pigeon road pottery

Support artists in your community

2010-11-22T14:42:00.005-06:00

I'm a blog slacker! I just popped over to my blog and realized I haven't written since the end of August. I always mean to get here but it hasn't worked out much this year. I am much more active on the Pigeon Road Pottery page on Facebook. If you are a Facebook user, please connect to me there. I am on there regularly with lots of photos of my work in progress.

Change is in the air and I have a lot to talk about. I will be paying more attention to this blog after the holidays. I know I've said it before but I do mean it. So have patience with me.

Above is a poster for my upcoming show on December 11th. If you live in northern Wisconsin we'd love to see you. If not, I urge you to support the local artists in your community. At the top of this post there is a collage that includes my work along with pieces by some of my favorite artist friends. The artists are:

Top row (left to right): Roberta Polfus, Emily Murphy-Bicking, Gary Jackson & Kathy Furda. Bottom row: Katlyn Koester, Amy Higgason, Wendy Powalisz & Debra Ketchum Jircik.

Happy Holidays!

Summer work

2010-08-23T20:12:00.035-05:00

A great summer is winding down. I plan on writing a very personal post soon about what went on here during the last few months. Until then, here are some quick studio shots of pieces I completed recently.

I made a series of 8 of these small pouring vessels. There is only 1 left.

Two tight detail shots of the platter featured in my March 17th blog post titled "Coming Attractions".

Another intricate carved platter.

This is a large covered casserole. I was very happy with the glaze and carving results.

This small pitcher sold during the Northwoods Summer Art Tour.

This pouring vessel was snatched up by worthy patrons at "Art In The Yard" – Summer Solstice edition.

All the rest of the photos are new pieces from my black & brown illustrated series:

A covered jar from 3 angles.

My friend Lisa bought two of these to use as "wine cups".

Another covered dish.

Ohh, I have a thing for turtles.

I also dig butterflies...

and howl at the moon!

Another turtle.

You can view the steps I took decorating this platter in an earlier post from April 16th. That blog post sold this platter. Someone came to see it and buy it during the Northwoods Summer Art Tour.

I've made a lot of work I am proud of over the last few months. I've also taken more time away from the studio than usual this summer. Watch for a post soon entitled "Priorities & Potential". I am still forming it in my head. Once it goes live, I will be anxious for your comments.

Thanks!

Amy

News and an apology

2010-07-20T22:41:00.004-05:00

I have been gone from this blog since April. I am full of legit excuses, but I will save them for another day. Instead, please accept my apology for being lax. If you are a fan of this blog I will be sharing new photos and thoughts very soon. I appreciate your patience. For now I have two quick pieces of news to share.

A sample of a new ceramics book that features my work in just arrived in my mailbox. I was invited to be part of the photo gallery of "Ceramics for Beginners: Surfaces, Glazes & Firing" by Angelica Pozo. It is for sale on August 3rd. I have two pieces in the book. I can't tell you how cool it feels to have photos of my work on the same spreads as Silvie Granatelli, Sandi Pierantozzi, Ruchika Madan and friend Kate Biderbost among others.

News item #2: It's Northwoods Art Tour time. If you are in the area this coming weekend please stop by my studio on Fri, July 23, Sat, July 24 or Sun, July 25 from 10am to 5pm. I'll have lots of new pieces in both glaze series I work in. Guest artist Katlyn Koester is also showing her pots and we'll be doing demos and acting silly all weekend (promise!). Plus,... I am giving a piece away as a door prize. For more information visit the tour website at Northwoodsarttour.com

Thanks for being here. Check back soon for photos of my summer shows, new work and news from Pigeon Road.

Thanks,
Amy

What I did today

2010-04-16T17:32:00.016-05:00

This afternoon I decorated a platter. It is the first brown & black scraffito piece I have done in over a year. It was really fun to get back into it.

I started by cutting out stencils of a bird and 2 butterflies. When I've made stencils in the past I used clear plastic. Old clay bags work great for stencils because they are a heavy weight plastic. This time I tried tracing paper for the bird on a branch. Both materials worked fine. The benefit to the plastic stencils is they can be reused. I wet the stencils (this helps them stick and stay put) and placed them in position on the leather hard platter. Then I centered the platter on my potter's wheel.

Next as I slowly spun my wheel, I used a soft wide brush to apply the brown and black underglazes over the whole surface of the platter. I used Amaco LUG1 black underglaze and Mayco UG031 Chocolate underglaze. The stencils blocked out the areas I wanted to remain white. Clay slips work just as well with this process.

After the underglazes dried to the point of loosing their sheen, I peeled the stencils off.

I used my spinning wheel and a fine wire loop tool to cut some white lines into the black rim of the platter. My next step was to add more black plants on top of the brown background. I did this freehand with small brushes.

I let the piece dry for about 1 hour. Then I used my fine wire loop to carve through the layers of underglaze and reveal the white clay underneath. This technique is called scraffito. After this piece is bisque fired I will apply a clear glaze and fire it again to cone 6. When it is completed, the brown underglaze will turn a honey color and the black and white areas will be glossy. You can see examples of finished pieces using this technique in many of my earlier posts.

On Saturday I have two more platters to decorate. I haven't decided what I am going to do to them yet. Stay tuned...

New casserole

2010-04-12T11:18:00.018-05:00

This post previews another new piece that I documented step by step as I worked on it.

Someone commented on my last post that they wanted to see my tools. This is a shot of the 5 tools I used to carve and stamp on this pot. From left to right: a metal stylus with small ball tips on each end; a Kemper wire loop cutting tool; a fine wire tool I use for drawing lines; a broken off TV antenna I use to "pebble" a surface; and an old burnisher from my "pre-computer" graphic design days.

Here is the piece pre carving.

This time I broke the bottom into 5 sections and carved or pressed a texture into each.

I worked on the piece upside down on the banding wheel and my lap. The lid is safe under plastic.

I decided to draw pods & plants around the entire upper half of the piece. I used the fine wire tool to draw the plants. It is the same tool I use when I do scrafitto decoration.

I made the handles by rolling small clay coils over a corrugated cardboard to pick up a lined pattern. Then I flattened the underside of the coils on the table.

After tracing the outline of the handle in position I scored each surface with a knife before attaching them.

I used my finger to mold the underside of the handles into a graceful curve. The lid is still not carved.

A top view of the lid with carving, sprigs and the knob in place.

I also added sprigs to the sides of the handles.

A detail shot.

The finished piece.

Evolution of a form

2010-04-02T20:29:00.018-05:00

The pieces I am working on right now are very time consuming. At the rate I am working it is going to take me a long time to fill my kiln. So for now I am posting photos of pots in the leather hard and greenware stages. It has been really helpful for me to document the stages these pieces go through. I like looking at them without color.

Most of the time I don't know how I am going to alter a piece until I do it. I look at the form, turn on some loud music and just dig in. For me the process is very improvisational. I make it up as I go.

Here is a "blank" covered jar. It has been trimmed and is at a firm leather hard state.

I decided to start carving at the bottom of the piece. I work on pots upside down all the time.

I was able to carve the continuous spiral by using my banding wheel and a small wire loop tool. I used the corner of a square wooden drawer knob to pierce the bottom foot in 5 places.

Next I moved to the lid. I used two wire loop tools to carve the outer pattern. Then I used the round end of a broken off TV antenna to hammer the pebble pattern. It seemed like a good idea to pierce the rim of the lid in 5 places too.

I liked the 5 cuts in the rim and the foot. That lead me to divide the jar's middle section into 5 sections too. After that I decided to create vines. The cuts echo the pattern on the lid.

I used a fine wire loop tool to refine the edges of the leaves. Next I decided to pick up the pebble pattern over the surface. The vines popped out as a result.

