Freshly Carved Pouring Vessels

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

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

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

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.