mich + mash

New Chapters

2012-01-17T21:41:00.000-08:00

Nothing beats the feeling of a fresh start to the New Year. Yes that’s right, I’m back on the blog wagon, in fact I have a wagon train of things I'm getting back on board with and I couldn’t be more excited.

Things I love:

This is one of my new books, which is fabulous and is going to take permanent residence in my studio as reference material. There are some of the most gorgeous illustrated educational charts for botany and zoology I have seen in this bad boy, so you should take a look.

Alyson Fox
What can I say, Alyson Fox is a genius.

Art and design studio CTRLZAK
Ceramic eye candy, a must.

Studio fright, I’ve got a small case of it. I walk into the studio and my ideas freeze, which has got to come to an end right away. Tomorrow I am giving myself a set goal for the day and see how it fairs. I think part of the problem is I just don’t want to start the not so fun work of making molds and testing slips.
Current studio beats: Janelle Monae

I need sleep

2011-10-18T23:15:00.000-07:00

John Gill

Willem De Kooning

Currently;

I can’t sleep, or sleep well I should specify. Its been like this since I arrived to Minneapolis. All I do is lay in bed and think about making pots, conversations from class and a myriad of other things. Until I moved here it was as if my thoughts had been on mute and suddenly someone put the volume back on. It’s fantastic having ideas bouncing around my noggin again but at night, all I can do is bang my head against my pillow and scream “at myself” to shut the hell up, mentally.
Things on my mind tonight;

Pottery, how to better use and apply empty space on pots so the dialogue can be read and flow better. I have a terrible habit of trying to put everything into one pot and in the process I smother the poor thing with my love of decoration. Like stickers, you can go too far real fast.

Glazing, again less is more. Perhaps not fill in all the drawing with color but and leave something to be discovered upon closer investigation. What do I want people to see first and discover later? Should I limit my color pallet a bit?

When am I going to do my laundry? I should wake up early and do that, but I NEED TO GET TO SLEEP FIRST, sleep Michelle, SLEEP!

On and on the mental banter goes.

Long time no post

2011-09-20T21:39:00.001-07:00

Alexis Anne Mackenzie

New love of my life Alexis Anne Mackenzie

Gregory Euclide

I am also getting gooey eyed for this guy Gregory Euclide. I feel like He and Alexis are meant to be friends.

Personal:
I feel that sometimes in order to grow you need to sacrifice, to leave your comfort zone, to venture into the unknown, like Star Trek. I am doing just that here in Minneapolis, a new city and not a familiar friend or family member to be had. I am into my third week of the term and already had many amazing “ahhh haw” moments. It sometimes feels like I am waking up from a blissful slumber and found out I had an exciting journey awaiting me.

However I do have the moments where I wish I were home, visiting/laughing with my sister or learning how to can some new fruit this year with my Mom. Its heart braking to think of the things and people I left to come here. But I do remind myself of why I am here, and that its an amazing opportunity.

Side note: Making new friends is hard. I totally forgot that. But I am working on it, studio tea party is in the works for tomorrow with budding new buddies.

News: The relaunch of my etsy store has been a success and I will continue to post new pots soon.

Minneapolis

2011-08-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

tea cups

Yes I have arrived! After all my talk of grad school and moving, I am finally living in Minneapolis. My roommate is a darling and hilarious girl named Mo from China, who says the cutest things such as “Michelle, if I have a choice to sit or stand, I’m gonna sit”. A few days later I find her sitting on a yoga ball in our kitchen peeling a potato over the garbage. Priceless!

I have been catching up on reading blogs and searching the net for inspiring images to pin on my pinterest site. Also, I am working on revamping my etsy shop to reopen featuring my ceramics. I know, I’m taking some big steps here but this time “I think” it will literally pay off.

Event: FRESH WORKS

If you are in Minneapolis and have Saturday night September 10th, open you should swing by the Regis Center of Art for the opening of FRESH starting at 6pm. It's a show comprised of the current graduate students at UMN, which I am now apart of.

Things I found last night that I love.

Christian Lacroix
I love this designer and even though these types of handbags are not normally my flavor, I do love this one! I have tagged many of his pieces on my pinterest, but you really should google this guy.

Makoto Kagoshima
Can I love this mans pottery any more?

ps, I am sorry I could not attach hyperlinks to these pieces but for some reason my coding was off no matter how much I tried.

Buzzalogical question and answer

2011-07-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

I’ve always wanted to do this and frankly tonight just felt right, so here we go. I am going to answer a question I get asked/emailed on a regular basis.

Where can I buy your ceramics?

Ahhh well, do you live in Portland? Hahaha, ahhhhhhhh….. Well that sort of is the case, I only sell at local shows and markets or at least that was the case up until now. But before I go there allow me to digress and explain why I am not an online seller.

Once many years ago, I had some of my ceramics for sale online and after many months only one cup sold, and to a dear friend who wanted to support my ceramical carrier. However when only your friends and family buy your art it’s not the same feeling of success. You know what I mean so I’m not even going to explain.

So no other work sold after that and soon after all my etsy listings expired. I know there where probably ways to increase my online sales but posting was a bit of a hassle to begin with and I don’t like pottery sitting around in boxes. These pots need to be in homes, in hands, with a piece of toast or a coffee beverage.

I then decided to sell exclusively at local venues until I got enough outside interest to reopen my online shop. But now, as it happens I have been getting a few shout outs and it seems that day has finally come around. BUT Oh NO! I’m going to grad school and won’t have the time! Hang on, don’t despair, college grads are just as hard up for cash as any undergrad. So thankfully for all of you, necessity will force me to keep panhandling my wares and start selling on etsy again.

Tid Bit: I also prefer selling my work in person because I like meeting and seeing the people who are buying my work. I love to hear about how they use my dishes each day, where they are from and share stories. But I most enjoy explaining to my customers that if they don’t use their newly purchased pots like the creator intended them for (eating and drinking), I WILL NO LONGER SELLITH MY GOODS TO THEE. Its true! I have threatened and scolded those who confess or have been outed by a friend of not using my pottery for food or drink but “decoration”. The thought of my work collecting dust on a windowsill just makes me shutter, so if you don’t use them for food consumption keep that under wraps.

Nearing the Beginning

2011-07-16T12:11:00.000-07:00

Andrew Piedilato

This painting looks like how I feel right now. I know the gray skies are going to open up to an awesome new horizon but its all a storm of craziness as I near the end of my days here in Portland. I'm trying not to be frantic or emotional while I pack up, and say good byes, but damn it! I'm only human.

The Mississippi street fair was a bust so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the Summer Arts on Main venue to be a bit more profitable. I normally am not so profit driven but having a nest egg for Grad school is one of my top priorities.

Good thing; I am super excited about some new jewelry I'm making involving melted plastic flowers. It’s terribly fun to melt things, if only it wasn’t so toxic. Don't worry, I wear a respirator in a ventilated room. Safety first. So if all goes well this weekend "time wise" I might have some pieces ready by my first Wednesday at the Summer Arts Sale.

Highlights; Found an awesome pink pair of eyeglasses, got the 411 that I might be published in Ceramics Monthly, and am going to Lucky Strike tonight to have Dinner with a friend.

