2 Pears Pottery

New/End Year Tradition

2011-12-30T16:34:00.000-08:00

So I've got this thing in my blood where I have to get to the Strip District around my birthday. And since said birthday is next Monday, today ended up being the day. Who couldn't ask for a better one?? Sunny and 47 degrees?? Not your usual December Januaury fare, that's for sure. I was going to title this post "End of the Year Tradition" but the truth is, my birthday falls at the BEGINNING of the year, and I've got the time for this tradition before the END of the year. That being said, I guess it should really be called my "Transitional Tradition". So why the Strip? Well....

Take the Society for Contemporary Crafts, what's not to intrigue and engage your brain here??? The current exhibit is the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this piece for a million tagged reasons. First, it's made of hundreds of old fashioned price tags, dangling and swinging in the breeze! Each tag has an image or word stamped on the surface and the cotton strings tying each one makes the 8 year old Charo in me scream, "I NEED that!" And what is it about those old tags? When I see them in the Worthington Hardware Store or in Staples, part of me sees no problem in buying 100 of them in each size and color. Of course, the Minnie Pearle in me sees no problem either. Secondly, it screams "girlie girl", need I say more? Regardless, this dress brought up many fun memories from childhood (My poor mother.) and it also made me question what part of me blocks the impulse to buy and create with something that causes such a pleasant visceral reaction?

Along with the great sculptues in the exhibit is an artwork by my former colleague and

Saxonburg Co-op member Mark Weleski. These are two separate canvases, hand streched to perfection. Look deeply, look inside. It's all there. Mark's works are currently on view at the Co-op if you are interested in seeing more of his abstracts and also his photo realistic work. A quiet man, his work speaks volumes. There's much more to see at the AAP exhibit which runs through Jan. 14.

And of course it wouldn't be a blog post without a pot or two...so here's the latest addition to my collection:

This little mug jumped off the table while I was perusing the shop at SCC. Joanna Powell of Boulder, Colorado got me with earthenware and as she writes on her card, "humor and whimsy". Yummy buttery glaze, slip, sgraffito and a perfectly sized handle! Love it, too!! Now, take notice of that box with the blue pom pom on top. In real estate, they say, "Location, location, location." In retail we say, "Presentation!!" I walked out of the SCC holding that sweet little box like a new baby for everyone to see.
It wasn't simply a day for art. Many of you know the Strip is full of people, smells, steet vendors, hats. socks, Steeler gear and so much more. The day was filled with stops at Roxanne's Dried Flowers for a good head full of eucaclyptus and a box of anise seeds, and a stop at Mon Aimee Chocolate...only two bars of Salted Dark Chocolate this year....A stop for chai, a giant jar of feta cheese...two new crazy hats. I am ready for the new year!
So as 2011 comes to an end, I've concluded it was a year of change and growth, a good one. Finishing it out with great art and some inspiration for 2012 is a tradition I'll gladly do again, same time same place, next year.

Studio Pottery Sale!

2011-12-01T18:11:00.001-08:00

Studio Pottery Sale

Saturday December 10, 10-4pm

720 Cadogan Slate Lick Rd.

Kittanning

The studio needs a good cleaning, a few pots have been sitting around the studio a little too long...sounds like it's time for a sale!! Do a little holiday shopping, join me for some coffee, tea and goodies.

Discontinued patterns will be marked RED DOT - 50% off.

Who wouldn't love this Biscotti Jar?

All plates must go!

Decorator pears---perfect little gifts.

Cash and checks accepted.

See you Saturday!

Eating Again?

2011-11-27T18:59:00.001-08:00

Ahhhhh more food as the Thanksgivng holiday comes to a close. The extended holiday brought friends to the house for dinner and pots to the table. I mixed up some dipping oils with fresh herbs from the garden for that fabulous asiago cheese baguette from the Oakmont Bakery . Here's a few of my favorites by some of my many favorite potters....Molly Hatch, April Gates ,Ron Philbeck, Karen McKee, Bernadette Curran , and Nancy Smeltzer.

Mark your calendars!! December 10! 10-2pm. Come on over for a last minute sale and I'll get out the pots and dipping oil for you as well. As the year closes, it's time to move out pieces that have become like grown children who won't move out! Discontinued patterns, colors and test pieces will be 50 % off. See you there!

Holiday Stop & Shop

2011-11-15T17:53:00.001-08:00

Join me this weekend for another fresh batch of bakeware and kitchen beauties...

The Holiday Stop & Shop

November 19, 10-5pm

The Penn lade Lions Club

150 Church Road Butler PA 16002

Brie BakersIf you've never heard of a brie baker...just imagine puff pastry wrapped around a lovely brie with honey and fresh rosemary baked in this perfectly sized dish! (We made one at the Cottage Pottery Sale and sold the dish it was served from!!

I'll also have beautiful large platters for serving or display. Platters are able to be hung or displayed on a large plate rack in your kitchen, dining or living room area.
Is your kitchen missing anything? Do you need a hostess gift? Do you need serving bowls for those great Tastefully Simple dip mixes? I'll have chip n'dip servers, serving platters, dip bowls of all sizes, utensil jars, tumblers, anything bowls, coffee mugs, large salad and pasta bowls and casserole dishes.
Hope to see you!!!
Christy

2011-10-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

Cottage Pottery Sale

November 5 & 6

10- 5

614 Stanton Ave

Mars Pa

Where ya been anyway?

2011-10-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

Quite some time has passed since I've written anything other than a "Come out and see me" post. The start of the school year hit and although it has been a new, challenging and great start, it has left me with little time for posting. As I posted awhile back, I am 90% of the art department. The nuts of bolts of this is that I now teach the 2 D program as well as the 3D. The most amusing part of this new position is the comment from students, "You mean you know how to draw and paint too?" This of course opens the door for so many new conversations about having skills and talents in many areas, but truly loving one a teeny bit more! If anything, my students are learning that we humans are much more than we appear to be. I, too, am remembering what pencil on good drawing paper feels like and how smooth watercolor can be.I guess we really are more than we think we are.

Finally a weekend at home in the studio and the kitchen! Cold weather hit and all I want to do is cook soup and bake. Thursday night brought a pot of wedding soup with rosemary from the garden. Appearing today, everyone's favorite Fat Ass Red Raspberry Cornbread. These awesome berries were picked at Pete's berry patch last night...4 quarts!! He's been picking all week. Schramm's Farm Market sells what he and I don't eat or shove into a cornbread or salad. The lovely little dish you see under that luscious cornbread and lemon thyme is from Penland, North Carolina by Shawn Ireland.

The fall weather brings with it upcoming shows and the long "to do" list. After doing Fair in the Park in September, I was happily reminded that people really do want to interact with pottery. They want pieces they can use over and over. So my list includes several different sizes of oval bakers- some large enough to accomodate a baked chicken, a medium size for cherry cobblers and a smaller one for cheesy artichoke dip. And of course the brie bakers....a half dozen are waiting for the final glaze coating as I type.
If you are in the need for one of these... try the following locations:
1. Saxonburg Area Artists Coop, 215 Main St. Saxonburg PA Tuesdays 1-9,Fridays 1-9, Saturday 10-8
2. Cottage Pottery Sale, 614 Stanton Ave, Mars Pa November 6&7 10-5
3. Holiday Stop n Shop, November 19, 10-5 Penn Glade Lions Club 150 Church Rd. Butler PA

Now, how about that cornbread??

2011-09-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

Cottage Pottery Sale!

Mark your calendars! November 5 & 6, 10-5
614 Stanton Ave, Mars Pa

Join us for a day of shopping for everyone on your holiday list, and of course, some sweet things for yourself.

Karen McKee and I will be serving up pie, tart and mimosa's while you browse through a beautiful selection of salad and pasta bowls, tea pots, platters, pie plates, sushi servers, magic salt shakers, chip n' dips, mugs, cups and the ever popular BRIE BAKERS!!!

For the second year, Christine and Dennis Mooney have graciously
opened their home for our sale.
614 Stanton Ave. Mars, PA

Hope to see you there!