These are small clay spirals. I made them by pushing clay balls into a little bisque mold of a button.

I scored the surface of the pot with a knife before I applied the clay spiral. The underside of the spiral is scored too. They are joined together with distilled white vinegar (which I prefer to slip).

I threw 5 different knobs so I would have lots of options. I will use the extra knobs for other pieces.

After looking at the jar with all 5 knobs I choose this one. Here is the completed jar with the knob in place.

A top view.

The textures look gorgeous at this stage while the clay is still leather hard.

Freshly Carved Pouring Vessels

2010-03-28T18:58:00.014-05:00

It's been a goal of mine this winter and early spring to spend time making complex pieces. It is very tempting to make simple pieces I know I can sell. I've put that aside for now, in favor of having fun and challenging myself. Here are three pouring vessels I finished carving yesterday. They are all bare clay at this point...slowly drying under plastic.

More process photos are on the way in the next week. And more platters. Stay tuned...

Coming Attraction

2010-03-17T19:00:00.010-05:00

I am working on a new series of decorative platters. Ideas have been swarming in my head for months. I have been looking at lots of historic and contemporary art work in books. My primary focus has been on Native American art, vessels from the Art & Crafts Movement and African & Asian sculpture, pottery & masks. I've been thinking about personal themes and stories I want to explore in symbolic ways. It's tricky, scary and exciting. The platters will explore very stylized animal, plant, & human imagery with an emphasis on carving, texture, sprig patterns and bas relief.

This is the first platter I've completed to the greenware stage. I am happy with it as a starting point. Three more are in the works. It's too early to tell where this series will take me, or if it will be any good, but I am excited to explore a new narrative non-functional direction for my work.

Don't worry. I'll still make cups. And bowls. And plates.

An early stage of the platter.

Blog-based Pottery Sale 2009

2009-12-07T13:50:00.040-06:00

Welcome to my 2nd annual blog-based pottery sale. It's a very no-frills approach to internet shopping. There's no shopping cart or fancy buttons. You'll have to work with me via email or phone.

Here's the rules:

If you see an item you want to purchase, please email me the item number. My email address is amyhiggason@yahoo.com. I will email you back to confirm your purchase or to notify you that the piece has already sold. I will update the sales status on the blog as often as I can. My goal is to avoid disapointments. But, all items are one-of-a-kind and offered on a first-come first-served basis.

I accept checks or cash only. I will make payment arrangements with you by email when I confirm your purchase. Tax is included, but shipping (if necessary) is additional. Please respond quickly if you need your piece before Christmas.

Satisfaction is guaranteed. If you do not like a piece once you receive it you may return it for a full refund (minus shipping costs).

Here are some general details about my work. It is all white stoneware fired in an electric kiln to cone 6-7. It is wheelthrown, carved and decorated by hand. Each piece is one-of-a-kind. All pieces are food safe and may be put in the dishwasher, microwave and oven (when appropriate). I have included multiple views of some pieces. If you have any questions regarding the work or the rules please don't hesitate to email or call me at 715-277-5099.

Pottery:

Item 1: Baking/serving dish
9-1/2" wide x 2-3/4" tall
Price $90

SOLD
Item 2: Small faceted bowl
6" wide x 4-1/2" tall
Price $42

Item 3: Platter
13-1/2" wide
Price $80

Item 4: Platter
12" wide
Price $90

Item 5: Baking/serving dish
10" wide x 3" tall
Price $90

Item 6: Baking/serving dish
9-1/2" wide x 3-1/2" tall
Price $80

Item 7: Vase/Utensil Holder
5-1/2" wide x 4-3/4" tall
Price $65

Item 8: Baking/serving dish
10" wide x 3-1/2" tall
Price $85

SOLD
Item 9: Small faceted bowl
6" wide x 4" tall
Price $42

Item 10: Small baking/serving dish with lid
6" wide x 5-1/4" tall
Price $85

Item 11: Baking/serving dish
10-1/2" wide x 3-1/4" tall
Price $85

SOLD
Item 12: Baking/serving dish
7-3/4" wide x 3-3/4" tall
Price $70

Item 13: Baking/serving dish
9-1/4" wide x 3-1/4" tall
Price $85

Item 14: Lidded Jar
4-1/2" wide x 6" tall
Price $80

Item 15: Small pitcher
5-1/4" wide x 4-1/2" tall
Price $65

Item 16: Small pitcher
4-1/2" wide x 5-1/2" tall
Price $75

Item 17: Baking/serving dish
8-1/2" wide x 3-1/2" tall
Price $80

Item 18: Serving bowl
9-1/2" wide x 4-1/4" tall
Price $90

Item 19: Serving bowl
9" wide x 4" tall
Price $90

Ornaments
These ornaments are made from flat slabs of clay. I cut the shapes with cookie cutters and then use stamps and carving tools to create each individual ornament. They are finished with twisted copper wire hanger. Ornaments are $10 each and come in a variety of colors as listed below:

Earth Angel: available as shown

Butterfly: available in many colors and patterns, no two alike. I will pick one for you.

Cross: available in bronze, blue, green or light yellow

Moon: available in blue and pale green

Snowflake: available in blue, pale green and pale yellow

Bluebird of Peace: available as shown

Thanks for looking. Have a happy, healthy holiday season and fantastic new year!
Amy

Pigeon Road Pottery fall recap

2009-11-30T20:33:00.033-06:00

I'm feeling guilty for ignoring my blog. I've had a busy fall and just haven't made the time to update it. But lots of thing were made and sold since my last post.

My friends and I had a great time at our annual Art in The Yard show in downtown Land O' Lakes. This show is a fall equinox celebration and is widely attended by fans of the Art Gypsies every year. Here are some photos from the show.

Louise Engelbrecht, weaver & painter.

Kathleen Kimball, collage & soap and Wendy Powalisz, watercolor & beaded jewelery

Jan Zindel, weaver & Toni Bergeon, Quilter

Artists and customers gather together for conversation by the fire.

Carol Miller, photographer chats with a customer.

Some new pots in my tent

I am happy to be a part of this great group of women artisans.

The following weekend I had a three day show at my studio in conjunction with the Northwoods Fall Art Tour. This is always a great time. We had about 150 people come through the studio. There were many returning faces mixed in with first time visitors. It is really nice to be able to take time explaining and demonstrating the work that goes into my pieces. I didn't take any photos during the weekend. I was too busy (which is a good problem to have.) Here is one nice shot my friend Tony took of me and new friend Anneleise...

and another taken outside with my long time friend Cher Keyes who brought Anneleise to my studio for the tour.

After the art tour I had about 5 weeks to turn out a new body of work for The Art Gypsy's 4th annual "In Season" show at the Salon & Spa on Railroad in downtown Eagle River. This show is in conjunction with the salon's open house on the opening day of the gun deer hunting season. We had a great turn out for the show. I was very happy with the new pieces debuting last weekend.

Wendy Powalisz's pearl and sterling silver necklace.

Another of my favorites from Wendy's collection.

Debra Ketchum Jircik's Fence Femmes

More Fence Femmes

Now there is snow on the ground and it's time to think about the holidays. I am having a Studio Open House and Sale on Saturday, Dec. 5th from 10am to 4pm. "Hand Made for the Holidays" will be my last "live" show for 2009. I plan to post photos of pots for sale here on my blog on Sunday, the 6th. So if you are looking for a nice gift or piece for your own collection please check back in a few days.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. I am looking forward to exciting new pieces in 2010.