Final Count Down

2011-06-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

These are some charms I have been making for the up coming Mississippi Street Fair. After I high fire them, I sand them with a fine sandpaper which makes them super soft and tactile. The natural feel of the unglazed porcelain reminds me of pebbles found at the beach, perfect for summer.

I'm a little overloaded working in the studio and packing for the move has been but I know that it will all come together, it always does. My recent obsessions: learning how you make my own frozen dinners and wanting to sew my own awesome tunics to wear in the studio for next fall.

Below is the list of my shows for this summer and also "tears" my last shows in Portland.

Mississippi Street Fair
July 9th

Location: North Mississippi Ave - from North Fremont to North Skidmore
Time 10am-9pm

Summer Arts on Main
July 20
July 27
August 3

Location:
Portland Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA)
1111 SW Broadway
Time 10am to 2pm

Finally!

2011-05-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

I know! I finally I got some images up on flickr. I meant to post them earlier in the week and awesomely forgot the cd of images at my photographers house. And when I say my photographer, I mean my dear talented Mom.

Now I am back to the grind, making new work for my final sales of the summer. I will post my show calendar soon, I am just waiting to get the green light from a few venues.

Robert Brady
I don't know if I have already posted how much I love Robert's pottery, but I do. If the chance arises to procure one, I will not hesitate. Well unless I can't afford it I suppose. You can see more images of his work at AKAR gallery.

Odyssey

2011-05-16T10:20:00.001-07:00

Amy Casey

I'm a bad blogger. I want to keep a log of my journey and inspirations, but as of late my lifes a marathon making and savin as much cashola as possible for grad school, using my medical insurance like its going out of style and packing for the move... oh yeah I also have a job. I'm looking forward to finishing this can of worms so I can start on something more exciting, GRAD SCHOOL.

The Latest;

The Crafty Wonderland show went fantastic, thanks to the help of my friends and family I pulled it off.

I also want to thank everyone who made it to the show. I am always so grateful and amazed by the charming people who come and support me, like from Seattle! Yikes, what a trip.

But now I am already back to work in the studio, getting ready for my last sales before I head East. Once I know all my show dates for the summer I will post that info, promise!

Also check out my flickr later today or tomorrow for new images of work that was at the show.

Enjoy the images, These artists take my breath away.

Yao Lu
Dwelling in the Mount Fuchun
Series: New Mountain and Water

Ceramic Sale!

2011-05-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

CRAFTY WONDERLAND SUPER COLOSSAL SPRING SALE!
Saturday, May 7th from 11am – 6pm
ONE DAY ONLY!
at the Oregon Convention Center – HALL D
777 ne MLK jr. Blvd. in Portland
FREE ADMISSION! ALL AGES!
Goodie Bags to the First 200 Shoppers in Line!
FREE DIY Area with Scheduled Activities All Day!
Crafty Authors Signing Books!
BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!

It is that time again, YES! I will be selling my wares at the CRAFTY WONDERLAND SUPER COLOSSAL SPRING SALE! I am excited and tired just thinking about it. I recently underwent surgery, don't worry it was nothing crazy! Just had to take out my pesky gallbladder. So even though I am feeling better I am still on the mend and have to take afternoon naps. Too bad I don't have my mom at home to greet me with a cup of apple juice and some crackers when I wake up from my afternoon snoozes. Ahhh the good old days. Anyways I worked hard and (fingers crossed) everything that comes out of the kiln tonight will be awesome.

Now I will leave you with some eye candy

zhou fan

erica mahinay

Work Plans & Dreams

2011-03-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

Wonderful news, I once again will be selling my wares at the Crafty Wonderland Mothers Day sale so mark your calenders for May 7th. All the profits made from the sale are going towards my transportation to grad school. Yeah gotta pay off the last of my newish car while still having enough money for moving costs.

I have spent a lot of this week in the studio making as much work as I can while still being mindful of what I'm making. It my principle to never produce soulless objects for the shear purpose of profit. No matter how much I need the money I don't want that to distract me from whats really important.

Karin Seufert

On another note; I am already pondering my plans for after grad school, long term goals and the things I have always dreamed of doing like travel. I have never been out of the US other than Canada and to travel the world for a year hunting down amazing ceramic art works is something I think about. There is so much beautiful work happening right now that I want to find it, photograph it, interview the artists and perhaps compose book. I mean just look at these amazing pieces that are being created in Europe, they make me swoon especially Karin Seufert..... even though its not made out of ceramic. I want to know more about these people and the things being made outside of the US.

Peter Hogeboom

Marta NAGY

Discover ye Dwelling

2011-03-10T06:41:00.000-08:00

I'm experiencing a life high. I got excepted into grad school, found and bought the car I REALLY WANTED, have amazing supportive friends and family and its my birthday this weekend. Yay to getting older..........hummmm.......Yay to being alive!

I had a great time visiting the University of Minnesota, meeting wonderful people and looking at art. I was graciously hosted by artist Jess Hirsch her Boston Terrier named Scout and her charming kitty Walter. I think me and her pets bonded, but it could have just been that I brought them treats. The school was beautiful and the program was different from anything I had ever been exposed to. I have lots to mull over now and am very torn between which school to choose. Ahh choices, but at least I have choices.

Amazing dwellings right! I just discovered Terunobu Fujimori featured in Dwell magazine and was fascinated with his approach to creating his designs. He also carves models of his houses out of solid wood which become fantastic sculptures within themselves. I'm enchanted by these two little tea or meditation houses he makes that look as though they could walk or fly away.

Since about 5 years ago I have been getting more and more focused on the idea of what makes a home, what fills it, how we interact within our spaces and take refuge from the world within a confided space. Where and what will my sanctuary be in a matter of months or years from now?

The day dreams woke up

2011-01-13T20:52:00.000-08:00

WALKING Tory Fair's sculpture 2008

Thought I would make a quick post. My grad applications are near done. After tomorrow it will be over and I can get back to my life and my studio. I also have a few IOU'S to finish up but those are also almost done too. Megan and Jesse will be happy to see some long awaited emails from me.

I saw WALKING by Tory Fair and it made me think of the diving into a dream and having the world start to sprout and grow from your body. I dunno if that makes any sense to anyone but me, but there it is.

Megan Tanneke Bisbee-Durlam's Shanty Paradise

I saw this and it took my breath away, After I kept looking at it so many times I decided to post it.

Lots of eggs in the basket

2010-12-27T23:40:00.000-08:00

What a season! I thought that after my show ended things would settle down a bit, but that was just a silly notion. I have been a busy busy lady since Crafty Wonderland ended. At least some of it has been fun times spent with family and friends I rarely see, so that’s been a treat.

On the right are pots waiting patiently to be glazed.

I want dearly to glaze the last of my work and perhaps have a studio sale or finally reopen my etsy store before the end of January but I have to finish all the things I put on hold for months and months......and months! Once all that is done I can start the New Year with a fresh start.

So about the show! I have to say the Crafty Wonderland show was a big success! I met so many amazing people and had the best time chatting and exchanging stories. I was also a little loopy from the mussel relaxers for my back so that might have had a little bit to do with it.

Not a very good picture but one of my "finished" little paintings.

