TGR
The Groggy Rabbit was born from the celebration of this alternative. It started with my love of ceramics and other handcrafted goods and became something that can evolve and grow as I do. Something named for both the texture of the clay bodies I prefer and the way I endlessly feel in the mornings—groggy.
My own identity is tied so closely to the symbol of a cottontail rabbit. Rabbit is a childhood nickname I was called for my inability to sit still and my endless churning of ideas and creative projects. This symbol has shown up in my life again and again, and always reminds me of the child-like joy I still possess when I create—a joy I pass on with every piece that comes off my wheel, a joy now mixed with the complexity of human emotion we’re only able to untangle fragment by fragment.
The rabbit can be found repeatedly in my work, hidden or obvious, particularly in the sgraffito designs, so reminiscent of the illustrations in the picture books my grandmother use to read to me. My favorite? The Velveteen Rabbit, of course.
You can find my work in San Diego, California and, now, in Gorham, New Hampshire, where my home studio is located.
Clay as a Canvas.
I view my vessels as canvases. Some are simple in nature—a solid color or subtle gradient. Others are narrative, at least to me. The rabbit is a long-held symbol in my life, and I’ve adopted her as a representation of myself and my perspective of the world. The stories etched into my vessels often surround her or the other creatures on her journey and reveal stories of my past or of the women before me. They are carved into vessels for you to use so those stories can become folded into another, so they are passed on, however quietly or misunderstood.
Function.
The ceramic work I produce is, first and foremost, functional. I strive to find ways to craft multi-purposed vessels in an effort to keep a home full of intentional, well-crafted goods. TGR pots are just that—thoughtfully designed, crafted, and tested.
My work is a delightful blend of easy forms, illustrative designs, and neutral textures and colors. These items are so integral to the simple, daily habits of being human and speak to my heart about celebrating impermanence and leaning into the imperfection that makes us so joyful, flawed, and quintessentially alive. There is a blend of art pieces with accessible pieces, allowing multiple price points to find something lovely.
Generational Wares.
There is something so lovely about anything handmade. I think it’s the knowledge that someone’s presence, energy, and heart went into an object, however mundane that object’s purpose might be. That, for me, is why ceramics have become such a love. They’re a small celebration of presence and impermanence while offering alternatives to a world overwhelmed by consumerism and cheap one-offs. Instead, we have durable, sustainable pots that can be used for decades—generations, really.
Commissions
Commissions range from entire dinner sets, wedding gifts, and lamps, to napkin holders, individual mugs, and vases. Commissions are accepted all year-round, but please note that there is an influx during holiday seasons. Commissions & made-to-order pieces typically take 6 weeks and require upfront payment.
Semi-custom orders (orders for customers choosing from a vessel that is already crafted) typically take 1-2 weeks to complete.
Shipping times vary based on weight and time of year.
It is a rare chance for ceramicists to contribute to the art of design within the wedding world. This seemed a perfect marriage between my photography and my stoneware. Wedding wares are an intensive process. For this reason, I ask planners for a minimum of 8 weeks notice for moderate projects and 14 weeks for large-scale designs. This is the same request for restaurants and cafés, but please send me an e-mail as timelines may be shorter during certain periods.
Thank you for supporting small artists and sustainable products. This little girl would be amazed to know that her incessant need to create has lead to this, to you, decades later, and to the vessels that will now spread that creative joy.