Artist In the Parking Lot Sale!

2011-09-12T10:49:00.001-07:00

Hope to see you this Saturday at The Hole in the Wall Gallery in Lower Burrell!
I'll have pasta bowls, tea pots, serving bowls and much more! Start your holiday shopping now, or find something for yourself. Stop by and say hello! Do you know about the chocolate counter??!! It's to die for!!

Look at those jugs!!

2011-08-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

No, really. Look at those jugs. Moving away from the crass way society has referred to female body parts, I am lamenting the loss of the traditional jug form in the contemporary kitchen. While the world of ceramics, mostly wood and salt fired pottery, still loves the jug, somewhere it disappeared in household use. Do we need Walmarts full of jugs for daily use? Definitely not. Do we need well crafted and designed containers for various liquids? Yes, and there are many out there.
Today, most of us carry our own personal hydration containers, whether they be the "your favorite water brand" plastic bottle or the BPA free reusaeble container. Not being critical of these containers, the question still stands: when did the jug get lost? Was it the stigma of hillbilly hooch? (Insert banjo here please.) Was it Hee-Haw's Moonshiners? ( I know, I know, there's a great picture of me looking like Minnie Pearl On Facebook!)
So why not consider a jug for your hydration needs? Or even consider replacing your favorite wine decanter with a nice jug! Red, white, rose, all will pour so nicely at your picnic...The handle fits comfortably around the finger of your choice, the cork is easily removed and reinserted, and it holds any liquid of your choice. You'll be the first kid in the neighborhood to start an uber-cool trend. Just make sure you've got your straw hat and plaid shirt on when you leave the house.

Life After Penland...part 2

2011-07-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

Finally, a body of work out of the glaze fire! It's been so hot I could've fired them in the back yard. I've added canister sets to my long list of "Pottery pieces you absolutely MUST HAVE in your kitchen." You'll be seeing more of the black and white leaf pattern this fall. The simpler pattern creates contrast to the very busy and "girly" cherry ware.

This serving dish looks deceptively small, in reality it's 12" long and 5" inches deep. Think of all the friends you could feed with this on your table! Think of all the gazpacho, mac n' cheese, fried chicken, or buttermilk biscuits you could fill this with!! Invite me over for dinner and you can test it out on your own table...I'll fill it with something delicious.

Life After Penland...

2011-07-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

Penland...two incredible weeks at a place like no other. Nestled, (I'm not kidding, Mapquest gets lost in all the nestling between mountains.) in the mountains of western North Carolina, it is one of the foremost craft schools in the US, hosting international and national artists to teach courses year round. As I last posted back in June, I signed up for the Figurative Ceramics class with Steve Dixon of the UK. We focused on the idea of "hero" or even "anti-hero" in our personal lives. In today's world, do we have heroes? What defines a hero? I was always a huge fan of Wonder Woman and the Bionic Woman...but in reality, heroes don't always come with super powers, instead, they come with presence and the presence of mind to sit still in the insanity of daily life and the unfolding traumas. In my life, the women in my mother's family have kept me sane, they are the bumpers on life's road, keeping me pointed forward. Not wanting to make a portrait of one particular woman, the bust became my Grandmother, Mother, and Aunt Janie. Little tchotskies representing all the sisters were placed within the giant curls of what was my Grandmother's "set." (I remember her getting her her "done" once a week.) At the front of her head is a tiny dining room table with 6 chairs...the most important place in the house. In remembering the table, as a child it seemed at least 20 people could sit around it. Originally I made 8 chairs, but was told there were only 6 chairs!! It was the place we always gathered and it seemed very fitting to put it at the front.

In her hair are: mascara and lipstick, a rolling pin, a lady finger and crochet hooks, a blue spiral representing "free spirit" and chocolate chip cookies, a log cabin with a bluebird of happiness at the top, a pair of orange pumps and a wine bottle, a big red heart, a baby and rubber ducky, as well, as the vodka slush container and a sacred heart.

Around her neck is a collar of pierogies and 11 philodendron leaves for the 11 kids in the family. It seems our family centers around eating, drinking, and looking good. My biggest struggle was to find a way to represent these very strong women who's very essences are intangible but very much who they are. I think it is the struggle of any artist trying to symbolize humanity. The hardest thing I learned about this particular piece of art was this...it was only a precursor to the next version. While still working out all these ideas in my head, trying to move from what is a literal representation to one filled with symbolism of more complicated ideas, the piece was unfortunately rushed into the kiln with an even more unfortunate ending. (Insert explosion and expletives here.)While contemplating how long it would take my school district to find my face on the front page of a North Carolina newspaper accused of murdering the studio assistant, I remembered a great friend once saying, "Never get attached to your pots." I applied the same wisdom, and set about building some little houses and heart rattles ( not shown). While I didn't bring home what I expected, I did bring home a new batch of friends, great memories and lessons still revealing themselves.

Back to the present...I've been home two weeks now, and what have I been doing??? Making pots of course!! "A Fair in the Park" is coming up in September. Cake plates are always fun to make and with the food channels fussing over cakes these days, why not? Penland artists made some of the most beatiful large food servers for the caferteria buffet line. I was inspired to make a few homages to these food boats, as well as, tall vases, canister sets and casseroles and brie bakers.

I know, I know, it's 97 degrees and the humidity is dripping, who wants to think about baking?? But autumn is just a cricket's chirp away. Soon I'll be craving baked artichoke dip and wool sweaters. In the mean time, I'll keep making pots and watering the garden, and cranking up the air.

PENLAND! Here I come!!!

2011-06-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, so another school year has closed as well as another studio sale. I'll call the year a success so far and say this.... I need to recharge!! Back in January, with all the snow days and time to think, a summer plan was being hatched... find a place to challenge and kick myself out of a very comfortable place. In the fall, a painter friend accused me of "holding out". He was right, so here the time comes to dig back into sculpture. I wrote in a previous post about goddesses to which Homefry Sketchbook Kyle called me the corn goddess. It stuck like glue...so who knows where that inner sculptress will take me. Steve Dixon, sculptor and social commentator will be teaching a figurative ceramics class at Penland in North Carolina near Ashville. On the Instructor notes sheet the following was posed,"It would be useful if the students could give some thought to the kind of narrative they might wish to explore - personal, historical and political." How in the world do I separate those? One and the same, in my opinion. Ideas about the role of women historically, traditionally and in today's world combine with where social conscience, at least mine, leans today towards a healthier, more eco friendly world roll in my head. Questions about sustainability in agriculture lead to questions about the sustainability of the human race. My NPR driven brain wonders where we are going based upon where we've been so far.

I've got my sketchbooks full of ideas. See you when I get back!

Follow the hat...

2011-06-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

2011-06-06T04:56:00.000-07:00

Karen and I are still busy making pots for this weekend's sale! Some may even be unloaded while the show is setting up. Potters can never have too many pieces for the sale!! We'll also be baking our little hearts out, or possibly supporting those local bakeries, as well. Come join us...click here for directions.

2011-05-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

It's that time! Open Studio Sale! This year, Karen is opening (and cleaning) her studio. She's got a great home studio, full of pots, equipment, her two dogs, Sadie and Luna. Join us for pottery, conversation and baked goodies Saturday and Sunday, 10-5 pm. Click here for directions.

Another new mug...Who's Chris Drobnock anyway??

2011-05-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you get a few potters together...we bring each others pots home. After the Pots in the Park this past weekend I came home with a few goodies, this being my favorite...wood/salt fired mug by
Chris Drobnock of Mount Union Pa. His booth set up was of funky old barn boards, great vintage cabinet doors and, of course some even better wood fired pieces. I wish I had taken the camera, the shots would have been much more descriptive. But back to the mug...I am a sucker for a good foot on a mug..not to mention a single finger action handle. This mug hasn't left my side since Saturday upon my return. The form handles hot and cold beverages quite well! When this pic was shot, it still had a little bit of the morning's brew left.

Shiny!