My flickr has been updated with more images so make sure to take a look. A lot of cups (because I love cups) and a few other things.
My goal is to finish some paintings and drawings this winter, as I want to make one of my dreams of having a coffee shop show come to fruition. I know it’s kinda silly but I really want someone to drink some coffee and relax with my work.

Del Kathryn Barton

2010-12-06T01:22:00.000-08:00

This morning while I waited for the Verizon store to open I hung out in the Barnes&Noble perusing the art magazine isle. This is the place where I get much of my inspiration from and today was no different.

It seemed to be a gold mine of discoveries and I had to write down all the names of these amazing new makers.

Which means I now have a long list of artists whom I need to post and rave about.

Anyways this is Del Kathryn Barton's work, and as you can see she is an amazing painter. Her paintings make me think that I should be drawing more figures. I could go on about why I just can't get enough of this magnificent woman's work but I HAVE TO GO TO BED. So google her, buy her work, pass on the news about how much this lady rocks.

I really have to find out if she sells prints.

More of her work can be seen at the Karen Woodbury Gallery web site which is where I found these images.

Crafty Wonderland!

2010-12-02T21:24:00.001-08:00

What a roller coaster I have been on these past weeks. I am really looking forward to this show even though I have more prep work than time, but somehow I always make it happen. There will be a lot of cups, mugs, and batter bowls along with some items I don't normally make for sale. I hope to see you at the show.

Happy Holidays

Wow..... I'm busy but still posting

2010-12-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

I hope you all can make it to Crafty Wonderland! I will post more about that soon and after my UMN application is in but wanted to share this new platter I made. I have some new glazes that are juicy and sweet like melted Jolly Ranchers. I am sooooo looking forward to having some time off after this but knowing me will find someway to fill up my time with another project or making better work for my portfolio. More likely I will be revamping the portfolio.

Feel free to check out my Flickr page for more images.

Have a fun and festive week everyone.

Flash

2010-11-17T19:22:00.000-08:00

Amazing bowls by Nathalie Derouet

Due to horrific traffic jams all over Portland I am still at work for another hour and thought I would do a blog flashing.

A bit of news; First I am going to be vending at Crafty Wonderland’s Holiday Sale, yay! Second thing, because of the change of deadline to apply for a graduate program I didn’t get around to making any bowls for the sale. There might be like 3 or so that I have in back stock awaiting a glazing but for the most part no Bowls. Unless a miracle happens its going to be lots of cups, and some jewelry.... oh yeah and batter bowls.

Okay I’m going to try and do one thing while I am here and will post again as the Crafty Wonderland sale gets closer and I get some stress relief.

Working mindfully, miss you all terribly

2010-10-18T12:01:00.001-07:00

Craziness has ensued. The grad school I really want to apply for changed their deadline, which has really thrown me though a loop. I'm going to do my best to stay calm and carry on with my work and do the best I can to juggle it all. If I do get stressed my work tends to suffer and look like pooh, and who is going to except me into grad school with work like that. So on to images that make me swoon.

Jill Lawley

I have been thinking of doing this very same thing to the bottoms of my cups and some bowls. Drilling holes to make it feel lighter and bubbly. I really like the simplicity and playfulness of this cup.

Maggie Finlayson
Maggie Finlayson is a current MFA student at UMN and I would love to have her as a peer. These bowls are gorgeous, the color and texture make me want to hold one, or better yet just own one.

Judy Pfaff
These sculptural paintings are amazing and are currently showing at the Braunstein/Quay Gallery.

Sicko Couch Potato

2010-10-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

Ernesto Neto
Awesome artist, I love how full of light and softness his works are.

Henrique Oliveira
This man is just amazing and I feel like reality is bursting apart. Henrique Oliveira check out his site and google him under images for other work not shown on his web page. Amazing amazing amazing

I know…. I’m a bad blogger. In fact the only reason I am posting today is because I’m at home sick, and confined to the couch. So where have I been and what am I doing these days? You may want to know and all I can say is a lot of prep work and personal growth.

I am trying to push my work in a new direction, get things figured out and experiment. I have had some successes and feel positive that I will have amazing work to show you and the grad schools I am applying for.

YES it is that time of the year again, application time. But also holiday craft sale time too. I am pretty sure to be selling at the Crafty Wonderland Holiday sale this year and will post again when I get the confirmation, but rest assured I will be selling again no matter what. I just had to take the summer off to dig a little deeper and make some good work. Work will be getting fired in December and images of the finished pieces will be posted on my flicker, so keep your eyes peeled.

Some other personal growth would be my health. I have started a new way of eating dedicated to my blood type. So far it’s been really positive. I have more energy, slowly but surly my weight is going down, and the funny thing is my skin looks better. I started taking up yoga, which is a struggle but I like it. I now practice yoga poses in the kitchen while I wait for my tea to seep. I am looking forward to the day where I can do some of the harder positions without tipping over.

So these are some amazing pictures and sites I have discovered. I love finding new inspiration so always feel free to send some eye candy my way.

Oh p.s. Watch Food Inc. It will change your world.

Nicolette Camille
I love this girl Nicolette Camille. I feel landscapes in her flower arrangments.

Kevin Bauman
My favorite new site by photographer Kevin Bauman. I love looking at homes and especially homes that are abandoned and waiting for a new owner to love them, like a puppy.

Another new fave is Rene Noir. It's a group of people who blog about artists and shows. It has an amazing collection of artworks that will blow your socks off.

prodigious paintings & beaded things

2010-06-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

I was really excited to be contacted by this artist Wesley Younie because I don’t know if I would have ever discovered his work otherwise. So where do I begin, I can’t. My fingers are tangled on the keys trying to decide which adjectives to use in my excitement to describe his work. Each piece has all of my favorite things, great colors, textures, patterns, woodland animals, I could go on but to wrap it up they are just fantastic paintings.

I am totally inspired and pumped. Later in the month Wesley’s work will be installed in a coffee shop somewhere in NW Portland which I am going to track down so I can see these beauties in person.

Ceramic creations are on a slight hold but I did just start a new batch of stamps today and will be carving away tonight. Currently I am tinkering in the jewelry studio and am so excited to be taking a metal working jewelry class this summer. I can’t wait to do a little casting, finally learn how to make my own swank head pins and age metals. These are a few of my newest creations, don’t worry the earrings will find their mates soon enough.

I am still tinkering away on my artist interview writings for my friend Megan’s blog. Writing for me is challenge enough but writing about your thoughts and struggles as an artist, scary. But its been a good experience, I actually don’t sit down and think about what I am doing and why all that often. Not that I don’t think about these things but my mind just doesn’t go in those directions often. I’m normally in a creative lala land many mental galaxies away.

Click click click strike a pose

2010-05-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Technology is amazing and confusing all at the same time. So I was tinkering with my camera trying to find the timed exposure so I could take a picture of me with my new sweet ass bowl made by the artist Kari Radasch . I KNOW ooh lala right? I absolutely love this piece however I can’t find a place to store it. Obviously my eyes where larger than my cupboards.
While I was tinkering with the camera I found this amazing setting that takes continuous pictures and conjoins them all. It ‘s just like being in a photo booth and was so much fun I couldn’t stop playing with my camera for quite a while. Here is one of the groupings that came out pretty well. The first few frames are empty because I was running from behind the camera. It all happens so fast it’s really quite a thrilling experience.
My next feat is to reopen my etsy shop, it been on my mind for a while now and I just have to do it. I am trying to make things specifically for my etsy shop and nothing else, However with the nice weather finally here it is going to be tough, so wish me luck.