Glaze-orama

2009-09-20T15:34:00.016-05:00

As I write I am firing my 2nd glaze kiln with pieces from the last post. My first firing was on Wednesday. I was doing double duty — working in the house and running out to my studio to monitor the kiln every couple of hours. When I realized I had been consumed with something on my computer and missed the end of the firing I panicked. Even though my Skutt kiln is fully automatic I still use cones inside the kiln. When the cone 6s go down I shut off the kiln and the vent fan. I had missed it by at least an hour. The cone 7s were F-L-A-T flat and the kiln was already cooling! I was worried the glazes would run off my pots.

The kiln was already cool enough in the morning to unload. I took that as a scary sign. Usually I need to wait until about 9pm to unload. Granted, it was a light load.

I couldn't unload it that morning. I had to make an emergency trip to Chicago for personal reasons. Torture! I finally unloaded it yesterday when I got back. It was fantastic. Some of the glazes did run slightly, but nothing drastic. The colors were richer and fluid and not a refire in the batch. Here are some photos with lots of close-ups. I think I will let the kiln I am firing today go off the same way. Cone 7. Who knew!

Bisque-orama

2009-09-12T22:09:00.012-05:00

I have been cranking the last few weeks to get ready for two big shows at the end of the month. I unloaded my bisque kiln this morning. Here are some photos of pieces before they are glazed. It is a nice time to look at the forms and carving without color as a distraction. Perhaps someday I will do a series of white pots. Hmmmmm....

All these new pieces (plus more) will be finished by September 22nd, just in time for Art in A New Yard on Sept. 26th at Fir Tree Cottage in Land O' Lakes and the Northwoods Fall Art Tour on Oct. 2,3,& 4 at my studio.

Northwoods Summer Art Tour Recap

2009-07-27T20:21:00.029-05:00

This past weekend was the Northwoods Art Tour on July 24, 25 & 26. The tour is in it's 10th year and features 25 stops and over 30 artists.

This is my 7th year participating on the tour. I was at Riverrun Center in McNaughton, WI for the first 3 years. This past weekend marked the 4th year at my own studio in Lake Tomahawk. Here are some shots of my studio.

The purpose of the tour is to expose the participants to art, artists & the art making process. Demonstrations are a focal point of the tour experience. At my studio I like to involve the tour goers in my clay demonstrations. Two years ago during the summer and fall tours I had people make tiles to form a permanent clay guestbook for 2007. The first group of tiles were framed last year. This past weekend my friend Jeanne Debbink helped set up the remaining tiles, plus some Lake Superior stones, my own tile pieces and a cone pack into the 2nd framed grouping. Later it will be grouted and hung next to the other tile piece on the exterior of my studio.

Many people who made tiles have come back to the studio to see the completed project. Below is the Nowak family. Their daughter Emily made one of the tiles when she was 3 year old.

This year I had a guest artist with me at my studio. Katlyn Koester is getting her B.F.A. in ceramics at Viterbo in La Crosse. I met Katlyn when she was 15. She was a student apprentice at Riverrun while I was the Artist In Residence at the center. Katlyn will finish her degree next year. She plans to move back to our area and set up her own studio/gallery space.

Kate and I decided to do another group activity for this art tour. We encouraged tour participants to make mini clay heads. With only a handful of finished examples, a bag of clay and our open tool boxes, we managed to coax at least 30 people to make tiny sculptures. I am going to make a clay frame to house all the heads we collected over the last three days. They will be on display in time to entice another round of amateur artists during the Fall Art Tour.

The weather during two of the three days was rough, but it didn't stop people from coming out. We had great groups come through each day. We each made some good sales and I'm sure made a playful impression on our guests. We were both touched by the kindness of friends AND strangers that took time to learn about our work. By nature, artists are a private bunch. The tour opens a window into our world and inspires us to shine.

The Northwoods Art Tour happens again in the fall on Oct. 2, 3 & 4. For more information please visit the website, post your question here, or visit Pigeon Road Pottery on Facebook.

Pots for the Northwoods Summer Art Tour

2009-07-22T22:08:00.021-05:00

The Northwoods Summer Art Tour is this weekend. My studio will be open to the public from 10am to 5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I've got a lot of last minute things to get done still. Even when I plan ahead, I always seem to run out of time. I wish I didn't have to work tomorrow!

Here's a preview of the new pots fired on Sunday. Next week I will post action shots and stories from the tour.

This is one of my new ring holders. I call them jewelry pads.

There are 8 total.

This platter was a commission. It is titled "Black Bird Fly".

Here's a detail.

This is my favorite pot from the firing.

Cool detail shot!

Pigeon Road Pottery is on Facebook

2009-07-17T12:54:00.003-05:00

I have set up a page on Facebook for my studio. Become a fan of Pigeon Road Pottery and receive the latest updates and blog posts right on your Facebook News Feed.

Greenware revealed

2009-07-15T19:41:00.021-05:00

After a busy weekend in the studio, I completed everything that was under wraps, got it dry and bisque fired it today. Here is a sampling of my latest pieces, pre-glaze.

I did a little black and white scraffito work this cycle. After the art tour I plan to do another series of the brown and black scraffito pieces.

These are ring holders. I call them jewelry pads (after lillypads).

I made a lot of bowls. I love to throw them and people love to buy them.

I like this detail shot of a plate rim.

The raven platter at the top of the kiln was a commission piece for my friend Cheryl. I hope it makes it all the way through the process. She has been waiting for it for over a year.

I will be glazing all weekend and firing on Sunday and again next Wednesday if needed. Then it's time to get the studio ready for the art tour a week from Friday. Yikes, summer is half over!

What's under the plastic?

2009-07-10T15:41:00.004-05:00

... 2 days worth of thrown pots. I'm working hard in my studio to get ready for the Northwoods Summer Art Tour. I'll be trimming and carving these "mystery pots" all weekend. I need to bisque fire them next Wednesday and glaze fire them next weekend — just in time for the tour on July 24, 25, & 26.

Check back soon for photos of my progress.

The Studio Gallery Closes

2009-07-01T21:46:00.003-05:00

A couple days ago, we had to unexpectedly close The Studio Gallery in Boulder Junction. We are all sad to loose this special "homespun" gallery space. It had great energy & spirit. A new blog has been set up by Jan Zindel so our customers and friends can keep track of the 11 artists who called the Studio home. Visit thestudiogallery.blogspot.com to read more

Walk In The Woods Art Fair, Saturday, June 13, 2009

2009-06-18T21:41:00.026-05:00

Last Saturday was my first show of the 2009 season. I participated in the Walk In The Woods art fair in St. Germain, Wisconsin. It is the 2nd year for this event, put on by the St. Germain Chamber of Commerce. It is a juried fine art show open to artists in any media. The event had approximately 50 artist booths, a wine and cheese tasting featuring Brigadoon Winery & Sartori Cheeses, and live music by Bret & Frisk, a local folk rock duo.

Here's a wide shot of my booth. My niece Jessica Border made my awesome tie dyed flag.

A shopper inside my booth.

Another angle.

Lots of little stuff I make — for fun and profit.

I wasn't expecting too much out of the event based on the current economy. After all, I do sell a so to speak "luxury" product. I made a few nice larger sales (thanks Kathy) and lots of little ones. The show wasn't a blowout, but I did all right financially for the day (my standards are lower than many) and the show was a good motivator to jump start my Northwoods Art Tour inventory.

Sharing some quality time with my new friend Darwin Davis.

The days highlights were seeing some good friends, including Ana Davis and her son Darwin (my newest crush), Kathy Furda of Northern Light Glass & Bonnie Hutchinson. I also got to work beside my closest friend, Wendy Powalisz and her beautiful colorful paintings all day long. Good times!

This painting by Wendy Powalisz sold a few days after the show. My photo doesn't do it justice! It will also be a banner in downtown Eagle River this summer.

This painting of a corn field is also going to be a banner in Eagle River. The Artscape Banner program has a food theme this year.