2011-05-12T03:04:00.000-07:00

Shiny pots for Pots in the Park in Oil City, May 20 & 21!! See you there!

As promised...

2011-05-09T14:13:00.001-07:00

Finally, some finished pieces. A little at at time...

This was my studio set up today...it was just too sunny to stay inside. Izzy lounged in the grass while the bees buzzed around all afternoon.

A few shots of pots in varying stages of glazing. In a recent conversation about making pots, Joe Sendek mentioned that potters probably touch each piece 22 times before completion. Up to this point, these pots have been lovingly handled at least 20 times- first when I took them from the wheel, flipped them over to dry, to the wheel for thrimming,then another for handles, to the shelf for drying, to the other shelf for drying...to the kiln, from the kiln to the shelf, to the table, first layer of base glaze, second layer of glaze, set aside to dry, pick up again to draw designs, pick up for each color applied- red, red again, dark green, light green, black, white, then the final layer of amber cover glaze...and they still need to be moved inside the studio before they are fired.

I'm exhausted just typing this, but smiling because this batch is SO CLOSE to being finished!!!

Broken Promises

2011-04-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I said the next post would involve glazed pieces... but I just had to post these. Couldn't start any glazing until they were done...

Done! Just in time!

2011-04-26T13:34:00.001-07:00

Ahhhh...spring break, come and gone. Back to the kiddos tomorrow. Just a quick photo update of the completion of yesterday's throwing. I haven't thrown large for quite some time, so it was fun to try my hand at giant jars. Another potter, who's blog escapes me (You know how you jump from one site to the next to the next?) made a series of monster sized jars. Inspiring to say the least. Mine aren't quite as large as his, but that's ok. The whole point was the challenge.
The soup mugs and tumblers are ready for the bisque thanks to a fabulous 80 degree day. The next post, I promise, will be of glazed pieces...can't wait to get started!

80 Degrees and the pots are drying....

2011-04-25T17:12:00.006-07:00

A day off has left me with much time to make and bake...tumblers, jars, pasta bowls, and dessert plates. The weather went from extremely humid to hot, humid and windy....the tumblers were quickly trimmed and the jars will be handled shortly. Gotta love it when time flies like this! No time to mow that grass though!

2011-04-25T17:12:00.005-07:00

2011-04-25T17:12:00.003-07:00

2011-04-25T17:12:00.001-07:00

Barking around the studio....

2011-04-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

So what's a dog to do when her master is busy making pots and ignoring her pleas to be outside in the sun??? Bark in frustration at the ground hog, chipmunk and squirrells infringing upon her domain, that's what.
For the record, we did hit the pavement after this platter was completed. (She's snoring at my feet as I type.) A custom order from PAK, it will barely clear the kiln for the bisque. I'm looking forward to all the space for decorating- cherries, cherries and cherries....
I'm busy this long weekend with orders and building inventory for a few spring shows. If you aren't aware of the Pots in the Park event in Oil City, Pa in May click the link! I'll be there with many other potters showing off our wares, doing demos and talking about why we make pots! Come one, come all!

The Sue Tirrell rooster mug hails from Red Lodge Clay Gallery, Montana

Spring Booty

2011-04-10T16:28:00.001-07:00

There's nothing like a little spring to make us wake up to the world. This leafy wood fired tumbler is by potter, Cathy Bisowsky of Indiana, PA. She works out of Stoke Hole Pottery. If you had a chance to stop by the IUP Underground Pottery Sale this weekend, you may have had the chance to see more of her work. Regretfully, I only picked up one of these... While the weather was doing it's best impression of spring today, I made homemade lemonade from a simple syrup, juice of 3 lemons, and some cilantro. (Don't knock it until you try it!) The perfect cup to start spring.

Tumblers and vases for two orders. A local guy is trading me custom made pedestals for some dinnerware. Bartering....gotta love it.

Yes, those are moonshine jugs...along with plates, bowls, spoon rests...stay tuned for more!

Bad Pics of SWEET Pots

2011-04-04T18:02:00.001-07:00

A few new pieces, slab plates and cream tumblers. I'm playing around with lines as added interest. It's fun to see them roll with the forms. At this point I can say I'll be sticking with the cream, terra cotta and black color scheme. My photo set up is a major undertaking so the livingroom became a quick photography studio for the day-which means poor lighting. Forgive me and just look at the pots. These are on their way to the IUP Underground Pottery Sale this weekend. Always the best place for a large selection of pottery from local established potters and the up and coming clay artists from the IUP Ceramics program. This Friday and Saturday 9 am to 7 pm, Robertshaw Building IUP campus.

C'mon, you know that's a cute pot!!!

Loca- Consumer of Local Art

2011-03-27T15:58:00.001-07:00

When you hear the word locavore, what comes to mind? Food? The attempted "greening" of everything? Dictionary.com lists a locavore as: "A person who attempts to eat only foods grown locally. " In thinking of how our communities are stretched beyond small town limits with down town epicenters, I wonder what the new catchphrase is for the person wanting to not only consume local food, but also patronize local small grocery stores, hardware stores, and family run restaurants? What soapbox sits under my feet today? The label might be one attributed to potter Kristen Keiffer-"Sponsor Creativity & Community- Support your local artists by buying and giving handmade." The impetus for this blog posting is the kitchen of stained glass artist and Valley High School art teacher Prissy Pakulski. In creating a home with beautifully crafted furniture and stained glass windows, she included my terra cotta cherry designs. Those who read this blog know my cabinets are full of locally and internationally purchased hand made pottery. How nice for my art ego to see this!!

If you are looking to become a loca-consumer of the arts, I suggest the "Underground Pottery Sale" April 7 & 8th, Indiana University of PA, Robertshaw Building, 9am- 7pm. Pottery from the hands of IUP students and many potters from the surrounding communities. All proceeds benefit the Ceramics department. And, as awlays, the Saxonburg Area Artists Co-op is open Fridays and Saturdays for a more ecclectic selection of paintings, sculpture, jewelry and more.

Support Creativity & Community!!

Soup Sales...people doing the great things they do....

2011-03-16T18:18:00.000-07:00

Potter, Josh Floyd, Emmanuelle Wambach , Nancy Smeltzer and Harmony Ritchie, organizers of IUP's sale.

Many of you have heard of the"Empty Bowls" Soup Sale events across the nation. Hopefully you've had a chance to participate in this wonderful event that brings together potters, cooks and hungry patrons of the arts for the benefit of the less fortunate in our communities. Did you know that by simply purchasing a hand made bowl and homemade soup, you qualify as a patron of the arts? You thought only millionaires were patrons?? Support the arts, purchase from local artists. Be a responsible citizen, purchase that bowl at a local soup sale and all the profits go to the food bank. It's a win win win.
IUP hosted a sale yesterday, the community responded with many, many, many bowls donated by local potters. The best chefs in Indiana County brought their soup making talents to the table and the public lined up. In turn, they raised over $3000! Nice job, everyone!

Potter Josh Floyd http://floydpots.blogspot.com/ and Debra Frew http://www.etsy.com/shop/StokeHolePottery

Arts Patron LouAnn Hoviland and potter Kyle Houser http://kylehouser.blogspot.com/

Potter, Irene Tabish serving up the soup.

Arts Patron Evelyn Smeltzer- mother of potter and chef Nancy Smeltzer. That's MY bowl going home with her!

If you missed this great event, no worries...Deer Lakes High School will be hosting it's 7th annual soup sale May 18th. Hope to see you there!

Meandering Time Travel

2011-03-02T17:21:00.000-08:00

The gallery is stocked well enough for the time being. This allows time for a pause in the search for glaze combinations and traditional functionality and do some exploration. I have been working my head around some more figurative and symbolic sculptures... a concept that has presented itself many times in my work, though it's been awhile since goddesses and female figures have shown up...it's probably time. In thinking about more symbolic pieces, I revisited some pieces I saw in Peru in 2007. These gorgeous pieces are in the Larco Museum, Lima. http://www.museolarco.org/ I was so enthralled with the pieces I neglected to photgraph the tags...