Wonder gust

2010-05-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

Crafty Wonderland was a wonderful success and I met so many amazing vendors and people. I might have to do one festival this summer just for the fun of it.

I finally got my house back to normal, thanks goodness. Right before a show my house becomes a battlefield and all hell breaks loose. I get so focused on getting my work done and prepping for the show everything else becomes unnecessary. So the end result is my house becomes a mighty mess. On the bright side everything gets super clean and organized as I put my house back together and after a week it’s like a whole new home and which feels fantastic. Or maybe after a month of messiness I forgot how nice my home is clean.

I started to take photos of some of my earrings and my beading station. I love beads. It’s almost an obsession but who doesn’t love shiny little bobbles? Perhaps I was a magpie in my past life. I have been a bead collector since I was in the 6th grade and can tell you how to get to almost every bead store in Portland. I don’t know if that’s something I should boast about but its true.

I use this dollhouse for my displays at the craft and art shows, but the rest of the time it makes the best storage for my beads.

Right before the craft show I took lots of photos of my ceramics and have been slowly adding them to my flickr, so make sure to pop in and take a gander. None of the pics are of professional quality but I just wanted to have some sort of documentation before I sold any thing. I am terrible at documenting my work and figured something is better than nothing.

I my next project I am working away on is an interview piece for my friend Megan’s blog, which is an amazing blog you really aughtah visit sprouting ideas listed in my I heart blogs. It's a challenge to write from the heart about my personal experiences as an artist, but I'll try my best. Until then keep it sweet.

In the mist of it all

2010-04-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
I can’t say how good it feels to finally post. Oh I have written many things but have a problem with posting them as I over analyze everything I do. Yes I am my own worst critic, but who isn’t.

I spent a lovely time in March and some of April on the east coast visiting friends and going to museums and galleries. I couldn’t help but take pictures with my favorite artists like Van Gogh. He really has the best color pallet and look at what a handsome guy this sailor is.

But now I am back in a mad rush to get work done which sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. It’s hard to go from vacation mode to work mode but I think I am doing pretty well over all. I’m just finishing the last of my carving today and will start on painting pots. Which is very tedious and will surly cause me to go cross-eyed someday. Fortunately I was smart and got a lot of the work done before my trip.

Now for a little personal advertising: I will be vending at the Crafty Wonderland Spring sale with my friend Drea of Whale Mountain for two days. Well the first two hours my sister is going to be filling in for me, as I will be teaching class but I will be there after 1pm Saturday.

If you are are going to be there looking for my booth, just keep your eyes out for a dollhouse and that will be me. If someone else has a dollhouse then just look for another one, and that should be me.

I will try bloging again relatively soon with more images from my trip and perhaps some finished product for the show.

gwendolyn yoppolo and Kevin Snipes

2010-02-03T21:46:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to see a demonstration from Gwendolyn Yoppolo and Kevin Snipes today. I took a few photos which are currently on my flickr. I am still kicking myself for not taking more pictures especially of Gwendolyn’s work; her matte crystalline glazes are very juicy and much better in person. I especially liked her mugs; she makes great handles. Both artists explained their techniques well and gave me some food for thought.

It was an unexpected treat to meet and talk with Kevin Snipes one of my favorite functional artists. I like the light humored dialogue of his pots and his execution of drawing in relation to the form. I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future, perhaps at NCECA?

I found some images I took before the Crafty Wonderland Sale of some cups. I know more cups “whoop dee do” but I like making cups, it’s almost an obsession. I’ll post something different as soon as I can.

Tragedy in Ceramaland

2010-01-27T10:39:00.000-08:00

I apologize for my disappearance but when tragedy strikes, it bites. I’ve had some pretty momentous moments and obstacles this past month but I’ll only talk about the ceramic tragedy.

After the Crafty Wonderland sale I was working everyday on my grad portfolio and applications. Many unexpected things kept occurring slowing down my progress, but I was determined to apply. Then a week before the application this happens;

It was a clear and slightly breezy night. I’m walking out to my car, box of ceramics in hands, all sorts of tired, set my box of wares on the trunk of my car, which I do often, as it is flat and level. I go to unlock the car and as soon as I turned my back a wind blows by and I hear the crash of braking pots. My whole body freezes and I hold my breath. I turn to see everything broken into hundreds of shards scattered across the pavement. My stains colorfully splattered all over the ground with the shards. It looked like a rainbow had up chucked its cookies. Now I really couldn’t believe what had happened or what I was seeing, it just didn’t seem real. The box was so heavy and a gust of wind….really?

But after a moment, reality set in and I lost my mind. I don’t often go into hysterics; I’m a happy mellow person by nature but when all your hard work is looking at you in shards. Well what else is there to say? So the next day after some agonizing thought I concluded the universe was telling me to take another year. So that’s my plan, work exclusively on my portfolio and applications. I’ll do two sales and etsy but nothing like I did this year, that was crazy.

So a few days after all this happened I decided to get my life organized and healthy. I tore apart my apartment, purged all unnecessary belongings, and started to eat healthy. So far so good. I’ll let you all know how things are progressing in the studio and update little things regularly.

Don’t worry the bowl above is still intact. It wasn’t in the box.

Wonderland was quite Wonderious

2009-12-14T09:54:00.000-08:00

In case all you guys don't frequently visit the blog Design For Mankind here is a little visual treat for you thanks to them. Its by PALOMA CROUSILLAT.

Crafty Wonderland was a super success and I met so many amazing sweet people. I was a little nervous the night before so I didn't sleep more than a few winks. So though the whole event I was like a functioning zombie, but I still had a great time. I did forget to put someone's magnet in their bag and if its you please email or comment to me and I will mail it to you! So sorry to whom ever it was, I hate it when that happens so I was mortified I did it to someone else.

So now I’m going to put my home back together and begin with the next round of work for my grad school portfolio. Yes I already have some images but its all bowls and cups, so I need some more alluring pieces like vases and jars, etc. I'll update you all when I have my portfolio images posted on my flickr, figured I should let everyone see what I have been slaving away at in the studio. Oh yeah, I will be putting my etsy back up in a matter of weeks, I just had too much on my plate to be a good etsy seller. But do check in after 3 weeks or so it should be up and running again by that time. Happy Holidays.

Crafty Wonderland!

2009-12-09T22:12:00.000-08:00

This Sunday December 13th, I will be selling my ceramics at the Super Colossal Holiday Sale. Its going to be an amazing event with over 200 super talented artists and crafters, goodie bags for the first 200 visitors and DIY tables for adults and children to sit down and get crafty.
This will be my last ceramics sale of the season. Sorry no studio sale this year, too many things have come up so I hope you can make it to this event. I have lots of new work fresh from the kiln and my booth buddy Drea will have some new embroidery.

