11
stoneware, matte glaze, 6x11x11
stoneware, underglaze and shiny glaze, various sizes
stoneware, glaze, 5x4x3 in
stoneware, glaze, 4x2x3 in
stoneware, 12x8 in
stoneware, 12x8 in
stoneware, 15x5 in
stoneware, 15x5 in
stoneware, underglaze and clear glaze, 15x4 in
stoneware, underglaze and clear glaze, 15x4 in
stoneware, underglaze and clear glaze, 15x4 in
stoneware, clear glaze, 16x8x8 in
stoneware, clear glaze, 16x8x8 in
stoneware, clear glaze, 16x8x8 in
stoneware, clear glaze, 16x8x8 in
stoneware, clear glaze, 8x5x5 in
stoneware, clear glaze, 8x5x5 in
stoneware, clear glaze, 2x3x3 in
stoneware, clear glaze, 4x1.5 in
stoneware, clear glaze, 4x1.5 in
stoneware, underglaze and clear glaze, 3x1.5 in
stoneware, underglaze and clear glaze, 3x1.5 in

somatic clay workshops

Over the past couple of years,

I have had the honor to facilitate a variety of workshops from coil building, human figure shaping and basic wheel throwing.

The Somatic Clay Workshop is a bit different. I decided to use my past experiences and training in yoga, meditation, trauma-informed facilitation, and nonclinical art therapy training, to develop a unique interaction with clay.

The purpose of the workshop is to facilitate a container where participants can become present, ground into their bodies and connect to clay as an opportunity to explore personal narrative and emotional wellbeing.

Through the use of a guided meditation, physical touch, archetype cards and playing with clay, the goal is for participants to discover something new about their personal story, or if there is already awareness around a certain story, to explore a new angle or perspective.

I offer this workshop to individuals or groups in community and retreat settings.

clay workshop testimonials

  • “This experience was completely open - it was an opening of my senses, my mind, my body and my connection to what’s around me. Working with the clay and seeing where my hands went showed me where my intentions were and how I wanted to shape myself.”

    Katie

  • “The progression of the exercises helped/encouraged my soul to become open. I wanted to open to my muses and found I was able to just play, rather than be goal oriented.”

    Lynnae

  • “I felt very moved by the experience today. It made me feel more centered within myself. It has inspired me to get more connected with nature and clay as well as explore my creative side more than I already do.”

    Rachel

  • “I loved all of this. It was challenging but invited me to be more creative. I valued the sharing circle. It was so enriching to hear everyone’s story.”

    anonymous

  • “I loved the free form of the experience and the ability for my body to lead my creativity. The structure of having a joint led meditation and creative structure also worked well to balance out my logical/ADHD mind with my creative needs.”

    Jessyca

  • "Federika’s class was so healing and profoundly impactful. It awakened a part of me that needed to come alive, especially during these uncertain times. I am deeply grateful and would take another class in a heartbeat."

    joan