Wendy wins the award for cutest booth. I didn't get a photo of her. She avoided my lens all day.

The real lowlight was when I knocked over and broke my own platter, turning it into a very expensive piece of garden edging.

I also saw a lot of artist friends in the show and met some new ones. Here’s a glimpse into their booths.

Karen Lenhart is a new friend. I am in a new gallery with Karen that just open up this week in downtown Land O’ Lakes. I will write about the Artistree Gallery next week.

Marilyn Winters was my booth neighbor on the other side. We met that day and I think her paintings are wonderful. You can view her website at marilynwintersart.com

Betty Christian is a good friend. Betty is a jewelry artist who makes really cool pieces out of twisted silver and gold-filled wire. See her work at Bjchristian.com

I met Dan Benecke when I first moved to Wisconsin. He makes beautiful modern & artistic wood furniture. Dan just joined the Northwoods Art Tour this year. His website is naturaledge.bizland.com/

Here's a close up of one of Dan’s walking sticks. I thought this was a cool photo.

Tom Benware is another furniture artist with a completely different style from Dan’s. Tom’s detailed ornate pieces are beautiful from a distance...

...or close up. Tom's website is adirondackwoodwright.com/

This was my favorite piece I saw at the show. It is made from zippers! Again, the photo doesn't do it justice. I feel destined to own one of Donna Petrell's pieces...someday. You can find her at DJ Zipperworks

From start to finish

2009-06-08T21:34:00.030-05:00

I like to work in a "loose series". I make 6 to 8 of the same thing at a time, but I am not interested in making duplicates. I explore a range of sizes and shapes within a grouping. Often the only thing the pieces have in common is their function and their maker.

My latest series is a group of low flat bottomed bowls/baking dishes. They were each thrown from 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 lbs. of clay. I documented them for you from start to finish.

The full series, freshly thrown on the bats.

A detail on one of the faceted pots.

Now the pots are drying upside down on a drywall board.

A group shot after trimming.

Before...

after.

The group with carving completed.

The next 5 shots are carving details.

I make a big mess while I carve...and listen to loud rowdy music!

Here I have prepared the pots to be glazed by waxing the bottoms. I didn't take any photos of the glazing process. No secrets...just too hard to do by myself and I didn't want to wreck my camera.

Here's a group shot of the finished pots. I had one casualty...broken during glazing, a real bummer. Why is it always your favorite one?

I was happy with the results. I also had some new glaze tests in the kiln. I am excited that there are new glazes are on the horizon. These pots are going to my first show of the season on Saturday, June 13 in St. Germain, Wisconsin. See listing on the blog sidebar for details. My next post will be about the show. Wish me luck.

Amy Higgason Clayboard Illustrations

2009-06-04T22:38:00.010-05:00

I have started doing some illustration work on a product called Clayboard. The board is black and you scratch through it to reveal the white underneath. When I found the product at the art store I thought it would be a fun technique – similar to the way I do scraffito illustration on my pots.

It has proved to be a very fun media to work in. It’s also a great avenue to work out imagery that can later be translated to pots. I will be framing some of the original clayboards for sale and have designed a line of cards that will be ready "for market" next week. Here are some of my favorite drawings.

Undercover Garden ©2009 Amy Higgason

Thorny Thoughts ©2009 Amy Higgason

Tangleweed ©2009 Amy Higgason

Imaginary Growth ©2009 Amy Higgason

I have a busy week ahead. I am working on glazing this weekend and will fire on Sunday. I am planning a post next week that shows a series of salad bowls from start to finish. Saturday, June 13th is my first show of the season, Walk In The Woods Art Fair from 10 to 4pm in St. Germain Wisconsin. Our busy summer schedules have kicked in... even if summer weather hasn't.

The Studio Gallery Demo Weekend for Artists Interactive

2009-06-04T20:51:00.023-05:00

As I’ve discussed in earlier posts, I am a member of a small artist cooperative gallery in Boulder Junction Wisconsin. The Studio Gallery is in it's 15th season and currently features the work of 11 local artists. The gallery is located in a former railroad wash house building in the backyard of the Outdoorsmen Restaurant. The space is intimate, casual and full of great energy. The 2009 Studio Gallery members are: Toni Bergeon (Art Quilts), Louise Engelbrecht (Handwovens, Painting & Collage), Amy Higgason (Pottery), Debra Ketchum Jircik (Collage & Clay), Kathleen Kimball (Handcrafted Soap & Collage), Carol Miller (Photography), Jane O’Brien (Watermedia), Wendy Powalisz (Beaded Jewelry & Watercolors), Nancy Shoop (Pottery), Shirley Surges (Watermedia) and Jan Zindel (Handwovens & Socks)

Last weekend the gallery participated in the first of 2 demo weekends for the Artists Interactive program. The purpose of the Artist Interactive program is to generate traffic for art events around the northwoods, to introduce artists and the art making processes to the general public and to generate a new revenue source for artists at a slower time of year. There is no space inside our tiny gallery to do demonstrations so we set up a tent in the front yard of the restaurant. 5 of the Studio Gallery’s artists worked on a variety of art projects during 2 cold and windy days last weekend.

Here are some photo highlights from the weekend.

Instead of dragging a whole clay studio with me, I decided to draw on Clayboard®. The technique and imagery is very similar to the scrafitto drawings I carve on pots. I use a sharp tool to scratch away the black and reveal the white underneath. I have developed a series of drawings. I am printing these illustrations on cards to sell at shows and in galleries that carry my pottery.

Wendy Powalisz paints natural and abstract themes in a loose free flowing style. Her watercolors are typically vibrant and colorful. She is also currently experimenting on a series of "black only" watercolors.

Jan Zindel is a weaver and fiber artist. Here she demonstrates on a 1908 Gearhart Sock Knitting Machine. You can find Jan’s blog at shuttleworksstudio.blogspot.com

Kathleen Kimball was in charge of the gallery on saturday. She passed the time between customers with us, knitting and chatting about art on the front lawn. One of the nicest parts of the weekend was the time we spent talking about our struggles and triumphs. We are a great group of artists spread out over a distance of 75 miles. It is rare that we get to spend time together. So the time that weekend was valuable even though the turnout for this event was very small. There will be another Studio Gallery Artist Demo Weekend on June 26, 27 & 28th. We’re hoping for better weather, more artists and a bigger audience. I'll keep you posted.

Hot out of the kiln

2009-05-20T19:57:00.011-05:00

I did a glaze firing on sunday that included the pots from the previous posts. Here they are in their finished state.

Today I took these pots and many others to the co-op gallery I belong to in Boulder Junction Wisconsin. The Studio Gallery is in it's 15th season as an artist run and operated gallery. The tiny gallery is housed in an old railroad wash house cabin behind The Outdoorsman restaurant in downtown Boulder Junction. This season we have 11 artists working in a variety of media. Today some of the artists got together to clean and hang the gallery for our season. We are open 4 days a week staring May 22 through October 10th.

The Studio Gallery is hosting 2 artist demo weekends in conjunction with Artists Interactive— a program to promote arts related tourism in Wisconsin's north woods. Our first demo weekend is May 29, 30 & 31st. Stay tuned for new photos and more about The Studio Gallery at the beginning of June.

Everything kicks into high gear here now with Memorial Day on our heals. I'll be working in the studio and posting more often with new pots and show photos. Here are a few more new pieces that I liked from the recent firing.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

A work in progress...

2009-04-10T12:01:00.009-05:00

As I said in my last post, I have had a hard time getting going in the studio lately. I have been working, but wasn't really happy with what I was producing. In all honesty, I felt like I was just going through the motions. I'm not really sure about how I feel about that last statement. It's depressing, but honest.