These three pieces impacted me the most for deceptively simple forms, the symbols of seeds and the beauty in the birds. Sustenance, humanity and spirit, don't we as artists look for these still today? In addition, I am working in groups of three, which draws my attention to the structures. The concept of connection in humans, to each other, within ourselves, our surroundings and the world as a whole seems an apt point today, considering how "connected" technology allows us to be today. Are we really connected? On what level? What allows us to be genuinely connected? To what are we connected?

And speaking of big ideas...I don't think there's a culture out there that doesn't make big pots...

And now a word from our sponsor...Corn.
In our society today, so much heated argument is dedicated to corn, at least in my realm of interest in NPR podcasts and broadcasts on agriculture, food, health and the state of the economy. Corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, health care, farm subsidies, ethanol, gmo's (genetically modified organisims), pesticides, and special interests, did I miss any? When did we loose sight of rejoicing in food and the life and livelihood it provided? My mother has a set of corn salt and pepper shakers, does that qualify? Depending on which museum you are standing in, the answer could be yes. Our culture, in the last 100 years, has mass produced a considerable amount of tchotchke or kitsch dedicated to all the foods that have sustained us for centuries. I don't think any of them measure up to these boys. Imagine future archeologists digging through the rubble of our homes trying to piece together our stories, the same way archeologists have been attempting to piece together the stories of the Inca through these relics.

After looking at these, I'm left with a craving for corn on the cobb and butter from a corn emblazoned butter dish...maybe there's a corn goddess in the making???

YAY! and few thoughts about process....

2011-02-27T06:59:00.001-08:00

I woke this Sunday morning with great anticipation! I fired the honey pots, biscotti jars and butter dishes last night. What's not to anticipate about decadent pieces that revolve around things your dietician insists you should limit??? I don't have a dietician, I am a dairy farmer's daughter. Butter, not margarine or "spread" in any form. Sugar or honey, not "sweetener."Please, honesty in food...but that's a conversation for spoken conversation, not a blog post today... anyway...LOOOOOOK!!

Multitudes of decisions are made in any body of work regardless of the amount of pieces. Teaching full time leaves me with less time than I'd like for the investation of ideas which then leads to a certain amount of pressure to "get it right." In the middle of glazing, ideas are bouncing in my head and a limited number of pots sit on the table. It's like the lottery, how many combinations can be arranged of pattern, motif, and color? (And more importantly, which one will allow me to build a new studio?) Accepting the fact that I'll never know what will work for me until the glaze goes on trumps hesitation. This fresh batch gives me more to consider. Black and white contrast well against the terracotta, but there is something very nice about the amber over white glaze which was done in the last batch. Amber was used over the terracotta this time, but not over the white...lessons learned. For me, this is the catalyst for the next group of pots. A painter friend asked if I ever get "stuck" or run out of ideas. My answer at the time was that in my studio there are always a few pots that don't get glazed and needing to finish them usually propels me into the next kiln load. But today I've realised that it is more than unglazed pots, it is unresolved ideas that continually move me forward.

As I posted early on, I have never made honey pots before. Everything is a learning experience, and there was much to be learned about small forms that hold specific things, but also forms that need to accomodate a utensil. While I worked some of these new issues out, the issue of availability of the sizing of utensils was disappointing. Make the honeypots larger? Continue in the search for smaller, nicer honey sticks? Probably both.

Another issue is my photo "booth." At some point, I will purchase one of those great little pop-up photo tents. For now, I am (adventurously) working with what I have. Just call me "McGyver."

February Studio Tour

2011-02-22T13:36:00.000-08:00

No one does studio tours in February do they? Especially here in Western PA, today, when my driveway is 8 inches deep in snow. Not a problem for us Subaru drivers, but a serious problem for those without 4 wheel drive as the driveway angles downward. With so much snow, I was again afforded a snow day. It left me with some time to tidy up. The studio is currently in a slow sort of lull; finshing some things, beginning some sculptural pieces. Here's your tour...a little of this, a little of that.
Honey pots, butter and cheese dishes waiting for the final details and firing.

A mostly clean studio. I was talking with Kyle Houser (Homefry sketchbook) yesterday admitting to him that my floor cleaning skills were less than admirable. Anyone out there shaking their heads? This week, in an effort to stay ahead of the trimmings and dust I have been "cleaning as I go" with a shiny new sponge...well, it's not shiny anymore.

My hand me down slab roller- still rolling after all these years.

An ecclectic mix of obejcts that pile up in the kilnroom. No, this kiln is not currently hooked up, but it makes a great storage surface. (Anyone wishing to donate to the cause, please contact me personally.)

The beautful sunny view from the studio today. And yes, that orange object at the bottom of the window is my new kayak....when's the snow going to melt???

Who do you love?

2011-02-14T04:50:00.000-08:00

A few "little things" I've been working on the side. What a most appropriate day to unveil them!
In October, I participated in a workshop given by ceramic artist Carla Flati at the Pennsylvania Art Educators Association 2010 convention in Pittsburgh. "Nichos in Clay" provided all the top secret techniques one needs to know to create these colorful pieces. I can't give any secrets out, you'll need to see Carla at Standard Ceramics in Pittsburgh to get the goods! These will make their way to my Etsy page soon. (On the off chance you need a late Valentine's Day gift, or a sweet gift for yourself.)

These are wall ready, you simply need to decide where you'll hang them.

Honey!!!!

2011-02-09T18:20:00.001-08:00

A friend from my college days at IUP asked me to make a honey pot. I've never made one, not sure why?? I am a huge fan of honey, so I guess this is long overdue. These will be decorated with white glaze and cherries then covered with my heavy luscious amber glaze. Dots and stripes will find their places as I go.

Now that these are finished, I wish I had made more in the series. Time is limited with me, and from experience I have learned it takes much less time to throw all the parts than to put them all together. Three tends to be a number that works well in production with pieces that require assembly. My process takes more time than I care to admit. I admit, I fuss. And fuss.

Challenging myself to a new form was refreshing, so much so, I worked later into the evening than usual last night and took advantage of a 2 hour delay this morning. I hear the weather is supposed to be frigid again tomorrow, maybe I'll have a chance to finish the two lidded jars that accompany these three "sweeties".

Smiled so much my cheeks hurt...

2011-02-06T05:54:00.000-08:00

We had a great turn out for the reception at Boulevard Gallery. Thank you to everyone who came out ! The evening could have been considered a faculty meeting, as many of our colleagues joined us. (Maybe I can apply for some Act 48 hours?) Above, Bill Pazman's "Martini" print and the original "Marilyn" painting.

Bill and Rachel Pazman during a break in the action.

Sheila and Emily Knell ( President and junior member of my fan club). What would any of us potters do without those loyal friends and customers? Sheila has been known to deliver rhubarb pie to craft shows! It was still warm!

And the queen of my fan club- Mom. In order to keep her daughter humble, she has been known to pull out some of my first pieces when guests arrive!

Thank you again to everyone. The show will remain up until the end of February. Many good pieces are still available!

Passion Fruit Exhibit, Opening Reception

2011-02-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

It's time!!! Finally!! "Passion Fruit", the fruit of my labor and love-colorful Majolica wares and terra cotta pears. A day doesn't pass without my head and/or hands in the clay, it is my passion. I hope you get a chance to see the show. Please join us for fine food, wine and conversation Saturday evening 6-9, Boulevard Gallery-736 Allegheny River Blvd. Verona PA.

Another cup from the collection...

2011-01-26T15:07:00.001-08:00

Tea and honey, a nice warm up after a walk with Izzy in the very wet and cold snow this afternoon. Posey Baucopolous' majolica mug is my favorite tea cup. The body is lightweight and it's tall so it holds a nice amount. I'm not sure why I prefer this cup for tea as opposed to coffee. It doesn't have the personality for dark roast laden with sugar and heavy cream, I suppose.

My favorite tea (today) is Yogi brand Kombucha decaf. Describing it is difficult, you really need to get some. Add some local honey and you'll be nothing but delighted. An added bonus to the great tea that it is--- real tag lines!! Remember when Salada used to have great tea lines? Now they have silly puns, nothing profound. Today's tag is ,The purpose of life is to enjoy every moment."

