A work in progress...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am firing this week

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

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!