Portland Open Studios

Have you ever been curious about what other artists studios look like? How they have set-up their spaces and what little tricks they've come up with to make working more efficient or easier? Well, this is the first of two weekends here in Portland where artists open up their studios to the public and there are many OPA members involved this year. Tour the studios of Babette Harvey, Jeanne Henry, Amy Maule, Sara Swink, Pam Grow, Careen Stoll and Kris Paul along with artists representing all mediums. Purchase a tour guide by following this link to the Portland Open Studios website for a list of retailers.

Portland Open Studios Dates:

October 9 & 10, 2010 - 10am - 5pm

October 16 & 17, 2010 - 10am - 5pm

Hope to see you on the tour!

Museum of Contemporary Craft Community Show and Demo Series

On Monday at eleven a.m. sharp, I walked through the doors of the museum to meet with Kat Perez, the Exhibition Coordinator at the Museum of Contemporary Craft, to hand off the artwork for OPA's Community Showcase.

I hadn't coordinated an exhibit like this before, and so was curious to experience the installation and the actual placing and arranging of the pieces in the case. I also hoped to be involved in that process, but wasn't sure if Kat would need or want the help. As it turned out, she was very willing to have me take part. As the museum is closed on Monday, I had to be admitted through the side door and ring a buzzer to be let in. I felt somewhat official and important! As I went through the day, I had feelings that I was involved in something worthwhile... like we were all contributing to the world of art and giving pleasure to the museum's audience. It felt good. I documented the process, much to Kat's chagrin! She and the museum's curator, Namita Gupta Wiggers humored me with some candid shots.

Kat had a very neat and tidy reception waiting for me and the pieces, three long sturdy tables covered in a cushion padding, and an empty case, that morning vacated by the Bead Society. Kat said she had been working toward these shows becoming concept based, and so the theme we chose "Emerging" worked in well with her future plans. I wrote a small piece to accompany the exhibit.

EMERGING

Members of the Oregon Potters Association (OPA) create an astounding variety of work. Though each artist and their work are unique, they share the inherent ability to create something new. Their artwork evolves over time, with the emerging new qualities coming through education, experimentation and the sharing of ideas, techniques and processes. It is this emergence, or the showing of change over time, which makes "the making" so exciting and keeps the artists coming back to the table or wheel for decades.

Perhaps next time we can make more of a process of this show, if and when we are invited again. The pieces were chosen with a jury of six artists and we had 30 submissions. The case is fairly small, so we were limited to the number of pieces we could include. All the submittals were wonderful. Kat Perez seemed genuinely impressed by the work we selected...

We gently unwrapped the pieces and set them on the tables, and I noticed that Kat was extremely careful with them, setting them down with mindfulness. Then after some time, which felt like a truly meditative consideration, we began placing the pieces one by one into the case. We started with the larger pieces, as Kat said she felt it helped to work around them. Then other pieces followed. Soon we started to coordinate the work into groupings which she hoped would create stories within the case. Certain pieces worked well with others, but not at all with some... and we found after two hours of moving and switching the art around, a strong and unexpectedly harmonious solution. It was wonderful to see how Kat considered shape, color, texture, height, and chose all of the wooden blocks and bases for each piece. It is more of a project than I could have imagined to create a properly composed exhibit case and Kat is a master!

(from left to right: Ginger Steele, Sara Swink, Kris Paul, Dara Hartman)

Kris Paul's raku was the last to place. Where does this wild card belong? (I know you'll be laughing at that, Kris!). We tried it in a number of locations. As it turned out, it felt most harmonious between Sara Swink's brooding thinker, and the tall ebony of Dara Hartman. Of course! We should have seen that from the beginning. It wasn't until Namita, the Curator, aimed her trained eye at the case, that Kris' piece was properly positioned with her suggestion. The verticality of Kris' piece went best further toward the center between the two pieces. And Ginger Steele's lovely teapot and cup moved to the outside... directing the eye inward with it's spout. Namita knows her business!

The other groupings went together a bit more easily as we discovered which pieces "played well" with others. Brenda Scott's piece, a wood fired vase had bits of green in it. That and it's sheen finally found a home with Kristy Lombard's tall and lanky teapot, Michelle Gallagher's "Baby" on wheels, Chayo Wilson's dainty and ancient cups and Megan Chalmer-McDonald's other worldly sea creature. The largely green story. I won't go through how everyone was placed or by what means... but I'll say it was a real pleasure to handle all of the beautiful work and really study each piece. What a beautiful process it is and I told Kat that she has quite a job!

