Neil lived the majority of his early life on Cape Cod in Massachusetts where he received inspiration from Cape Cod ceramicists. During his college years Neil’s dialogue with clay began while studying figurative sculpture and Renaissance art in Rome, Italy. After returning to the states, Neil took ceramics classes at multiple institutions studying with some of our nation’s leading ceramicists.
While living in California and showing his work at a ceramic gallery in Laguna Beach, a fellow ceramicist mentioned to Neil that his work belonged in Sedona. Intrigued by what he meant, Neil took his first trip to Sedona. Upon arriving in Sedona, the magical natural beauty and spiritual energy of the place strongly drew him in. During that visit he toured the Art Center facilities and was immediately attracted to the mission of the Center and its staff. Sedona had such a gravitational pull on him that in 2018 he relocated his home and studio to Sedona.
Neil takes daily bike rides, hikes, and fishing trips amongst the beauty of the red rocks. On these excursions the natural beauty, the rock formations, and the early morning peacefulness of Oak Creek Canyon inspires his work.
Neil has created a signature glaze combination, called Sedona Night Sky, which captures the beautiful Sedona night sky against the red rocks.
When not creating pieces in his private studio, Neil teaches throwing and hand building ceramics classes at the Sedona Arts Center.