So besides the craft sale I am also in the mists of applying for graduate school. It’s a stressful process and I cannot wait until I have sent them off with my fingers crossed. I’m trying not to be too heart bent on getting excepted in case I don’t, but after the process you go though and all the money you send with each application, its easily comparable to the experience of a date “for a guy”. Ether it’s going to be a great pay off with a future relationship or a total disappointment leaving an emotional mark and a hole in your wallet.

After this year is over I already have dreams of what I am going to do, no nothing glamorous but truly necessary. I’m going to seriously CLEAN MY HOUSE. It’s amazing how things get prioritized and cleaning the home starts to loose its place on the ladder of importance with approaching deadlines and piles work. But while I drive to work I daydream of what I will organize and clean first and also the most ingenuitive way to do it. Thus far my most prized idea is buying a round brush attachment for the power dill, making a paste out of baking soda and cleaning out my tub. I really think this is a brilliant idea; it’s like a super dooper eclectic toothbrush but for the bathtub and tile. Kyle thinks I’m crazy for needing to use a drill to scrub the tub but I know if this works, I’ll be a genius. No need to be turned off by my lack of modesty, sometimes you just have to marvel at your own genius. So just you wait till January when I tell you all how amazing it works and I might even get a photo of me, the power dill, and our purple tub.

So Happy Holidays everyone and I’ll be posting next year.

Siren Crafts and Sea Creatures

2009-10-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

Alert to all Portland Oregon folks: I will be a vendor at the Siren Nation Arts and Craft Sale and I hope some of you guys can make it out to the event. I also suggest checking out the Siren Nation website for info on the other events during the week of the festival.
SO WOW, I mean wow. I cannot believe how fast October went by and I feel like I have little to show for the month. But sometimes the best things come out of the slower and more thoughtful moments where I may have little to show in product but more to be seen in progress. Or at least I hope that will be the case.
I’m already feeling tired thinking about all the glazing I will be doing this week but at the same time excited to see what comes out of the kiln.

Current favorite book:
Archipelago: Portraits of Life in the World's Most Remote Island Sanctuary. This is a gorgeous book that I must own someday! Creatures and plants of the ocean have always amazed and fascinated me so what could be better than a book chuck full of sexy pictures of them. (No perversion was meant in use of the adjective “sexy” to describe the images)

Solo Rocker

2009-10-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

So I'm a bit of a homebody, not because I don't like to go out but I get working on something and before I know it, my day is over. However one afternoon I received a text message from Emily urging me to see Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zero's for the ending tour show for only ten dollars! Even I knew I would be a fool not to go. But as it was a last minute decision I wasn’t able to find anyone to accompany me. “Well that doesn’t matter I will have a good time for sure”, I assured myself.

Now because I was worried the show would sell out, I went early. Ahhh little did I know this was not the case. Word of advice to me next time, bring reading material. After the first band, which was good, I decided to take a trip to the gas station, make sure I had enough gas to get home. This idea was supported by the fact the second band was not so good. Now because I had been standing next to a speaker my brain was a little rattled so what did I do? Locked my keys in the car, oh yes!

After the show, 1:30am

After an hour Triple A came and popped open my car “Yay.” I then rushed back to the show worried I missed the band I came to see. Luckily I got back right as they where setting up. I had an awesome time, got a hug from a nice group of folks, high-fived a band member on stage, and couldn’t hear right for the remainder of the night. The show was probably the best I have ever gone to, so from now on friend accompaniment or not I'm going out.

12 dollar day

2009-10-13T22:37:00.001-07:00

I almost broke down and bought a Betsy Walton Print on Sunday, she is one of my all time favorite artists so it was a hard call. But I told myself, new car and grad school first then I can think about collecting art. Maybe if fate steps in I will meet Betsy at a show, she will see my work and happily ask to do a trade. Ahhh... I can dream cant I.

The Crafty Wonderland Sale was a success. In fact a little too successful as now I am almost out of stock and have only a few things to post on etsy. However now I have a little more room in my apartment and of course I'm a little richer too.

Next Monday I will find out if I got into the Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale! Great name for a craft show right? I just have to wait in nervous anticipation till then, but while doing so I am already making working for it. Supposedly it’s the hottest crafty DIY show of Portland during the holidays so I am very excited to try it out and see how it goes.

My buddy Eric was teasing me that I need to make some 12-dollar mugs for sale. At first I laughed at him and then I took it as a challenge. I'm going to try working fast, no over thinking or spending serious time for detailing or glazing. Just some fast and simple mugs that still have some sort of pizzazz. At the same time I will use them partly as glaze tests so that I also learn a little more about my glazes in the process. I am having so much fun making them I can't wait to see how they come out.

I wanted to show this photo of my last time ever setting up on Alberta’s Last Thursday. I shouldn't say “ever” because absolutes are never good, too restricting. But since it has become so crowded and crazy this past year I realized the good times have come to an end. So farewell last Thursday, perhaps I will upgrade to selling at First Thursday.

photo experiance reaffired

2009-09-30T23:55:00.001-07:00

Taking good images of your work is essential for artists, especially if you want to be a successful one at that. About a week ago my friend Drea sent me to look at her website show casing pictures of her work. I took one look, halted and did a double take. “Oh Honey,” I said to myself, “I need to help this girl out”.
So after dropping off some of her pieces at my place I got to work in taking pictures and photoshopin. But what this experience reaffirmed for me is that a photo is a first impression and you must present your work in the best way possible or no one is going to take notice. Above is a detail of one of her pieces I took a photo of, which I think is darling. Anyways take good photos!

On another topic:
I just had an amazing idea, so gather near and listen carefully. …….. Calendars! That’s right, C A L E N D A R S.
For all of us crafty/arty business folk, Christmas is our hottest time of the year. So wouldn’t it be great for a few artists to collaborate in designing a calendar? Then each artist would make an order for however many they wanted. Think about it, having a cool little calendar to sell along with his or her work at the craft show. How adorable and sweet is that. Mighty sweet I think.
I don’t know, I thought it was a brilliant idea and it could be done every year with a different theme. I think it would be fun and also cut down on the cost by splitting the printing prices. So it may happen soon, sweet little calendars by art buddies and me. I’ll keep you posted.

Finger Snapin & Craft Fair Vendin

2009-09-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

These are some new pieces that I thought made a great group shot together. On the cups I am starting to cut away the clay at the base between the little knobby feet in attempts to merge the form and drawings together. Playing around with the cutting and warping of the forms has been a lot of fun experimentation. Plus I am learning more about how my glazes work on these new surfaces.

I have more images loaded on my flicker and hopefully more to come after that. It was a perfect overcast day for photos yesterday, if only I had a tripod for my camera.

Rant:
Last Saturday at the Belmont Street Fair I received some wonderful feedback from individuals interested in my work. Such encouraging words really helps reaffirm what I do as an artist. So to all of you who support me, thank you.

Now there is however those other people, yes those people who have the need to slather their nasty opinions all over my happy day. I think such persons feel they are giving me helpful advise but by telling me my work is not a good investment, that its not worth that much because its not bigger or on a wall is just unnecessary. I know hearing things like this is going to be an on going battle my whole life, but it’s still not easy to stomach.

Now as to why I make pottery and not sculpture or hangable art is like asking why does an artist make anything? Because they have some reason, or uncontrollable need to make that thing and I just so happen to love making functional ceramic art. So there… head nod and a few snaps of my fingers in yo face.