However, last sunday I finished up a series of small pitchers and one small teapot that made me smile. Somehow it seems a turning point (if not a breakthrough). With May and June deadlines looming, it's time to get to work.

Here’s my latest greenware. My pieces and me...always a work in progress!

Excuses Excuses

2009-02-21T17:04:00.004-06:00

It's been a long time since I wrote because it's been a long time since I "potted". I am not sure how long it had been since I have thrown, but I am guessing it was early November. It seems kind of shocking but oh so predictable. November and December are filled up with shows, work and the holidays. January rolls around and all I want to do is hibernate. I always end up holed up in the house with zero motivation to work in the studio. I work on other things like taxes and art tour planning, etc., but I don't even think about clay. Then, as it does every winter, something switches in my brain and all of a sudden I want and need to be out there again. I'm not sure if it's the lighter days, more activity by the birds and squirrels or just the hope of spring on the horizon (although we have at least 2 more months to go hear in the Northwoods). But I wake up.

I sat down at the wheel for 5 hours yesterday. My first attempt was less than stellar, but it did improve from there. They may not look like much right now, but for me, it is the beginning of new work for 2009!

Encourage Obama to name a Secretary of the Arts

2009-01-14T09:57:00.004-06:00

I have just read and signed the online petition: "Secretary of the Arts" hosted on the web by PetitionOnline.com, the free online petition service, at: PetitionsOnLine.com

If you can spare a moment, please take a look, and consider signing yourself.

Blog-based Pottery Sale Results

2009-01-09T11:20:00.005-06:00

I have received a few inquires about the results of my blog-based pottery sale. Here are my thoughts on the outcome.

I had no real expectations. It was an easy solution for a last minute idea. I don't have very many blog readers, so in addition to the blog post, I emailed an announcement to most of my address book and posted an invite on Facebook. I sold 5 pieces. 4 of the pieces went to people I know. The last piece wasn't listed as part of the sale and went to someone who regularly reads my blog.

It worked out pretty smoothly. Everyone trusted me to send the work, and I trusted them to send me a check. It was worth it, but there was a lot of set up time and a lot of back and forth emailing to accomplish the sales.

In the future I plan on putting work on Etsy and taking advantage of Pay Pal. It seems like an easier solution... a good January or February project. If anyone has any feedback about Etsy I would appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks to everyone who bought, looked, or sent a nice comment. I am looking forward to getting back in my studio soon. I have ideas trapped in my head & hands just waiting to get out.

Peace for 2009!

Pigeon Road Pottery's 1st Blog-based Sale

2008-12-07T17:20:00.033-06:00

Welcome to my first blog-based pottery sale. I decided to do this at the last minute, so it's a very no-frills approach to internet shopping. Sorry, there's no shopping cart. You'll have to work with me via email.

Here's the rules:

If you see an item you want to purchase, please email me the item number. My email address is amyhiggason@yahoo.com. I will email you back to confirm your purchase or to notify you that the piece has already sold. I will update the sales status on the blog as often as I can. My goal is to avoid disapointments. But, all items are one-of-a-kind and offered on a first-come first-served basis.

I accept checks or cash only. I will make payment arrangements with you by email when I confirm your purchase.

Tax is included, but shipping (if necessary) is additional. Please respond quickly if you need your piece before Christmas.

Satisfaction is guaranteed. If you do not like a piece once you receive it you may return it for a full refund (minus shipping costs).

This blog sale ends Saturday, December 13 at 7pm.

Here are some general details about my work. It is all white stoneware fired in an electric kiln to cone 6. It is wheelthrown, carved and decorated by hand. Each piece is one-of-a-kind. All pieces are food safe and may be put in the dishwasher, microwave and oven (when appropriate). I have included multiple views of some pieces. If you have any questions regarding the work or the rules please don't hesitate to email or call me at 715-277-5099.

10% of sales will be donated to the Lakeland Area Food Pantry.

Item 1: Bowl
6-3/4" wide x 5-1/4" tall
Price $70

Item 2: Bowl
9-1/8" wide x 5-3/4" tall
Price $90

Item 3: Small baking dish/bowl
7" wide x 2-3/4"tall
Price $48

Item 4: Covered jar
8-1/2" tall x 4-3/4" wide
SOLD Price $110

Item 5: Small baking dish/bowl
7-1/2" wide x 3" tall
Price $58

Item 6: Bowl
8-3/4" wide x 4-1/2" tall
Price $80

Item 7: Plate
11-3/4 diameter
SOLD Price $90

Item 8: Candlesticks A, B, & C
Hights between 5-1/4" to 6"
Price: $48 each

Item 9: Candlesticks D & E
Hights between 4-1/2" to 5"
Price: $48 each

Item 10: Butter dish/2 pc.
6" tall x 7-1/2" wide
Price $90

Item 11: Bowl
9-3/4" wide x 4-3/4" tall
Price $90

Item 12: Bowl
9-1/2" wide x 4-1/2" tall
Price $85

Item 13: Pedestal bowl
11-1/4 tall x 9" wide
Price $125

Item 14: Shallow bowl
10-1/2" wide x 3" tall
Price $48

Item 15: Pitcher
5-1-2" tall x 5" wide
SOLD Price $70

Item 16: Oval baking dish
10-1/4" wide x 8-3/4 wide x 3-1/2" tall
Price $70

Item 17: Oval baking dish
9-1/2" wide x 7-1/2" wide x 3" tall
Price $58

Item 18: Oval baking dish
8-3/4" wide x 7" wide x 3" tall
Price $58

Item 19: Oval baking dish
9" wide x 6-3/4" wide x 3" tall
Price $58

Item 20: Oval baking dish
9" wide x 6-1/2" wide x 3" tall
SOLD Price $58

In Season Holiday Open House with the Art Gypsies

2008-11-30T14:41:00.013-06:00

On saturday, Nov. 22nd The Salon & Spa on Railroad in Eagle River, Wisconsin hosted our 3rd annual In Season Holiday Open House and Art Sale.

The show featured the "Art Gypsies (left to right) Debra Ketchum Jircik, Carol Miller, Amy Higgason & Wendy Powalisz.

In Season was conceived as an event for "hunting widows" on the opening day of the gun deer hunting season. It offered a preview of the salon's Aveda Holiday Gift Collection, free spa treatments and featured the Art Gypsies and their "booths" set up in the hair stylist's stations.

Though turn out was lower than the past 2 years (we blame that pesky economy) the Art Gypsies had a great time peddling our wares.

My pots.

Some of Debbie's sculptures.

Wendy's set up.

Carol's photos and cards.

Results from this week's glaze firing

2008-11-22T21:02:00.012-06:00

Here are some photos of the ornaments and candlesticks from the last post after the glaze firing.

I am firing this week

2008-11-15T20:07:00.014-06:00

I am getting ready to fire glaze kiln on Tuesday or Wednesday. Here are a few "before" shots of some bisque pieces.

These are candleholders.

Some small slab built dishes.

I will frame these tiles.

Wheelthrown Ornaments

2008-11-14T19:28:00.006-06:00

I always make ornaments for the holidays. They are a good low ticket item, fill space in my kiln and make great last minute gifts for good customers, friends and family. I use cookie cutters to cut shapes from rolled out clay slabs. Then I use all my texture tools and stamps to create designs. I finish them off with twisted copper wire hangers.

This year I decided to also make some wheelthrown ornaments. They were thrown off the hump (hollow inside) and carved in the leatherhard stage. I will be glazing them and firing them later this week. Watch for a future post to see their progress. So far, I think they are pretty cool!

