I Love a Ten Dollar Cup

This is Spring Studio Sale time of year, and as always, I visited Janet Buskirk and Jim Koudelka's sale over on SE 46th, just north of Hawthorne. If you haven't been there, it's high time. One can expect a wonderful collection of artists showing their work. During the sale events, Janet and Jim generously share their beautiful place with pottery and jewelry friends alike. Of course, it's mainly dedicated to pottery and they usually have from 5 to 10 different artists represented.

For the last few years I have bought pieces made by Janet, that is, until I felt I had a critical mass of her work... large coffee cups with saucers, wonderful textural plates and little cups I use for wine. I bought one of Jim's coffee cups last year and I just love it from year to year. Their work is built to last both in the utilitarian and visual sense. I never get tired of looking at or using these pieces.

This year they are hosting a new artist called Ji-Min Lee (at least she is new to me). It's funny... because at the OPA board meeting this last week hosted by Kris Paul, I coveted the cup Kris was drinking from... a beautiful cup with what looked like a grouping of small baby heads painted on it. I picked it up at the end of the party and admired it's qualities up close. No time to ask about the artist, what with trying to find my car keys and the tour of Kris' AMAZING studio. Honestly, she wins the "Best Studio" Award! Especially designed for her by Willie, her husband... with big picture windows looking out to their woods, where she often gets a view of the dear eating her garden! I was treated to a Kris Paul naked raku piece when she saw how luscious it felt in my hands! Thank you Kris! Kris' collection of cups is inspiring!

So, it felt somewhat synchronicitous to find Ji-Min Lee just a day or two later there at Janet and Jim's. I so connected with her use of color and the illustrative vocabulary and was gently reminded of both Jan Edwards and Victoria Christen's work. Of course, she has qualities all her own, but it felt like a related visual language. (Her cups are featured in the photos. And don't you just love the dark coffee color against the blue of the cup?). She offered her work at wonderful prices too (My cat loves a Ten Dollar Cup! in the photo), so I couldn't help bringing home some of her work... even though my cupboards are running over. When one no longer has space to put another cup... one is forced to ask the question... "How much is too much pottery?" Is there such a thing? And my answer to this is... "BUILD MORE SHELVES!" One can never own enough pottery.

I had a marvelous time a day later at Jan Edwards Spring Studio Sale. She hosted a wonderful and sunny Spring Sale party. I tell you... if you ever want inspiration... just go visit Jan. Throughout her studio, you'll witness her endless and bountiful creativity, all around her home and everywhere you look there is beauty. I love her delight in the painted image. Natural imagery, such as birds or trees or leaves, landscapes, figures and abstract patterns and shapes are her subject matter. And the terra cotta clay with her special brand of coloration is so vivid and alive. I brought home a delicious small leaf shape platter (in the photo). It came in handy this morning to serve my kalua and cream French toast! (Gotta add the recipe to the next cookbook!)

Both sales are still going on today (Sunday, June 6th!) So, check them out!

Janet Buskirk and Jim Koudelka & Friends SPRING STUDIO SALE

4614 SE Salmon St. Portland, OR 97215 at corner of SE 46th and Salmon 503-231-2810

JAN EDWARDS’ 20 & 20 CELEBRATION In thanks for 20 Years of support in my studio I’m offering 20 %off on all Claywork by Jan JUDITH ROSE’s jewelry will be 10% off

SHOW & SALE

Friday, June 4 / 5PM to 8 PM

Saturday, June 5 / 10 AM to 5PM

Sunday, June 6 / Noon to 5 PM PARTY

Saturday June 5 . 5PM -10PM

(Music on the deck with Kevin Shay Johnson)

at Jan Edward!s Studio

2650 SW Custer Street Portland

Enjoy!

Jenny