Fork of the Future

2009-08-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

I can't recall this Artists name at the moment but I will find it and add it asap.

For the next 24 hours I will be glazing like a mad woman. I got my Rock Star drinks (which I think are totally gross but indeed do the job of keeping me awake) and Kyle’s collection of Henry Rollins audios of his standup comedy performances. Henry Rollins can keep your attention like no other and is funny as hell. So yeah, gonna be glazing and when this week is all over I will feel accomplished and strong because I can still pull all nighters like the best of them. Wish I could share a pic of the ciaos of our apartment by alas my camera battery is dead and I can’t find the charger. But here is an image to start your day right and a little story from last week I forgot to post.
Story:
Some odd days ago I was mashing up bananas for some zucchini bread with this serving fork that I inherited from my grandmothers estate. It’s a gorgeous Fork with decorations on the handle of leaves and some acorns which I’m admiring as I mash away on these bananas. But then I notice there is a bit of text inlayed on the back of the handle. After a little squint of the eyes I see it was made in 1847.
“WOW” I think to my self. This must have been in my family for generations and here I am making bread with it. I am mashing bananas with a fork that is over a hundred sixty years old, which is blowing MY MIND. And then I realize that if I don’t have children and no one else in my family has children, this fork will end up in some stranger’s house someday. I know that could happen regardless of having children but I’m thinking this is a family heirloom and it needs to continue being so. And the thought that this fork will no longer be in the family starts to make me sad now.
So then I start thinking about having children, but I’ll have to think about it a bit more on the basis that having children for the sake of a fork seems a little ridiculous. But all the same, if I do have a child I can say to them that they owe their lives to this fork. Which at that point I will have framed and hung in the dinning area so they can stare at this very lovely fork every time they sit down for a meal and wonder how they partly owe their existence to this small piece of metal.

Beaten over the head with an artist bio

2009-08-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

JANE ALMIRALL

Have I ever mentioned how painful it is to write an artist bio about yourself. Its similar to chewing on tin foil, makes me shutter just thinking about it. So to get some ideas I am researching other artists bios and artist statements and all the while wondering, is this really how they feel or what they think about? Do all other artists have these deep motivations because I don't! My thoughts revolve around being happy, have a sense of humor, enjoy life and don't forget to recycle and reduce. I realize I sound like a card found by the checkout counter or part of a Saturday morning public announcement commercial but I really just make work based on my current whims of interest. I wonder if I could get away with "I live to make and I make to live."

I just wandered across Jane Almirall's web page on the Internet and really enjoyed this drawing of hers. I am going though a bird faze but who isn't really?

Craft Fair Rush

2009-08-04T15:47:00.000-07:00

Somehow the fact that I have a month off of work without pay just passed my mind. I thought my summer break was two weeks long but no, a month. Which is great because now I have time to enjoy my summer, but not so great if I don't want to dip into my savings account.

So what's a girl to do? Craft fair it out I guess! After a little search and talk with my Buddy Drea we are applying for the Handmade NW show. I'm crossing my fingers that we get in.

Image time:
The image above is a bowl of mine that's on sale at the Bloomington Clay Studio right now. Other images of work they have for sale is up on my flickr account.

Cut & paste my heart away

2009-08-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

Emmanuel Polanco

I found artist Emmanuel Polanco's sweet web page by way of Modern Craft. I after a short moment of exploring I found this piece and well I got inspired to say the least. It gave me some ideas on layering fragments of pattern and image. Ahh I love the internet. So many discoveries, so little time.

Thanks Modern Craft!

new game plan

2009-07-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

Megan Bisbee-Durlam

Portland right now is hot and I’m not talking sexy hot. I mean a hundred and nine degrees and not much cooler in my apartment unbearably hot. I was in such a melt down I couldn’t bring myself to finish glazing and load a kiln in such weather. Sadly now I don’t have enough work ready to set up shop on Last Thursday on Alberta. FYI, if you don’t know Last Thursday in Portland is a crazy street market mostly comprised of artists.

My counter measure plan is to try and do First Thursday in the Pearl. Hopefully the weather will cool down and this will work out better.

I just had to post this Painting by Megan Bisbee-Durlam, I never tire of looking at it. The shapes, squiggles, color and so many different line qualities hypnotize me. I don’t know why but her website seems to be down at the moment however her blog is in fine form if you get the itch to see more of her images.

Early Morning

2009-07-27T04:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday I had my high school reunion where I drank a little too much, but had a great time over all. Sunday I was in hangover recovery from the event and slept in past noon. Now you see at this point I have completely messed up my sleeping schedule so now here I am at 4am in the morning writing a blog post, sketching, and in a moment about to go do some work in the studio. Why? Because for the last 4 hours I have been laying in bed awake and brain storming ideas like crazy. So why bother trying to sleep when I don't even have work tomorrow and have a head full of ideas? I should just get up and start my day or at least try to tire myself out so I can get some sleep in a matter of hours then right? So here I am and ready to share these couple of artist that I found and really enjoy.

Jen Garrido

Now i love these paintings. They remind me of the scraps of paint I would peel off of my painting pallet and lay in my sketch book because the random layering of the dried paint remnants was so pretty to me. I love them.

Tove Jansson

She was a Finnish novelist, illustrator, and painter. I adore these little characters which remind me of the Miyazaki films and a bit of Marc Chagall's paintings. I wonder if there is a correlation or do all cute things come from the same place of transcending thought. Hummm.

Head Full of Felt

2009-07-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

I found a new art love, artist Joseph Hart. I love the airy spaces, the stacks of shapes, objects, additions of cut out paper bits and his drawing. Joseph's webpage link is now in my 2D artists list if you want to go have a gander at his other work. It is well worth the effort.

Currently I'm in a bit of a creative and motivational slump. I can't seem to pull myself together. The moment I sit down to get busy in my studio I go blank of all ideas and stare at my materials like they are mysterious objects. It seems this summer my brain is on a long lunch break. Remedy anyone?
I'm frustrated a bit, but I will persevere. I've got to. Grad applications are right around the corner and I want a new body of work.

So one of my favorite people Rebecca Baldwin sent me a care gift package filled with various colors of wool and a felting needle. I was over come with happiness, I've been thinking of doing a little felting but couldn’t bring myself to invest in all the tools and materials. Especially since I already have so many other crafty art interests. So excited I was, I took some wool and my felting needle to the pub with me and felted while visiting with an old friend. I know drinking and sharp objects should not go together, but I was just too excited to show you all my efforts.

Blog Hopping

2009-07-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

Artists that made my day yesterday:

Elizabeth Neel

Os Gemeos

To get my mind back onto a working order I went on a search for some creative juice. I started by trekking through blogs which lead to other blogs, and then to sites listed from those blogs and on and on and on. It was quite an adventure to see where I ended up and what I found. One such amazing find was this site, the Drawing Center . Its endless amazing stimulus from hundreds of artists that where juried to be on the site. So I found a good amount of compelling imagery to feed off of. Its helped me think about how I layout my images on pots and rethinking form quite a bit. Anyways if you get in a mental pooper go to this site and get juiced up!

