I’ve always believed that inspiration doesn’t have to come from faraway places. For me, some of the most profound ideas and emotions come from the world right outside my door in Argyle, Texas. Whether I’m walking through fields, observing a quiet creek, or noticing the way the sun hits a tree, nature constantly reminds me of the textures, colors, and shapes that I want to capture in my art. My work in pottery, sculpture, and painting is deeply rooted in these everyday experiences, and I love sharing that connection with others.

Seeing the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

One of the things I love about nature is that it’s always surprising. A simple leaf can have so many colors, patterns, and details that you might not notice unless you really look. I often find myself collecting these little details—not to copy them exactly, but to let them guide me in creating shapes, lines, and textures in my work.

When I’m painting, I’ll take inspiration from the shifting colors of the sky at sunset or the way shadows fall across a field. In sculpture, I might notice the curve of a branch or the rough texture of tree bark and try to translate that feeling into clay or stone. Even in pottery, the natural world inspires the forms I create and the glazes I choose. Nature gives me a palette and a blueprint at the same time.

The Role of Place in My Art

Argyle has a special charm that keeps me inspired every day. The rolling hills, open skies, and quiet corners of the town give me endless material to work with. I try to reflect that sense of place in my art, whether through earthy colors, organic shapes, or references to local landscapes.

Being connected to where I live also makes me more aware of the little things that might go unnoticed by others—a cluster of wildflowers along a country road, a flock of birds taking flight, the texture of weathered wood on a fence. These details might seem small, but they carry so much character and emotion, and translating them into art is a way for me to honor the beauty around me.

Translating Nature into Art

Bringing natural inspiration into my work is less about copying exactly what I see and more about capturing a feeling. For example, in my pottery, I often experiment with glazes that reflect the colors I notice outdoors—the soft blues of the sky, the warm ochres of the soil, or the deep greens of leaves. The shapes of my pieces might mimic natural forms, like the gentle curve of a hill or the irregular outline of a stone.

In sculpture, I love to explore textures and layers that echo what I observe in nature. Rough surfaces, flowing lines, and unexpected curves help my pieces feel alive and connected to the world around us. Painting gives me even more freedom to express the emotions that natural scenes evoke, whether it’s the calm of a still pond or the energy of a stormy sky.

Nature as a Teacher

Working closely with natural inspiration has also taught me patience and observation. You can’t rush a sunset, and you can’t force a leaf to reveal its hidden patterns. Art inspired by nature often requires slowing down, paying attention, and letting ideas emerge over time. That process has helped me become more mindful, not just in my studio, but in everyday life.

Nature also reminds me that imperfection is beautiful. Branches grow in odd directions, rocks are rough and uneven, and clouds constantly change shape. I try to embrace that same unpredictability in my work, allowing imperfections to become part of the story rather than something to hide. It makes my pieces feel more alive and authentic.

Sharing the Experience

One of the most rewarding parts of using natural inspiration in my art is sharing it with others. When someone holds one of my pottery pieces, sees a sculpture in a gallery, or experiences a painting online, I hope they feel a connection to the natural world too. Art can be a bridge between people and the environment, a reminder to slow down and notice the beauty around us.

I also love collaborating with local communities on projects that highlight the landscapes and culture of Texas. Whether it’s a public sculpture, a gallery show, or a small workshop, these opportunities allow me to celebrate nature while creating work that resonates with others.

Continuing the Journey

Being an artist inspired by local and natural surroundings is a journey I’m still on every day. There’s always something new to notice, a new texture to explore, or a new feeling to capture. Living in Argyle gives me the perfect backdrop for that exploration, from quiet mornings in the countryside to colorful sunsets that signal the end of the day.

At the end of the day, my art is a reflection of the world I see and the emotions it stirs in me. By paying attention to the natural beauty around me, I not only create more meaningful work but also remind myself to stay curious, observant, and grateful. Nature has a way of speaking to all of us, and through my pottery, sculpture, and painting, I hope to share that message with the world.