For the past ten years, I've focused on happiness in my art, and in doing so I've also walked the fine line between insightful and contrived; I hope I've found a creative home rooted in the former. Two years ago I was fortunate enough to find a way back into ceramics, and a few months ago I started making these cups. Text is easy to incorporate into clay work, which in turn makes it difficult. I don't want to stray too far over that line and turn into a motivational poster girl. But I'm enjoying these cups...the words are small, so you kind of have to pick them up to see what they say. And once it's in your hand, the message can seem more personal and pointed, especially if you find yourself holding a porcelain cup that says 'promise not to destroy me.' I hope that the one pictured here ('when do you feel happiness?') gives the enjoyer cause to reflect on what actually brings them happiness - it's often not what you'd think. Is it a new sweater, or the bag of groceries you dropped off at the food drive? Is it getting There faster, or holding the door for a stranger? Watching television, or throwing a frisbee with your pup? I could go on forever, so I don't often start. But let's not forget: we are the same kind of thing. #humanbeings (and also #dogbeings)