Brady and Quinn

2009-07-18T17:18:00.000-07:00

I just fell in love with these pieces by Jeanne Quinn and Robert Brady. Jeanne’s piece is currently up for auction at the Archie Bray Foundation. I thought it was fun of her to do something a little different and donate something that wasn’t ceramic.

Robert is definitely a new love of mine and I wish he had a web page. On the plus side there are a lot of images of his work out around Internet land.

Robert Brady

Jeanne Quinn

I am a craftician

2009-06-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

Earrings made by Sayuri

I have finally finished cleaning my home which I always do a fine job of destroying right before I have a sale or show, its inevitable. This time I participated in the Crafty Wonderland show at the Doug Fir Lounge which was a darling venue and a lot of fun. I met some fabulous people like Greg the creator of the Hungry Eye Ball site, which has some amazing artists and other awesomeness. There are also some images of the craft show posted on the site and in Greg's flickr, and yes there are pictures of me on there too.
But definitely check out the site, he has listed some of my favorite local artists and if you are a local Portlander he posts upcoming art events and gallery shows too. A very cool site indeed.

Jellyfish Mobile By Sayuri

I also befriended artist Sayuri, who was sweet enough to do a trade with me. I have been wearing her earrings everyday since the craft show. They are like the combination of a veggie, a q-tip and a cocoon all in one. I LOVE THEM SAYURI, THANK YOU. I also lucked out and got one of her felted pickles which is now placed with our other treasures on the kitchen nook.

My jewelry made a mad comeback. I never thought I would be selling jewelry again, but I got alot of interest from the pieces I brought to the show. As a personal reward, I did a little splurging at the bead store yesturday. My guilty pleasure is buying beads and I'm pleased with my new selection of colors and shiny bits now added to my bead repertoire.

Grandmas Pearls of Wisdome

2009-05-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

Grandmas Pearls of Gardening Wisdom

The beading fever continues. It’s been ages since I have strung a necklace, I really adore these white round plastic beads. The white plastic contrasts beautifully with the semi precious citrine stone beads.
I can't wait to take a jewelry metals class this summer so I can learn about antiquing silver and copper wire for wrapping jewelry. I like the look of old metals and I have some thunder egg rock slices begging to be adorned around my neck.

I went on a image hunt for wire wrapped jewelry and found these pendants, darling right! I love nests, perhaps its a sign I want to get a nest of my own.

On a walk through the neighborhood I got to see the spring blooms and awakening little gardens. It was amazing at how many different varieties of flowers there where and many I had never seen before. What nursery do these people go to? Each little garden was a little magical world tucked away, awaiting discovery. Since then I have been on a mission to find my own gorgeous plants... that I CAN'T KILL. I found succulents might be the key. These are some gorgeous string pearl of succulents. The picture I found was taken by Jeana Sohn.

Alex McLeod

2009-05-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

Alex McLeod

This artist blows me away. I hope one day with the help of some umpa lumpas he can build these into real sets. His Site has many fantastical places to view, and I hope you do! Its on my list of repeated places to visit and enjoy on the web.

The Moon Makes Me Drule Too

2009-04-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

Since March I have taken a short break from the ceramic medium to craft the hell out. My evenings of jewelry making and drawing have been a wonderful change of pace. I might even get "crazy" this week and paint again. I think these little breaks help remind me of why I love ceramics and re energize my passion to work with clay.

I will post images of the new creations soon but I wanted to share my discoveries this week, Firstly you must go see this vidio by
BLU. The video is an animation film done with graffiti! It's truly amazing and ahhhhh inspiring, so just give your self a moment to watch it, you won't regret it.

Sophie Kern makes me want to cut up magazines an go wild with a pack of markers. Her work has serious playfulness, I just love it!

Bright Beaming Bowling Ball Breasts

2009-04-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Ahh the constant struggles with technology. Our computer got a nasty virus and everything had to be wiped. Bad news, I never backed up my images and info on a hard drive. No need to lecture me! I have done a through job scolding myself these past two weeks. I do have some images on cd's or saved via the internet but most everything is gone. But I feel good things will come of this like turning a new leaf. I am going to buy a Mac laptop and "of course" an external hard drive to responsibly back up my info from now on.

I know my family is going to heckle me to death about being a trendy Wendy, but just about everyone I know with a Mac (which are all artists) swears on a bible they are greatest computers IN THE WORLD and have no problems with viruses. So in a matter of days, I will be the proud owner of a sexy new laptop Mac. I have a feeling it will be one of the best purchases I’ll have ever made. There is no talking me out of it, my mind is set and my wallet is burning with the consumer spend lust.

Now on to art. As you my readers have noticed, I have an ever-growing link list of artists and blogs. I want to take a moment to point out a few of my favorite sites. Firstly I have been enjoying the playful vibrant world of Matt Wedel. His work gives me the itch to walk away from functional work and make sculptures instead. I love the big babies and crystal flower growths. Everyone should take a moment to check out his gorgeous website.

My other find this week is this blog Somethings Hiding In Here written by an artist couple that pulls at my heartstrings at how darling they and their work is. I enjoyed venturing though their posts and suggest you check out the etsy video on their blog. It showcases their loft home they have renovated in Philly, and it’s a dream dwelling to behold.

Bloomington Art Fever

2009-04-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

I’m alive! It’s true, I was feverishly busy finishing up work for the show that is now on display at the Bloomington Clay Studio until May 1st. It was a lot of work, but after everything was said and done I had a moment of reverence at my little accomplishment and thought “how could I ever do anything else than this?” The work shop I gave was great fun and the show opening was just as good. If you want to see more images of the event go to my Flickr page and have a look see at the group of images from the event. Many of the rockin photos where taken by Kim Fernandez. I will be adding many more images of the artwork in the show to the fickr account soon, so stay tuned.

This is a picture of the workshop in progress. All the participants are intently listening to my lecture of how to paint color onto bisque ware. Behind us is my show set up on the walls.

While I was in Bloomington I had a great time getting to know the charismatic people that make up the Bloomington Clay Studio gang. It’s a wonderful community working there in the ceramics studio and I wish could have visited with them longer. But it’s truly a relief to be home again and catching up on cleaning and organizing all that I ignored for the past few months. You can't believe how out of sorts one’s dwelling can get so fast.

Speaking of fast, I look at how time speedily spindles its self into these long threads that create the fabric of our pasts and I can’t hardly believe how I made it this far or all the things I’ve done. Life is crazy but I’m just glad to be moving forward.

Short and Sweet

2009-02-14T21:34:00.000-08:00

Short and Sweet, that’s how I will try and keep this post. Above is one of my plates for the up and coming show at the Bloomington Clay Studio.

So today I had one of those days in the studio, a crappy one. Everything I made came apart or just did not work which made me frustrated which lead to fuming and finally a dramatic climax of throwing down my work and walking away brooding. Kyle took refuge in the bedroom with a book while I anchored my self down on the couch with the laptop.

I am much better now. But I just had to walk away and tell myself tomorrow was another day. I am sure I will do better after a good night sleep and an internet art date while eating my cereal in the morning. My friend Megan told me it’s good to go out and see art + find inspiration which ='s the art date. I don't always have the time to go walk around town so I get on line and collect images and websites. Here are a few to inspire you like they do me. Enjoy!

