Lusterware is defined as pottery that has a metallized glaze surface; a technique first developed in Mesopotamia in the 9th century BC. The Persians brought it to perfection. In time the Moro-Hispanic world and the Italians produced Majolica, a component of the process. Early golden vessels were revered like gold itself, and lustered tiles were used in the holiest part of the mosque and on the tombs of caliphs. Luster has always been recognized as very special, and the firing of reduction luster has traditionally been regarded as hazardous and difficult. "The art is so uncertain that often out of one hundred pieces of lusterware hardly six are good." (Piccolpasso, 16th c.) Eventually variations of lustered ceramics came to be known by collectors of the Arts and Crafts movement as Art Nouveau and Art Deco pottery.

Lusterware has a magical dialogue with light. The surface will translate a wide range of color with changing light. They especially glow when placed in indirect full-spectrum light (natural sunlight). Placed on a white or transparent surface they will project additional color. My vessels and tiles will entreat their possessor to fully exploit the changing surfaces.

My work is a contemporary adaptation of ancient Middle Eastern techniques. My objective is to achieve an opulent iridescent surface that reflects light, depth, movement and metal flashings. To achieve this spontaneous painterly surface, I fire the vessels and tiles several times, adding additional thin layers of glaze on the hard surface. I use precious metals, such as silver nitrate, gold chloride, platinum chloride, as well as copper, cobalt, vanadium, bismuth and manganese for colorants.

In the course of each firing I introduce solid combustibles into the red-hot kiln atmosphere, which produces dense smoke. This creates a reduction cycle which must be carefully monitored to correspond with kiln temperature. Luster glazes will "bloom" only within a limited temperature range, and the difference of a few degrees can destroy glaze formation. Some of the work is fumed in the same manner as did ancient glass blowers, by introducing heated chlorides to "halo" on the glowing surfaces.

My vessels are fine-walled forms, made from a unique earthenware claybody, which combine wheel-thrown and hand-build elements.

The vessels are watertight and can be hand washed with the same care given to fine china. Because silver and gold nitrates are used in the glazes these vessels are not meant for use with food service. The tiles can be hand washed and only require dusting. They will never fade or discolor.