Bridge for Obama

2008-10-25T17:15:00.012-05:00

Please forgive one more political post on my otherwise pottery focused blog. Today I attended a rally on the bridge in downtown Minocqua. The organizers of the Bridge for Obama rally expected about 50 people. Over 150 people showed up in the freezing cold drizzle to show their support for Barack Obama. This may not sound like a lot of people to some of you urban dwellers, but it was a huge turnout for this largely republican small town. We had a great time, got lots of honks, waves and thumbs up. We also got a few flying middle fingers and one full hairy "moon" from a passenger in one passing vehicle. Another classy McCain supporter...you betcha!

Here's some photos. They speak for themselves!

Clay Bonding

2008-10-21T21:49:00.021-05:00

After the two back-to-back shows and some extended hours at my job I was able to take a few days off to visit my mom in the Chicago suburbs. While I was "home" I made a trip downtown to catch up with some of my clay buddies.

My first stop was to see Chris Garofalo at her studio on Ashland Avenue. Chris had the studio across from mine for a couple of years at Lillstreet. I killed many hours (when I should have been working on my own pieces) hanging around in her studio. It was time well spent. Chris has her own home studio now... a unique little habitat where her sculptures grow.

If you work with clay you know how delicate and fragile these pieces are before firing. She has loading down to a science. I've fired with Chris. It's a special event opening/unloading a kiln full of her pieces.

To see some finished pieces go to her website: www.chrisgarofalo.com

Next I headed over to Lillstreet to meet Gary Jackson and Emily Murphy for dinner. Even though I never worked at the new building on Ravenswood, it still feels like home to me. I love wondering around, looking in the classrooms, peaking in the kilns, checking out the latest show. I work in solitude now, (which I prefer) but it's comforting seeing this big community of potters thrive. I need my fix now and then.

I sat with Gary as he worked on pieces for the soda kiln. Gary's work incorporates intricate stamping techniques on functional wheelthrown pots. There's a great balance in his work between the tight throwing and decorating style and the random glazing effects from the soda kiln.

You can find photos of Gary's pots on his new blog: www.FireWhenReady.com

Once Emily arrived we were off to dinner at a Thai place down the block. Attention urban dwellers: DO NOT TAKE YOUR ETHNIC FOOD CHOICES FOR GRANTED! Some day you may move to the country and no longer have options. The closest Thai restaurant to my house is 75 miles away. Of course the real reason for our dinner was perfectly illustrated by my fortune cookie...

... the Pad See Eiw & spring rolls were just a bonus.

After dinner we returned to Emily's studio for computer support (she made me join facebook), clay talk, girl talk, trash talk, etc. Those of you who read Emily's blog know what a wealth of information she is. If you don't read her blog you should:
www.potteryblog.com.

Here's our silly midnight self portrait...

...and some of Emily's pretty, pretty pots!

I'm back in my studio on friday...

Northwoods Fall Art Tour

2008-10-09T21:27:00.020-05:00

Last friday, saturday & sunday was the Northwoods Fall Art Tour. My studio is one of 23 that participated in the 3 county area. With the economy in shambles no one expected much in the way of sales. From what I hear so far the results were mixed for the artists. So I consider myself really lucky that my turnout and sales were up from last year's fall tour. The best news of all... I sold the new sprigged platter (see post from Sept. 24th).

Here are some pics from the weekend.

Here I demonstrate how I attach feet to a small slab build dish.

My guest artist Wendy Powalisz (left) and glass artist Kathy Furda of northernlightglass.

Some fun returning tour visitors.

Barb & Paul Koester spot their tiles.

Glimpses inside my tiny gallery area.

A quick self portrait.

I demonstrated my scrafitto technique on small clay tiles.

Another tilemaker returns to see the finished project.

I had a record 16 people at once in my small 12' x 24' gallery/studio space.

Birdman supports Barack Obama!

My shrine to electricity.

Hands over fists!

2008-10-08T14:14:00.014-05:00

I am an Obama supporter who lives in a largely republican area of northern Wisconsin. It is hard enough driving around a place where the McCain/Palin signs outnumber the Obama/Biden signs 20 to 1. But it's even worse when your patriotism is questioned just for supporting a candidate. That's what's happening here and it's infuriating. I don't understand why some folks feel that if you don't agree with them about the Iraq war, you are no better than the terrorists who struck on 9-11. Trust me, I'm no terrorist — just a bleeding heart liberal!

My like-minded friends and I have determined it's time to be brave. And we are coming out all over the Northwoods as proud patriotic supporters of Barack Obama. Simple acts of courage are cropping up everywhere. A group of 200+ Northwoods women are listing their names in local newspapers ads supporting Obama. We are volunteering when we can. Our cars are adorned with stickers and our coats and purses covered in buttons. The Obama/Biden signs remained posted on our properties during the Northwoods Art Tour even though it could affect our art sales. It may not be much, but every little bit helps (if nothing else our morale).

So here I go. I'm coming out for Obama on my little pottery blog.

I support Barack Obama for president because I believe he is our best chance at restoring our good standing around the world. I believe he will protect our nation with honor and diplomacy first, and use military force only when justified and necessary. I'm looking for a leader who chooses a hand over a fist whenever possible. I'm looking for a leader with an open creative mind. I'm looking for a leader who will champion new ways to protect our environment and strengthen our economy. I'm looking for a leader who keeps his cool in a crisis. I'm looking for a leader who chooses a running mate (and possible successor) based on merit and qualifications — not simply as a way to pander to his base. I'm looking for a leader who motivates our young people, and who inspires action, passion and service. I believe I've found that leader in Barack Obama. I'm filled with hope for our future. Imagine that! In the beautiful words of John Lennon "you might say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."

Amy Higgason

Obamaware Fundraiser

2008-10-08T10:44:00.011-05:00

Some of the best ceramic artists in the country have joined together to raise money for Barack Obama's bid for the White House. Go to this link Obamaware on Ayumi Horie's web site for more details about this internet pottery auction going live on October 15th, noon EST.

Participating Artists:
Dan Anderson
Chadwick Augustine
Andy Brayman
John Byrd
Victoria Christen
Steven Colby
Michael Corney
Josh DeWeese
Diana Fayt
Donna Flanery
Julia Galloway
Ayumi Horie
Janice Jakielski
Garth Johnson
Kathy King
Michael Kline
Beth Lo
Kirk Mangus
Alleghany Meadows
Jeffry Mitchell
Peter Morgan
Jill Oberman
Jess Parker
Ron Philbeck
Elizabeth Robinson
Justin Rothshank
Shoko Teruyama
Jason Walker

Art In The Yard

2008-09-28T17:50:00.025-05:00

We've been blessed with warmer and sunnier weather than usual this fall. So my hopes were high for a nice day for our outdoor show "Art in the Yard" last saturday. When the thunder and lightning woke me at 4:30 a.m. I mentally prepared myself for the worse — setting up in a downpour and being cold and wet for the rest of the day. As I pulled out of my driveway at 6 a.m. the rain had slowed to a light mist. An hour later when I arrived in Land O' Lakes it had stopped.

As I started to set up and all my friends arrived with their gear, I couldn't help feeling optimistic. Rain or shine it would be another fun day with the Art Gypsies!

Our host was Jody Kennedy. Her gift shop Wild Expressions is just west of downtown Land O' Lakes on county highway B. Fall is in full swing in the northwoods.

Me in my trusty tent.

My whole set up.

Potter pal Anne Appel.

Photographer Carol Miller and a friend.

Debra Ketchum Jircik with her clay sculpture.

Weaver Jan Zindell demonstrates on her antique sock machine.

Kathleen Kimbal creates journals, collages, & wonderful hand made soap (the old fashioned way).

Wendy Powalisz (left) is a painter and jewelry maker. Cathy Wirtz (right) makes felted wool purses & hats.

Wendy's jewelry...

and her painting.

An Art Gypsy tip: always provide a seating area for husbands!

The real purpose of the fire is for wish sticks – an Art in the Yard tradition. Here Debbie composes here message for the flames.