HoBo

JK Keller

Kiln Fight

2009-01-29T08:31:00.000-08:00

Tragedy struck this week. My baby kiln Pixy bit the big one, her elements died. She’s a dear old girl and every time I used her I got the best glaze firing results. What truly sucks about the situation is I have deadlines and this messed up my whole schedule. She didn’t even give me a warning that she was about to go dead on me. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my other kiln Dixie 66 starts performing as awesome as Pixy and doesn’t ruin my pieces ....like the last time. Ahh the fight with my kilns begins, I don’t think I will win but I will hope that something comes out okay.

On another note I found a new artist whom I love Amy Casey. Partly because she also likes to put houses up on long stilts in the sky but mostly because they are fantastical and amazing. She is now added onto my artists links side bar. Please stop by her site and enjoy the visual stimulus.

Sick Craft Fever

2008-12-29T23:46:00.000-08:00

Life’s whirlwinds had taken me away for a while but I’m back and posting again, hooray!

During the holidays I got a cold, and took residence for a week on my couch cuddling along side a box of tissues. During that time I spent many hours surfing the net, getting inspired and then eventually getting crafty making Christmas decor.

I am not much a fan of the holidays, but this year under the influence of sickness I somehow got into the holiday spirit and made a wreath. My wreath does to fit in the typical norm of the Christmas theme, but over all its green and I think it’s festive. And as my mum would say, “it only matters what you think honey”. So thank you Katie Runnels of The Constant Gatherer
for inspiring this creation of mine and filling my recovery time with joy.

These are a few pairs of the earrings I assembled over the week. There are more posted on my Flickr account too.

Forest Party

Honey and Colver

Candy Whipper

I'm going back to the studio now to get my hands dirty, and hopefully make something magnificent. Happy New Year!

Rebel Crafter Fights the Night

2008-11-15T18:44:00.001-08:00

I have been hell bent busy; the Holiday season really takes us artists by storm.

The Rebel craft fair at the Kennedy School was a success. I was excited to see people come in response to my email flyer. Wow, advertising does work! I also had the pleasure of meeting and chatting away with other artists, locals and travelers at the event. I might have even made some new friends. There was an amazing group of artists and art work to be seen. I wish I had the money to buy a few things. After the fair I went out and enjoyed the rest of the night with these fine citizens of the city.

So to anyone who missed the event, I will be having a last chance studio sale before Christmas. Email me so I can put you on my list. There will be new pots and everything left from the craft fair to see.

So recently artist Stephanie McKay , whom I met in undergrad found my website. In turn I got to look at hers, and well…I fell in love. Her hand spun wool is gorgeous, the colors are fabulous and the little crocheted berries that she adds, Oh my god are darling. Check out all her beauteous creations on her site, the colors will bring you happiness.

I have a lot of exciting new work coming out this spring so keep your eyes open.

Crafty Wonderland

2008-10-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

Craft fair creations are in full swing for the next few weeks. I realized I don't need to make a million things, just enough to fill the booth + some. It's also important to keep up a good quality of craft as to not just end up making "stuff". So while I am working away for this fair I am also preparing for my show this spring. Many of the things I am going to be selling are secretly prototypes for my show. It's the learning curve of trying new things out in ceramics, the first ones are practice. Every once in a while I'll luck out and the first run of making a new forms turns out great, but like most things……. practice, practice, practice.

I do have a paired down line of dishes I make to keep the price down, but I still think they are cute and edgy. Here are a few of the paired down group waiting for a trip to the kiln.

If you don't hear from me for a while, I'm just in the grind of things. I will post some details of the new pots as they come out of the kiln in a few weeks.

Refrigerate your artwork

2008-10-14T21:07:00.001-07:00

I dreamed last night about show casing my ceramics in an old retro refrigerator and kitchen cupboards. People had to open the refrigerator in order to find the artwork inside. Some of the ceramics even had blueberries and salads in them to show off their beauty and functionality. The show looked like snoopy house guests inspecting the wares or looking for stashed loot. While some people took turns reading the artist statement posted on the refrigerator with alphabet magnets, others puzzled over the narratives of the cups and plates in the cupboards. I think this is a future show that must happen, don’t you?

So my featured artists of the day are the magical creators at
Apak Studios here in Portland Oregon. Their fantastical world makes me want bike around Portland with rose colored glasses looking for the portal into this other realm. The brilliant colors and light hearted mirth of these images melts my heart. I have yet to buy a print, but they are totally affordable on line at etsy. Please visit their website as it’s a treat to explore. I hope one day to meet this dynamic duo and if I should, I hope I don’t make an ass out of myself.

Bread and Babies

2008-10-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

A few months ago my friend artist Megan Bisbee-Durlam, living in Japan sent me a package full of wondrous little doodads. Rather than storing away these curious Japanese toys for all time, I made them a home in one of my Ikea frames. I think my assemblage piece came out quite well.

Studio Nest

2008-10-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

After much consideration I have turned my little dinning area into a little ceramics studio. I don’t think I have ever been so diligent in keeping my studio this clean but it’s a good healthy practice none the less. It’s been a few weeks now and I love having the natural light and the sweet smell of basil while I work.

So I am working hastily in preparation for my craft sale at the Kennedy School next month and my show this spring at the Bloomington Clay Studio. This week was a lot of sketching and researching for new subject material and form reference. In the process I discovered some amazing artist’s web sites and sprouted some new ideas.

This little ceramic stool by Asa Jacobson is beautifully placed in her garden being visited by a chicken. What a wonderful image, it makes me want to have my own little chicken and tomato plants.

3 states + 6 days = good times!

2008-10-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

My summer trip went fast but it was fantastic! I had 6 days of looking at graduate schools and visiting old friends. I had a wonderful time in Alfred visiting friends and exploring Cara's cabinets full of handmade pottery. It’s always an inspiration to see and feel the different methods and surfaces of handmade pottery. Each pot has a different personality reflecting the people who made them. My other diversion in Alfred was pillaging the local antique stores that are awesomely cheep.

After Alfred I swung up to Buffalo for a fine evening of margaritas and craft night with Ashley and Jay. The Mexican restaurant we ate at had great food, so so service and to my amusement was a partly renovated Denny’s. Jay’s Margarita was more like a bowl of liquor as you can see.

After a night of “party!” I drove down to Bloomington Indiana to see Shu-Mai and Daniel of the Bloomington Clay Studio. They where awesome hosts and gave me a wonderful tour of the town and Indiana University. I don’t think anyone else could have done a better job of winning over my heart to this town. Daniel made us an amazing dinner worthy of a fine restaurant, Daniel you rock. After some good food, company, and conversation I returned home to start working again, and with lots to think about.

Thunder Gray Photo Attack

2008-08-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

I’m gearing up for the coming months of craft fairs and studio sales. Making deadlines for my self is painful. Focusing to make work and not play work is more painful. Credit card tools, priceless!

Yesterday I newly discovered more love of my credit card tools. They are great for wet trimming and shaping. I had a blast playing around with different cut card shapes to us in pushing the clay around and apply patters.

Today I’m off to pick up my first back drop in thunder gray and set up for picture taking. I’m fantastically long over due for taking pictures of my work. Kyle would call my procrastination my super hero weakness, it totally is.