Enjoy!

"Inspired" Exhibit

2011-01-24T11:05:00.001-08:00

"Inspired" Exhibit, Kipp Gallery, IUP, February 5- April 4, 2011. High School Art Teachers and Students exhibit their best works. This is the work of Alyssa Trocki, senior art student at Deer Lakes High School. She's been making ceramic art for four years and hopefully will continue to do so after she graduates.
"Ruffled Platter"- Alyssa Trocki, earthenware, layered under glazes and glazes. Multiple firings.

I'm going to leave this picture sideways, simply because if you know Alyssa, this is perfect. Free glaze test to you if you can name where this ceramic installation is located...leave it in the comment section.

Commissioned cake plate, created in November by Alyssa. She is a big fan of Amaco Majolica glazes.

"Tube Sculpture" was juried into the National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition last year. Alyssa and her family travelled to Philly to see the exhibit and experience the gallery scene!

As a teacher and artist, it is very heartening when the ceramic community and higher level educational institutions provide exhibition opportunities for young artists. Standard Ceramics just informed me today of an exhibition for young ceramic artists at the Clay Place in Carnegie, PA in April. Hope to see you all there to meet the tomorrow's big name artists!

Sunday full of pears...

2011-01-23T18:02:00.001-08:00

Call me lazy, call me too busy..whichever...I was in too much of a hurry to take a better pic of the pears before they headed off to the "Inspired" show at Indiana University of Pa (IUP) for the month of February. This show is for high school art teachers and one student. A tough decision for any teacher to make. Alyssa Trocki, a senior who had a piece in the K-12 juried show at NCECA Philadelphia last year will be exhibiting with me. I'll post her ruffled platter tomorrow- the image is on the school computer! Kyle Houser (you know, Homefry Sketchbook) is curating the show, so I met up with him at Stoke Hole Pottery ( Birch and Debra Frew)for a drop off this afternoon. He's been working on mugs, mugs, tankards and mugs. Check out his blog for an update!

These pears are covered with two layers of Amaco under glazes and three applications of some top secret opaque series Amaco glazes.

After the drop off with Kyle, I headed into Martin's in Indiana for a produce raid. Look at these beautiful babies!! Who couldn't be inspired by these??

I'm hoping to get a similar color combination for the next batch of pears. I've got the greens and the reds, now to get them together for that intense combination. We'll see...until then, they're lunch for the week.

Vegetarian Cannibalism?

2011-01-17T03:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's favorite child, today's afternoon galette. Ahhh, pretty pears, pretty pastry with rosemary on top. While the galette was baking, the stems were being added and the first layer of underglazes was applied. I made two groupings, one with buttons, one without. By the end of the week they'll be dry enough to fire, after which the next layer of color will be rubbed into the surface highlighting the textures.

Remember "Little House on the Prairie" when Laura would climb in bed with her bed cap? I couldn't put these girls to bed without their "caps".

"Produce" Section

2011-01-15T09:37:00.000-08:00

Pears, anyone? This is the beginning of 6 sculptural pears I'm working on for two shows in February. I threw the bodies two days ago, and have been carefully waiting for them to "ripen" enough to manipulate the forms.

My idea is to texture the surface with some of those crazy plastic doillies from the 70's (of which very few exist due to their low melting point in SUNLIGHT. Lucky for me, a co-worker cleaned out 30 years worth of stuff and I pounced.)

Once these get a a little firmer, I'll begin layering under glazes into the surfaces before the stems and leaves are attached. Then begins the first of many firings adding more layers of transparent glazes, trails and drips. I needed to go to the actual produce section this morning to purchase some visual aids (i.e. lunch tomorrow). I wasn't thinking when I began this process and forgot I needed some cushy surfaces. Those pillows are clean only because they were just purchased this morning. My son wouldn't volunteer his pilllows for the cause.

Tools of the morning. Mug by Kristin Pavelka ( www.pavelkapottery.com) Love, love, love her stuff. Sooooo girly. Picked it up when she was a resident at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena MT. (www.archiebray.org)

No comment from the Izzy gallery today. We're heading out for a walk in the game lands next while we wait for the pears to set up.

It's hip to be square!

2011-01-13T07:07:00.000-08:00

So what do you do with a 2 hour delay? Unload the kiln and make your 16 year old take a picture. I decided to try out some square plates for the show in Feburaury. The hardest part is waiting for them to dry slowly on the drywall board. I just want to get them in the kiln so I can decorate. The square format is a nice change up from the never ending line up of bowls in my studio! The next group of plates will have a black center with the cherry border, making a more striking plate. Maybe some cedar plank salmon on a bed of risotto for the inagural serving?

Boulevard Gallery Exhibit

2011-01-12T16:05:00.000-08:00

Hope to see you all there! I've been invited to do a show at Boulevard Gallery in Verona in February. My colleague and fellow artist Bill Pazman will be exhibiting paintings and prints, as well. We've taught art for the past 13 years in the Deer Lakes School District. He teaches grades 6-8, and I put the final polish on them in 9-12 before we send them into the "real world." He and I taught together through a PAEA "Teachers as Artist in Residence Program" grant a few years ago. What a blast, and what a great person to work with. We had his 6th grade students make "Story Mugs" using red clay and slip to slab build mugs which incorporated images from their family histories.

Bill's images are pop oriented: Superman and Marilyn Monroe to name a few. Why isn't Bill billed on the announcement above??? Hmmm I don't have any images yet!!! Check back, I'll get some posted!

In getting ready for this show, I took advantage of this snow day (Though, not snowy enough to keep me home...went to the mall. Damn gift cards anyway.) It is amazing how much work gets done when I don't go back to bed. This day started at 6:30...and still isn't over. Finished glazing and loaded the kiln by 10, then did a little "retail therapy". It worked so well, I glazed more for the next load and threw 6 large sculptural pear bases. My idea for the show is to have these larger table pieces- yellow, green and red pears with heavy decoration as the centerpieces and surround them with the fruited functional ware. Lemons will be appearing again for this show along with a resurgence of pears. I've been having this love affair with the cherries for quite sometime, it's time to add the yellow back to the line up.

Finally finished those tea pots...

2011-01-06T11:24:00.001-08:00

Ohhh, the excitement in the studio....

I finally put my thoughts about new glazes onto the teapots, my thoughts being I wanted to give them a surface with more depth and the illusion of a little age. Using commercial 05 glazes and a trusty electric kiln doesn't always give me the little happy accidents of gas firing, but it has forced me to experiment with mixing and layering with some good results. Mixing Amaco Amber and Clear (3to1) resulted in a warm cover to the majolica cherries. The same glaze covers the Fat Teapot, underneath is Amaco white and naked clay. I wanted to leave the form be, slightly reminiscent of the leather hard forms I adore. (If I could keep the pieces at that stage forever, I would!)

When the opportunity to salt glaze presents itself again, I think this form will make its way there...

These pots will be part of my February exhibition at Boulevard Gallery in Verona. Opening reception February 5, 6-9. Mark your calenders and meet me there!

So the season goes.....

2010-12-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

Yes, the season is changing, announcing itself early before it's formal entrance.

COLD = SOUP

Soup made from summer tomato sauce, veggies, quinoa, parmesean and basil. I needed something to chase that frigid cold away! While the soup was bubbling along happily, I perused my shelves for perfect presentation of this savory sauce.... and came up with a bowl acquired back in the hot sweaty days of July. Sandra Silberman of http://www.blogger.com/www.dottipotts.com/ in Barrie, Canada makes wonderfully quiet textured porcelain pieces.

So I raise my bowl to those potters who keep me well fed and inspired! Who drives your creative juices in the kitchen??

Thoughts after 6 days off the day job...process

2010-11-30T11:28:00.000-08:00

The shop dog, Izzy. Don't worry, she doesn't always look that sad and depressed. She melt your heart when she begs for your bacon at breakfast!

