Mud and Labrador retrievers have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I spent most of my time in the backyard making mud pies and questionable “art,” usually with a pair of muddy Labs by my side. After a 45-year break following my one and only high-school ceramics class, the strange quiet of COVID pulled me back into the mud — this time in the form of clay.I’m mostly self-taught, with a few private lessons and a whole lot of time at the University of YouTube. Skilled potters will spot things I could do better… and they’d be right. I make plenty of mistakes. Bowls become plates. Plates become spoon rests. Cups become pen holders or paper weights. For years I was too embarrassed to sell anything, so the shelves filled up fast. With some strong encouragement from my wife, Ginger, I finally decided to share my “learning curve” pieces with the world.Every piece is handmade, one of a kind, and created under the watchful eyes of my two loyal Labradors, Cooper and Maverick.They don’t help much — but they do keep morale high and the floor very furry