From Shoreline to Studio –
It all begins with the sand and walking.
This short film offers a glimpse into how my daily walks along Lake Michigan inform the textures and surfaces in my studio work.
Walking the Beach Along Lake Michigan
I take regular walks along the beach. As I walk, I notice how the color of the water changes as it stretches toward the horizon. Lake Michigan feels like a freshwater ocean. The waves can be powerful, and the shoreline often feels wide and open.
Winter Patterns of Sand, Snow, and Ice
In winter, strong winds sweep across the lake and push ice onto the shore. Sand mixes with snow and ice, forming patterns that change from day to day. I’m especially drawn to the lake in winter. The landscape is quieter, and the details feel more present.
Wind, Waves, and Changing Shorelines
As spring and summer arrive, the wind and waves continue their work. Sand shifts into lines and ridges. Waves carve new ledges into the beach, sometimes overnight. These changes are subtle but constant. Nature reshapes the surface again and again.
From Daily Walks to Studio Sketches
After walking three or four miles, I return to my studio. I sketch what I remember seeing. I often note the date and refer back to photographs from that walk. When I’m making new work, those sketches and images help me return to a specific moment and place.
Translating Beach Textures Into Ceramic Form
My goal is to capture the essence of what I experience at the lake. I hope the textures and patterns on my ceramic pieces remind you of time spent at the beach. As I work, I pay close attention to how form and surface interact. I want each piece to invite you to slow down, turn it in your hands, and look closely. Reminding you of what I see when I begin at the beach and the sand.
Working With Glaze and Lake Michigan Sand
After careful consideration, I apply slips, engobes and glazes. Years ago, I took a master glaze course where I developed a glaze that includes sand from Lake Michigan. The glaze was tested for durability and vitrified to ensure it is stable for functional use.
When you hold a finished piece, you can feel the sand in the surface. That texture creates a quiet, physical connection to the beach. It’s a small detail, but an important one. It brings the work back to where it begins.
Take care,
Cyndi