One more wish for the fire!

New Finished Platter

2008-09-24T16:21:00.004-05:00

Here is the completed platter from the previous post. It measures 14" in diameter. I was happy with the results. I need to explore this concept further with an entire series of decorative platters. I envision a wall full of them. It is very time consuming process, so I have been hesitant to commit time to it during the busy season. But now I am on the record. Hopefully this blog will keep me honest and I will work towards my goal over the long long long northwoods winter.

Decorating With Clay Sprigs

2008-09-14T16:32:00.011-05:00

I embellish a lot in my work with clay sprigs. I learned the technique in a workshop with Matthew Metz at Santa Fe Clay. It is an easy way to make duplicates of a small object. I made most of my sprig molds by pushing objects such as buttons into blocks of wet clay. After pulling the object out, I let the clay dry completely. Then I bisque fire the sprig molds.

Once you have a mold the rest is pretty simple. I roll a small ball of moist clay. Drop it into the mold. Push the clay into the mold. Scrape and excess clay off with a metal rib. The moisture of the clay is drawn out by the bisque, so poppping the clay back out is easy. Just touch the back side with another ball of clay and pull it out. Then score the back of your sprig and the area of the pot you are going to apply it to. Then join the two together with slip or vinegar. I prefer vineger—less mess.

Here is the center of a large platter. I am using 3 different sprigs to build up a pattern.

Now the sprig pattern is complete and I have started carving.

I'm almost done. Now I need to texturize the area between the sprigs and carving and add other final touches.

Here is the completed platter. It took over 3-1/2 hours to complete the decoration. I'll dry it slowly under plastic. When I spend this much time on a piece I tend to baby it.

I will post the final glazed platter (barring disaster) in about 2 weeks.

Busy as a bee

2008-09-07T18:59:00.007-05:00

After the family "vaca" I've been back in my studio for the last 3 weeks making work. I have 2 shows coming up back to back at the end of september. What to make, what to make? One part artist and one part business woman, I've been throwing like a madwoman and lining up the bats.

Freshly thrown pots are soooo beautiful!

I am working against the clock to finish what I've started. My bisque date is 9-17-08. Most of this work will be carved with patterns and embellished with spriggs like the greenware pieces below.

No brown & black pots this time. I plan to use my Josh Green, Slate Blue and other colored glazes on this batch. I bounce back and forth between my 2 distinct lines of work –– for my own amusement, and to satisfy two different "markets". Like I said, one part artist, one part business woman! I probably won't post again until I have some fired work. Stay tuned.

Save Arrowmont Petition

2008-08-19T19:38:00.002-05:00

I received an email today regarding Arrowmont School of Crafts:

"Below is a link to a petition that was started to help save Arrowmont. Please let your voice be heard and show your support for the school. There are many unknowns at the moment and we don't have a lot of answers but if you have not already shown your support please consider it. Your voice is very important to the future of the school. Please send this message to everyone you know we are trying to gather as many signatures as possible before Friday the 22nd. Thank you!"

It only takes a second to sign the petition. Here's the link: Save Arrowmont Petition

American Pottery Festival

2008-08-18T19:44:00.003-05:00

I just found out about this event that sounds totally cool. Northern Clay Center is hosting the American Pottery Festival. I probably won't be able to go. So if you do, please write and fill me in!

Take Pottery Workshops

2008-08-17T14:38:00.014-05:00

One of the best ways to learn techniques, network with other potters and to motivate yourself is to take a workshop from a studio potter. I spent 8 years at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago. One benefit was the opportunity to take 1 and 2 day workshops from some of the best potters in the country. I also lived close to Terra Incognito Studio in Oak Park, Illinois. They also have a really fine workshop program. In the span of just a few years I watched Jeff Oestreich, Julia Galloway, Linda Christianson, Bob Briscoe, Dan Anderson, Sam Chung, Malcom Davis, Linda Sikora and others lecture, make pots and answer questions. I always came away with some useful information, a glaze recipe or two, and a deeper understanding of how personal and individual clay can be.

But you don't have to stick close to home! If you can, taking a week or longer hands-on workshop is even better. When you go away to a workshop you can accomplish so much more. You work in the studio every day (a luxury for most of us). You see demonstrations of new techniques and get to try them on the spot. You get great personal feedback from your instructor and your classmates. You meet other potters and make contacts that can be very helpful later when applying for shows, etc.

The big names like Penland, Arrowmont and Anderson Ranch are meccas for big name talent. But there are clay centers all over the country that provide great workshops. I think it is more important to pick an artist who's work really inspires you than a location. I have taken two workshops at Santa Fe Clay in New Mexico. I studied with Julia Galloway first and spent a 2nd week a year later working with Matt Metz and Linda Sikora. Both these workshops accelerated my growth and prepared me for the transition from student to working potter.

I've also taken some really helpful "Business of Art" workshops offered by Arts Wisconsin. Although not clay specific, these long weekends have been invaluable information sources for marketing, funding, grant writing, tax procedures, etc. These type of workshops are very helpful for those of us trying to make a living. And you still meet really cool people.

Come to think about it, I ended up living here in northern Wisconsin because of a workshop. I took a woodfire workshop with a potter who ran one of those ads at the back of Ceramics Monthly. A group of us traveled up to McNaughton, Wisconsin to work with Joan Slack of Riverrun Pottery. We bonded over wood splitting and stoking. Our group returned several times over the next few years and when Joan decided to build an art center and gallery she contacted me to be her apprentice. So there you have it. Take a workshop. It could change your life!

Vacation

2008-08-16T14:17:00.006-05:00

After the Northwoods Art Tour I needed a vacation. What's a poor rural potter to do? When you live in "vacationland" it's easy to lure your family to come to you. Mine came from Illinois & Ohio for a one week visit. They rented a great lake cabin about 4 miles from my house. Although I had to work 2 days during the week, I still had plenty of time to pretend I was a tourist. Fish were caught. Marshmallows were roasted. Naps were taken. Here's a photo collage of some of the fun. And the best part... I slept in my own bed every night!

But now they are gone and I'll be back in the studio. My next show is in 6 weeks. Pottery will be made. I'll keep you posted.

Who are the art gypsies?

2008-08-01T23:08:00.009-05:00

The Art Gypsies are a band of Northern Wisconsin artists residing in Vilas and Oneida counties. We formed, to pool our creative resources and develop new avenues to show our work. Our group ranges from 4 to 9 artists depending on the event. We work in a variety of art media including; photography, clay (functional pottery and sculpture), fiber arts, beaded jewelry, watercolor, paper arts and collage. We travel around the Northwoods and beyond, offering fine art for sale in eclectic settings.

Our next show, “Art in the Yard,” will be held on Saturday, September 27th from 9am to 4pm at Wild Expressions Gift Shop located on Hwy B in Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin. The 6th annual show will feature 9 artists: (from left to right) Louise Engelbrecht, Carol Miller, Debra Ketchum Jircik, Amy Higgason, Kathleen Kimball, Wendy Powalisz, Cathy Wirtz, & (not pictured) Anne Appel, & Janice Zindel.

Past attendees of the event have learned to expect a memorable experience at “Art in the Yard.” We invite you to gather your good friends around the fire, laughter and really fine art. And don't forget your hula hoop!

The Northwoods Summer Art Tour

2008-07-29T22:45:00.024-05:00

The Northwoods Art Tour started 9 years ago as an opportunity for artists in my area to demonstrate and show their artwork in their home studios. There are some artist-owned galleries on the tour, but for the most part the 23 tour stops feature private studios that are not generally open to the public. I have participated in the tour for 5 years, first at Riverrun and for the last 3 years at my studio in Lake Tomahawk. You'd think it's easier to do a show at your home. But as I wrote in the last post, there's just as much, if not more work involved. This year I cut it really close, but as I predicted everything got done in time for my first visitors on friday morning. Here are some photos from the 3 day event.