So after 6 days off from teaching, I was afforded the time to work a little. Not really in the mood to crank out production yet, I'm still feeling a little burnt out after the Cottage Sale push. What I feel like making is...something...new. Things are percolating in my head, and it's a slow drip coffee pot right now, but that means it will be a deep robust lusty "pot" when it's done.

Thursday morning, while my mother was baking the turkey and the asparagus was waiting for me to pan fry it up with almonds...I was in the studio making pie plates to clear my head. (I thought it appropriate on pumpkin pie day to at least make the pie plates, if not the pie.) Sometimes, to get my brain to the places it lusts after, I need to do something that requires a no-mind set. Pie plates and pie plates, already to the kiln....then onto teapots. They challenge my brain in so many directions- what's the body like? fat spout? graceful spout? handles??? oh yeah handles. I enjoy the challenge and the time needed in between to make it all work. The creative process is a continual lateral spiral for me. I revisit forms and surfaces over and over. Pete Townsend said musicians play the same four songs. I believe artists, like Paganini, play "variations on a theme" all their lives. Sometimes the themes change, but the connection to something that came before is hiding deep in the subconscious.

Updates and Orders

2010-11-09T15:06:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for cherries and pear pottery, I will be restocking the Saxonburg Area Artists Co-op this weekend. Stop by for a look at new mugs, bowls, platters, casseroles and more. We'll be hosting light up night, Friday, November 26 5-9. Come join us for hot chocolate...in a hand made mug! Snag some great Christmas gifts while you're there, too!

Orders: If you would like to order pie plates, pasta bowls, platters or casseroles, please contact me. I will be taking orders up until December 5.

christylculp@yahoo.com

Cottage Pottery Sale Day 1

2010-11-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to Day 1 of our sale. We had a great group of people visiting, shopping, and watching bowls and pie plates being used. Caroline decided that we needed to show how great pies are in handmade pie plates...she volunteered her expertise in whipping up a pie crust with butter, flour, milk and a little salt. After raiding Christine's refridgerator, we had apple pear

pie!! I think there is one slice left??

Caroline hand mixing her pie dough! Look at that great bowl she's using!

Karen, Aunt Christine and myself.

Paintings by Paul Kuhrman.

Lots of tablewares!

MUG PREVIEW!!

2010-11-03T17:52:00.001-07:00

Here's a sneak preview of a "few" mugs...last count at least 6 dozen. Two more kilns to unload tomorrow and one last firing tomorrow evening.

There will be a nice selection of cherries on terra cotta, like this sweet soup bowl.

There's something for everyone here, mugs of all sizes, shapes and colors.

614 Stanton Ave, Mars,PA

10 am -5 pm Saturday and Sunday

Happy shopping!

Cottage Pottery Sale

2010-10-19T03:36:00.000-07:00

Look for this sweet cottage the weekend of November 6 & 7, 10-5pm.
614 Stanton Ave. Mars PA
Karen and I will be serving up pottery, pear and apple gallette, mulled cider and more.
(No, I won't tell you what a gallette is. You really need to experience this beautiful and delicious European treat personally.) If you show up early, you can join us for mimosas in freshly made ceramic tumblers!
Pie plates, pasta bowls, coffee mugs, dinnerware, spoon rest, butter dishes, casseroles, platters, bowls, bowls and bowls an more!
Cash, check and Visa accepted.

Cottage Pottery Sale

2010-10-14T03:59:00.000-07:00

Cottage Pottery Sale!

Saturday and Sunday

November 6 & 7

10-5pm

614 Stanton Ave, Mars Pa

Come join us for shopping, yummy refreshments, and good conversation at the lovely cottage home of Christine & Dennis Mooney in Mars,Pa.

Pie plates, pasta bowls, salad bowls, serving platters, coffee mugs, tea cups, tea pots, butter dishes, spoon jars, spoon rests, oil servers, casseroles and more...

All wares are food safe, microwaveable, oven safe, and dishwasher safe.

Cash and personal checks accepted

Questions? christylculp@yahoo.com

Some things just take time....

2010-10-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

Yes, I did start this tea pot in June....with no intentions of hurrying the glazing process... and now...it is done. The tea pot on the left is still waiting for inspiration...it's got one layer of glaze in the texture, but the final color is still eluding me... maybe just a light clear to make the terra cotta deeper?? I don't know how many other potters feel this way, but sometimes, I really like my pots at leather hard, no glaze, just raw clay, raw form.

She Works Hard for the Money....

2010-10-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

Oval Serving Platter, Posey Bacopoulos, majolica www.poseybacopoulos.com

After some thought about the last post focusing on the new male pottery in my house, I decided to showcase the female pieces working in my kitchen as well. Above is a piece by one of my favorite potters working in majolica, Posey Bacopoulos. Those golden onions were purchased Saturday at the Farmers Market in town. The color is perfect against the indigo glaze! Fresh little onions on a crisply glazed piece?? Perfection in a plate?? Possibly?
I was asked by the great journalist Rex Rutkoski, "Does it take something away from the piece if it is never used?" Intention is only for the artist, not the customer, never ask what someone wants to do with a piece behind closed doors. But in my kitchen, using the piece for which it is intended in thoughtful ways only adds to the integrity of the artist's process, intention and design.

Stop back for more...I've got a pot of potato soup on the stove and I've got to find the perfect bowl to serve it up!

Reinventing the Wheel

2010-10-01T03:24:00.000-07:00

Potters may not have invented the proverbial wheel, but when given one, we can make great pottery. Early this morning I had breakfast with the two new men in my life- my new coffee mug and lidded coffee pot with milita. I reference them as men simply because male potters made them. But it made me realise while I was writing this blog in my head, that 96% of the pieces in this kitchen were made by women. So it leads to the wandering questions about femininity and masculinity, style, intention, and stereotype. I'll ponder this on my drive to work while I'm drinking some well presented brew.

Lovely Flatulent Dodo Mug by Kyle Houser and Lidded Coffee pot & Milita by Josh Floyd. Purchased at the Saxonburg Area Artist Co-op.

User rating on the wares: Excellent: The pot brewed a nice strong eye opening french roast, while the Dodo served it with a smooth ride from start to finish.

It's a Shiny New Room!!

2010-08-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

Straight up, I'm going to brag, so bear with me. I've got a brand new room this year!!!! The Fine Art Program at Deer Lakes consists of 2 D and 3 D programs. Mark Weleski and I have been teaching together for the past 14 years, making the best of the two rooms and equipment we inherited when we were hired.( for him, much longer than 14 yrs ; )) Our department now consists of a 2D classroom (not pictured- Mark is still unpacking.) a 3D working classroom, a dedicated wheel room, and a kiln room/ connecting storage room!

These changes are the result of whole building interior remodel which has lasted 2 very painful years. I would post images of the Home Ec sewing room, library and chemistry labs in which we worked during this process, but like childbirth, I'd rather forget.
There are so many wheels, I couldn't fit them all in the picture!!! 16 in all. I'm not sure why we need spotlights in this room, but I'm installing a disco ball for Rave Fridays.

Working classroom. Check out the electric drops from the ceiling. Our new Brent slabroller got cut out of the picture, but we'll be breaking it in next week.

Ahhhhhhhh, two programmable kilns. No more transporting pottery to my home kiln or the Middle School!

Standing in the middle of my rooms today, I considered myself one lucky potter. I've always loved teaching my students. This year, my students will see how much this program is valued by the district and the community.

Work in Progress

2010-08-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

I've been doing "Yard work" all week. It's been so hot, I can make pots in the morning and have them trimmed by evening. Keeps me on my toes.

There are soup mugs and bowls, bowls and more bowls, firing away. It shut off an hour ago, so off to the glazes I go...

I fired these earlier this week, testing some new things and tocking up on yellow cherry ware. Th tests I do today will help me decide how the pieces for the Saxonburg Ceramic Invitational will look. I can't just put in the "same old same old." Stay tuned...

