Early Work In 2008 I was full-time, roofing professional and needed a hobby.... I chose to attend a class at a local arts center..."Mud Monkey Pottery" became my new sanctuary. In exchange for mopping the floors and wedging the reclaim clay I was able to explore wheel thrown ceramics. Jon Salazar (my longtime friend) became my first clay mentor and collaborator. We built a raku kiln out of a trash can and used a roofing torch to fire! I found my love for clay, glaze and fire from humble beginnings and fondly reminisce about the early days of workin clay.