The south window of my studio is shaded by morning glorys.

Some inside shots of the gallery area.

These ladies had a great time travelling around to studios on friday. They decided to buy matching pendants from me. The "sisterhood of the travelling pendants" wondered if their husbands would notice at dinner that evening.

These are some of the tiles made by visitors to my studio during the 2007 summer and fall tours. We are in the process of mounting and installing the tiles on the exterior of my studio as a permanant clay guest book.

Here are just a few of my favorites.

Emily was just 3 years old last year when I helped her make a tile.

Here she is this year with her finished tile.

Here are some other visitors who came back to see their creations.

Biker babe Cheryl gave us a "gun show"

I couldn't have made it through the weekend without my helpers. Jeanne and Wendy were camera shy, but here is my artist friend Katlyn Koester during a brief break on saturday afternoon.

This was my best art tour yet. We had great weather, lots of interested visitors and terrific sales. I have several people interested in commissioning new versions of "THE PLATTER" (see photo below). Thank you to everyone who helped and attended. Come back in the fall. Till then I am headed back into my studio.

Panic Week

2008-07-18T16:09:00.010-05:00

The Northwoods Summer Art Tour is in six days. Hundreds of people will visit my studio over the 3 day period of July 25-27. It's a lot of pressure. In between going to work and other responsibilities, I will have fired my kiln 3 times in 14 days. The studio is currently trashed from front to back. (So is my house.) I still have a days worth of glazing to finish. The lawn needs mowing. Nothing is priced. I've had to create a flowchart to make it through the week. At this point it seems impossible to get it all done.

Prediction... next friday morning at 9:01 I'll be sitting in my spotless studio surrounded by new work wondering when that first car will roll in. If you live in the area I hope you come for a visit. Here's a preview of some new pieces that are ready to go.

For more information about the Northwoods Art tour go to www.northwoodsarttour.com.

Collections

2008-07-16T20:14:00.008-05:00

I came home from work one day recently and found this doll giving me a thumbs up at the entrance to my studio. I laughed and smiled because I knew exactly who had left it for me. My good friends Jeanne and Tony picked it up at a rummage sale because they knew I'd like it. O.K. I admit it. I like creepy/funny baby dolls.

Jeanne and Tony knew it would make a perfect addition to my COLLECTION. I keep it out in the studio where I am allowed to be quirky without judgement.

That's only one of the collections in my collective living space. I have rocks from around the world, rusty oil cans, Hello Kitty stuff, wind-up toys, good fortunes from long ago chinese meals, and circle shaped metal objects just to name a few. I have a great pottery collection. Over the weekend I considered starting an antique wood fishing lure collection. Why? Because they are cool.

We are by nature collectors. I can't think of any artist friend who isn't collecting something. Wendy has antique Irish postcards. Debbie has a rusted metal headboard graveyard. Carol has more baskets than any human could ever use. Chris collects antique science books. Jeanne & Tony are pottery junkies, rock hoarders, fans of all things rusty, etc. etc. etc.

What do you collect?

Some more pretty pots...

2008-07-08T20:51:00.008-05:00

Photos by Guy Nicol

I made this jar in 2003 for the Setting the Stage show at Lillstreet. It is white stoneware, fired cone 10 reduction in a gas kiln.

A recent stoneware pitcher fired in my electric kiln to cone 6.

These two ewers were done in fall 2004 for my Philly show.

One of my favorite recent pieces, still available for purchase from my studio!

Weeds

2008-07-04T19:58:00.012-05:00

I live in a rural area on about 1/2 an acre of land. My lot is shaped like a bowling alley with my house and studio/garage in the middle. I do have some "traditional" lawn space around the house, but about 1/3rd of my property is growing wild and unmanicured... just the way I like it. It's full of daisys, tall grasses, clover, thistles, ferns and other plants. What some would consider weeds, I consider source material.

Some of my current work features drawings inspired by the plants and weeds in my yard and the surrounding woods. Pieces are thrown and trimmed at my potter's wheel. When the pots are leather hard I apply a chocolate underglaze to the exterior of the pot, and then brush on designs with black underglaze. Once the underglaze has dried to the touch, I use tools to carve through the layers of underglaze and expose the white stoneware clay underneath. After the pieces dry completely they will be bisque fired, glazed, and fired again to cone 6 in my electric kiln. After the glaze firing the pots turn a honey brown with black and white details (see previous post). The pots shown above are still in progress. They will be available for purchase during the Northwoods Art Tour at the end of July. For more information about the tour go to www.northwoodsarttour.com.

Moon Raven

2008-06-29T10:17:00.001-05:00

This platter was made as a gift for my friend Wendy. Photo by Guy Nicol.

Another bowl

2008-06-29T09:51:00.003-05:00

Photo by Guy Nicol

Brown & black bowl with scrafitto

2008-06-28T23:30:00.002-05:00

My latest series of work features this brown and black color pallet with scraffito illustrations. Photo by Guy Nicol.

Green Pitcher

2008-06-28T22:58:00.001-05:00

This stoneware pitcher was created for a show at Vessel Gallery in Philadelphia. The show, "Double Vision" was with my former studio mate Lorin Klein Costolo from Lillstreet in Chicago. I created this piece at Riverrun Center in Mc Naughton, Wisconsin while I was working as the "Live-In" Apprentice. It is one of my first successful pieces fired at cone 6 in an electric kiln. Although this is how I fire today, at the time it was traumatic to move from high fire reduction to mid-range oxidation.

The pitcher appears in "500 Pitchers" by Lark Books. Photo by Guy Nicol.

Green Sprigged Platter

2008-06-28T22:34:00.002-05:00

This platter was created in 2003 for my first solo show — Setting the Stage, at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago. It is white stoneware, fired in reduction to cone 10 in a gas kiln. It was wheelthrown. The center of the platter contains dozens of individual clay button spriggs that were applied one at a time.

It appeared in the May 2004 issue of Ceramics Monthy when I was selected as one of their Emerging Artists of 2004. It also appears in the new book "500 Plates and Chargers" produced by Lark Books. The platter remains a personal favorite and a part of my private collection. Photo by Guy Nicol.

Welcome

2008-06-28T22:29:00.007-05:00

I "played with clay" on and off in college and beyond, but my true potter’s journey began when I signed up for a wheelthrowing class at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago. I was seeking a creative outlet and distraction from my job in graphic design. Within the first 10 weeks it became obvious that coming to Lillstreet was more than a way to pass the time and meet new people. I was a potter, starting down a path I hadn’t anticipated.

For 8 years, I learned from the instructors, peers, and visiting artists who came through Lillstreet. One of the advantages of being an urban potter was the opportunity to work within a large community. The support, encouragement, and camaraderie I experienced at Lillstreet was pivotal to my development as an artist.

In April of 2003 I moved to Wisconsin’s northwoods to pursue pottery full time. I took a position at Riverrun Center for the Arts in McNaughton, Wisconsin. As Resident Artist at Riverrun, I was able to work daily in the studio, teach classes, and learn how to operate a gallery. I had intended my move “up north” to be temporary, but in the fall of 2004, this self-described “city girl” decided to make the northwoods her permanent home. I got a "day job" and eventually bought my “little blue house in the woods” on Pigeon Road in Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin.

I built my studio (Pigeon Road Pottery) in 2005. It’s a lovely space to work in – filled with mementos from my old studio & friends. I'm not a full-time potter yet, but I realize how lucky I am to be on my way. I live surrounded by incredible natural beauty and I've found a new community of artists as encouraging and supportive as those I left behind.