Ceramic Invitational Exhibit

2010-08-19T13:35:00.001-07:00

Jake Johnson, Oil Server Set

Amanda Wolf, Butter Dish

It seems I haven't been doing anything but staring at goats all summer, but no... I have been working and traveling. I've also arranged a Ceramic Exhibit titled, "Setting the Table: Contemporary Ceramics Dines In." The Saxonburg Area Artist Co-op is hosting the show and we are excited!!!!

We invited potters from Western Pennsylvania to exhibit tableware- dinner plates, soup bowls, serving dishes, pitchers, teapots, drinking vessels, vases, centerpieces....I think someone is even making maritini glasses!

Join us for a Wine and Cheese Recpetion, Saturday September 4, 6-9 pm. Meet some of these wonderful potters and see what the Potters of Western Pa have been doing all summer.

Wednesday Afternoon Thai Tea Blog

2010-06-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

I was invited to watch Farmer Jesse of Frosty Hollow farm in Vandergrift feed his two new goats this morning. Buttercup and Daisy, 2 months old, are new to their digs, but are beginning to be curious about the world outside their pen! Jesse is the son of friends Sheila and Jeff who also farm chickens, rabbits, berries, and not to mention a few snakes.

Here's the official farm office where I purchased my guinea eggs and two other kinds..(hopefully Jesse will respond to this and I can edit in the correct names!) $1.50 for a dozen happy homegrown eggs! I recommend them, after the picture below was taken I ate the two on the left for lunch with Sheila's dill. I didn't even need to make up a dressing, just a little salt and they were gone.

A visit that started as watching the goats bottle feed turned into coffee on the new deck and lots of good conversation with the family and a bounty of dill, not to mention an avocado, a cook book and some summer reading.

From the happy, pastured hens of Frosty Hollow Farms, Vandergrift, Pa. I saw them, they are happy!! So now the morning is but a fond memory, it's off to the studio for me...lots of pots calling my name. I'll grab my Thai tea and go...

Monday Morning Fatass Coffee Blog

2010-06-21T05:43:00.000-07:00

Oh, It's finally heeeeerrrrre! The first day of summer vacation. A little time to recuperate and rejuvinate. And instead of just a Saturday Morning Fatass Coffee Blog, I can do it any old day of the week!

So summer brings time to think about what to make in the studio while I walk Izzy all through the game lands this morning...we returned with wet feet and ankles and a few bug bites, but smiling none the less.

Second breakfast was those sweet little strawberries from a farm in Chicora, Friedman's in Saxonburg was selling them on Saturday. My bumper stucker doesn't say "Save a Farm, Eat local!" for nothing. So begins a summer of visiting farm markets and friends I neglected during the school year, making fresh everything pots and food....stay tuned!

New Cherry Vases

2010-06-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

I've been playing again...after throwing so many pots on my pottery wheel, I needed a change. Using slabs of clay and some giant paper tubes from work, I created some new forms. Because they were so new to me, I felt I couldn't do the same old glaze pattern. Leaving the clay exposed is somethig I have done in the past with mixed results....scumming from impurites in the body. (Unbelievably frustrating, but Amaco's cinnamon underglaze covers a million sins!) This time around the clay is as red as my face without sunscreen in July. I love the contrast of the white and black with the red clay and the red cherries. Sometimes it's good to get bored...

Studio Sale!

2010-06-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who visited yesterday! If you couldn't make it, we are still open today- Sunday. If you are having trouble finding my directions on this page, look to the right -PAGES, underneath- HOME- Open stuido locattion and directions.

The weather was perfectly HOT, but the rain held off. It was so nice to see so many friends again! Many pots left with smiling friends..off to their new homes. This experience has me thinking that another sale is in the making for the fall! Stay tuned!

Studio Sale!

2010-06-13T06:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came to the sale yseterday!! What a joy to see so many friends! Karen and I hope you all find as much joy in the pots you took home as we got in making them!
We're still open today, come on back or come on in.
A few people said the directions were hard to find on this page...look to the right where it says HOME with PAges underneath.

Sneak Preview- Open Studio & Sale June 12 &13

2010-05-28T03:01:00.000-07:00

The pots are coming, the pots are coming!Another load from the Little Kiln that Could.

Karen and I are sending post cards out this week, keep an eye out for them and get them front and center on your refridgerator. We're looking forward to a weekend of fun- lots of pretty pots, good friends, some demos and, of course, that magical kiln opening Saturday morning.

I am looking forward to this very first Open Studio & Sale! My hope is that it will be a yearly event, possible one in the fall. It is so exciting to see the studio fill with pots!

Hope to see you all!

Karen McKee, Potter

2010-05-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

Karen McKee, friend and potter.

These are just a few of Karen's treasures that will be found at the Open Studio and Sale.

http://robynsnestpottery.webs.com

Hope to see you there!

New Shelves, New Pots

2010-05-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

The Studio is showing signs of spring! New shelves, new pots springing up! I unloaded the kiln this afternoon, cherries, cherries and oops! some pears! So far the list goes like this...plates, plates, pretty mugs, salad bowls, chip & dips, small platters, big platters, spoon jars...some covered dishes are on the way. Nothing makes me want to head right back into the studio like a stack of finished pots.

Studio clean up report:
1.The floor is beginning to turn brick red ( And the windowsill is sporting red Kittie footprints.)

2. Two new wall mounted plate displays built by the amazing Pete will get their first coat of white paint tonight.

3. Various piles of stuff I have collected over the years are beginning to disappear...making the studio look like a studio and not a giant storage room.

Stop back again...more pots on the way.

There's been a Dodo sighting!

2010-05-08T04:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday Morning Fatass Coffee Blog is thrilled to announce there's a dodo in the house!!!! Who would have thought this Girly-girl wold be drinking her java with a flatulent dodo?? Get yourself to the Sweetwater Center for Arts Pottery Sale TODAY!! You can get your own personal fatass coffee mug and make a potter happy all at the same time.

Happy Saturday to you all....this bird and I are heading to the studio.

(For the record Kyle, I had to fight Sara for it. It was tough, but it was worth it.)

Saturday Morning Fatass Coffee Blog

2010-05-01T04:28:00.000-07:00

This one's for you Kyle.

Ever inspired by other potter blogs, Homefry Sketchbook posted a lovely tribute to some of his new favorite coffee mugs. Never one to leave a good idea behind...here goes....

Not many a potter has a house full of store bought mugs, bowls, plates, anything food or flower can put on or in. This morning I pulled out three of my favorites, filled them all with cream, sugar and coffee and here you have them. Tara Wilson, Kristen Pavelka, Victoria Christen. Coffee always tastes better in hand made mugs. My kitchen is a happier place as well. Come on over, you can ask it.

Yes, that is my BREAKFAST. Avacodo, cilantro, salsa and tortilla. YUMMY. I would say lime, but my two furry children kidnapped the lime from the table yesterday...who knows where ( or when) it will show up.

One cup down, two to go...look out studio, here I come!

Two more pears..

2010-04-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

A nice sunny Sunday morning in my kitchen, playing with my new camera...a few weeks ago.

Tea Pots

2010-04-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

All in one room...it's interesting to see a sampling of 6 years worth of work sitting on a table...

I was asked to speak at a Ladies Tea this Saturday. Why not talk about teapots at a tea??? Why not talk about girly, super feminine teapots with a group of 60 women? So I gathered my teapots from dusty boxes and mom's kitchen, as well as my own. And I even finished a few new ones! It was an opportunity to look at the past, remember what was going on then, and the stories that go with each tea pot.

Scones, tea sandwiches and tea cookies...oh my, the sugar! Oh my, the great women with stories to tell me! It was a great day to make great connections, talk about making art and the strength of women.

Thank you ladies! Hope to see you all again soon!

Don't forget to click on the Open Studio and Sale page for directions and information about the sale in JUNE!

Open Studio and Sale

2010-04-18T08:46:00.001-07:00

Here's a sneak preview of pie plates that will be available at my first Open Studio and Sale, June 12 &13- 8am - 5pm?.

Location? 720 Cadogan Slate Lick Road, Kittanning Pa. If you know how to get to The Villa, I am 1 mile away...stop for lunch or dinner after visiting!

This site will be updated as I unload kilns...and also to show the work of friend and potter, Karen McKee who will be bringing her beautiful dragonfly pottery to show and sell as well.

Check my etsy site as well for a sampling of my work: http://www.etsy.com/shop/2pearspottery

Karen's work can be seen at: www.robynsnestpottery.webs.com

Stop back soon and often!

Christy

NCECCA:Potters on Pottery in Philly

2010-04-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

Top picture:Lorna Meaden teacup--haven't decided if I completely regret not bringing the teapot home with me....

Bottom Pic:Linda Arbuckle, Amaco Booth, NECECA, Philadelphia 2010

Pottery...my drug of choice. Controlled substance? As much as we all try to "control" the end results of what our pots look like, without a little seredipity added to the mix we are simply humans making things and not magic.

After spending a few days with 1000's potters in Philadelphia, it's a still refreshing to know that we are still chasing seredipity and we're doing it in 4000 different ways.

As mentioned above, pottery is my drug of choice followed by food, so I spent my time in Philly looking at pots, buying pots, looking at food at the Reading Terminal Market, eating the food and taking pictures of all the above! Nothing feeds my soul like looking at the rock stars and up and coming rock stars in the pottery world. I got to watch some of my favorites demonstrate their obsessions (Another potter who spends HOURS decorating?....my kind of people). I was able to be up close and personal with work that otherwise is only seen in the hallowed pages of Ceramics Monthly.

New to NCECA was a gallery market. Red Lodge Clay Center, 18 Hands Gallery to name a few.
Having access to looking at these incredible pieces is one thing...but being able to take a few gems home with me was like winning my own personal lottery. The question has stood, "how do we value ceramics as an art form?" I can value them in museums, but I personally will value them more when I am integrating them into my daily life. If I want Joe Q. Public to value, appreciate, love and lust after pots like I do, then making them available is a necessity. If I want to educate Josie Q Public, I need those really good pieces to share--drink from this, hold this, turn it over and look at the foot...get to know it. And learn from it. Thank you to whoever suggested this and made it reality.

Thank you to all the potters who keep courting serendipity, and sharing the expereince with the rest of us.

Studio shots

2010-03-28T06:03:00.001-07:00

As my father used to say, "Who left the lights on???!" This little light hasn't been off much this weekend, just turned it on again...

The pots are piling up these days, as I said before, the work doesn't stop around here. Even though I work in small batches, it still seems to cover every horizontal surface I've got...the kiln is full of glazed student and personal work, pots are waiting to be glazed, pots drying, pots sitting... Trying a few new designs these days. You may notice some pink cherry mugs hiding in some of these pics. A friend sent a picture of a tea advertisement with a pink cherry pattern. Funny how images work their way into my subconscious to my conscious.

A few more things on the etsy site...

2010-03-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

Colorful 10" pear plate.

4.5" yellow and white leaf mugs

11" pasta jar

7.5" Buttah dish

The work doesn't stop around here, I'm not a happy camper when it does. More to come... on my table ready to glaze...cherry mugs, butter dishes, and small bowls. Ready to be bisqued... chip and dips, fatass coffee mugs and plates...is school out yet?

The Big Fix

2010-03-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

I work by day, I work by night. There is no time in between to do maintenance, maybe laundry when absolutely necessary. My kiln lid is cracked- it's at least 25 years old, it's honorable! But to add insult to injury, the band holding my lid in one piece has snapped it's connections. ( And haven't we all at one point in our lives?) Do I have time to find someone to weld this back together? Not in this lifetime...I need to FIRE THE KILN!!!

So off I run to the Tech Ed department to ask for the biggest C clamp they've got. Jeff, my saviour had a 5 pound C-clamp. When unscrewed the entire way, it fits over my hinges and PRESTO! instant fix!

Does it not remind you of Steve Martin with the arrow through is head?

When I look at this, I feel like I am in a cartoon. Some days I am.

Fire on little kiln, fire on...

Student Art shows!!!

2010-03-13T13:55:00.001-08:00

"Show and Sell" High School Student Art Exhibit, Saxonburg Area Artist Co-op. MArch 12, 2010

The greatest benefit from teaching is just this....seeing students standing with their creations!! It is an honor be there with them, struggling to get the idea out of their heads and into the material. All of my students are so genuine in their search for expression. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am so lucky to be there everyday with them.

"Arts Alive" Student Art Exhibit, Penn State New Kensington Campus. Sponsored by the Alle-Kiski Arts Consortium. Six School Districts, over 400 pieces of art. This is some of my Deer Lakes Crew.

If you ever worry about the future based upon limited experiences with teenagers, let me say all is not lost...keep the arts in school!

2pearspottery Handmade Profile - Yaami Handmade

2010-03-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

2pearspottery Handmade Profile - Yaami Handmade

ETSY!!

2010-03-11T08:16:00.000-08:00

March Work images

2010-03-08T13:04:00.000-08:00

Free photo slideshow generated with Smilebox

Celebrate teaching...

2010-03-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

Daisy Cup and Saucer, Emily Milbert, senior.

At this point in the year, thoughts wander to the elusive last day of school, I admit. But what balances thoughts of drinking coffee in my studio at 7am as opposed to my classroom, is student art shows!

Deer Lakes School District is a member of the Alle- Kiski Arts Consortium which sponsor the ArtsAlive! student exhibit at the Penn State New Kensington Art Gallery. Six local high schools participate, which means there will be over 400 pieces of the Valley's best art. Students and families will pack into the gallery this evening from 6-8 pm.

My students will glow seeing their work presented in a professional gallery. Nothing gives the fledgling self confidence a boost more than hearing the comments of peers and strangers exclaiming the quality of the student work!

In a time period where test scores are valued over creativity and expression, the feeling I get every year from this show is that the human soul has an endless capability to express itself, and I am very lucky to be present for it every single day.

Check out the link below for a great article and student interviews...

A-K Consortium artists express themselves - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Teaching Rewards

2010-03-01T08:27:00.001-08:00

"Tube Sculpture", Alyssa Trocki, grade 11, Deer Lakes High School-National K-12 Exhibit, National Council for the Education of the Ceramic Arts 1020Conference, Philadlephia

Teaching... is a complicated venture entered with the highest of ideals. When I began teaching, last century, I had expectations of myself and of my students. High expectations lead to excellent result! The piece shown above was juried into the National K-12 Exhibit this year!! This is the big leagues for my students. There were 1161 entrants from all states in grades k-12, of which 162 were chosen. She's excited, we're all proud. What can I say?

Art begets art

2010-02-27T14:12:00.000-08:00

Being visual, I am constantly affected by what is in my immediate space. Recently, I noticed a pattern in the hand made items coming into my life and the pieces I was making. This isn't the first time it's occured, but it is the first time I've put all the pieces together...

The first to arrive in my life was the hand knit scarf by fabric artist Marti Larkin- I HAD to have those little "olives" on this scarf!! The second was the necklace of lampworked beads by Marilyn Martin of Into the Woods Designs. ( Thank you, Pete.) All these new colors are a welcome change from the WHITE WHITE WHITE of February. While I was glazing yesterday, a group of chef's bowls screamed for the same colors and the decision to add the little dots came with out even thinking. It goes without saying artists have been profoundly affected by nature, love and life. I guess, paying attention is the key to connecting our souls to what is around us, or maybe it's more about being open and free and letting the world in.

So now I'm left wondering what will I cook up next?

Snow days

2010-02-27T13:55:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh, what to do with a snow day attached to a weekend? First, smile. Then groan for the day in June when I'll be reminiscing about the day I had off in February.... Life is not complicated, so I will appreciate the day I am sitting in, all groaning aside.

Snow days, never go back to bed!!! I made my pot of coffee, checked email and facebook, then headed to the studio to cool the kiln and, of course, peek! Ohhh goodies galore...chips and dips, tiny chef's bowls, student work for the Arts Alive! show and biscotti jars...