(from left to right: Michelle Gallagher, Brenda Scott, Chayo Wilson, Kristy Lombard, Megan Chalmers-McDonald)

(from left to right: Victoria Christen, Debra Nelson, Jan Edwards, Rhoda Fleischman)

(from left to right: Pat Berman, Larry Nelson, Jan Richarson)

I left so that we could all get to our lunches and Kat promised to work her refining magic on the display. She schedules an entire day or more to the set up of each of these Guild shows. She also has to create the signage, including the tags for each work identifying the artist and the title. She sent me photos of the finished display so that I could share them with you all.

I can truly say that our work is in the best of hands at the museum. They treat art with the utmost respect and care. And they have a huge appreciation for the artists of our guild and all the other guilds. They express a sincere desire to encourage, support and be a part of our strong and vibrant arts community. I felt relieved when I got into my car to head home... with a wagon full of empty boxes!

Thank you to everyone who submitted work. It was such a pleasure seeing the variety our guild represents!

The show is up now, so please go take a look and keep in mind the process involved in placing every piece. I think you'll enjoy what you see. Also, keep watch for the demos scheduled every Saturday beginning June 19th from 1 pm to 4pm, going through the month of July.

June 19 (1 pm start time)

Jan Richardson & Tea Thanhbinh Duong

June 26 (1 pm start time)

Larry Nelson & Debra Nelson

July 3 (1 pm start time)

James DeRosso & Brenda Scott

July 10 (1 pm start time)

Michelle Gallagher & Victoria Christen

July 17 (2 PM start time)

Ginger Steele & Rhoda Fleischman

July 24 (1 pm start time)

Alissa Clark & Renee Shearer

These should all be wonderful. So I hope you can attend!

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

fixing cracks with gold

So I was watching the Sunday Morning Show and there was this man who hot glued everything! Which got me thinking about the cracks that had developed in my organic pods during the firing process and I thought, why not. So out came the glue gun and gold leaf flakes and I'm thinking that there is some potential here. I've tried using gold in so many different ways but it has always looked flat and well, forced. So, I'm really not sure about this - it is foreign but it isn't trying to hard - or is it? Let me know your thoughts / critiques / comments / or your experiences using gold to fill cracks.

What's next?

Ceramic Showcase has come and now I am wondering - "What's Next?" If you've got an upcoming show, Gallery opening, Studio tour, firing - whatever - we'd love to hear what you are up to, my fellow OPA members. I for one have been busy in the studio preparing for my Summer art show tour and I've been taking some time to tend to the garden. This year I've added 2 apple trees, 3 blueberry bushes, and another raised bed. I'm delighted that the seeds that I planted in early Spring are going gangbusters - sugar snap peas, heirloom beets, a mix of lettuces and spinach. And the starts aren't too much further behind. My mouth is watering in anticipation for the tomatoes, eggplants, squashes, cucumbers and the host of herbs that will be flavoring many dishes throughout the summer. Not to mention the canning that will be done to hold us through the winter. So, what are you doing?

Glaze results - needs work but there is potential

The kiln cooled and the test cylinders emerged and for a ^6 oxidation firing, the results aren't bad. I learned which glazes worked well together and which were disastrous combinations. The glazes that I made up and used were Pete Pinnell's Tomato, Tom Coleman's Yellow Matte, Satin White w/Nutmeg & Sybil's Black Stain and Hesselberth/Roy's High Calcium Semimatte 2 w/6% rutile. The firing schedule was a slow cool set by Pete Pinnell for the Tomato glaze.

So now it's time to start playing with layering these glazes to achieve depth and movement. I'll be looking like a mad scientist very shortly and will hopefully have some more good results to share.

Are you working on glaze combinations? Have you had results that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear about what you are working on in your studio.

^6 Oxidation Test Firing

I'm in the process of running the first of probably many test firings. I'm experimenting with five matt to semi-matt glazes in several combinations and layers with a controlled cool to see if I can get more depth out of a ^6 oxidation glaze. The kiln is now got a brain/controller and this is the first computer run test program. The kiln is one it's way down right now and should be ready to unload Wednesday evening. Results and photos to come and if I've achieved success, I'll post the glazes, recipes and firing schedule. Keep your fingers crossed!

OPA General Meeting

Last Friday was a big night for OPA members. It was an evening to take care of business and catch up with members. Friday was dedicated to good food and for all OPA members that are participating in the upcoming Ceramic Showcase, it was the evening to pick your booth. First up, Janet Buskirk, followed by Ellen Currans and the rest of the membership. While everyone was waiting to choose, it was time to enjoy an amazing spread of food and chat, meet new members and enjoy everyone's company. It is an evening where we all get a chance to socialize, catch up with friends and meet members that many only know by name or the work that they do. New Member-at-Large, Tamara Bryan has taken on the role of OPA Photographer, enjoy the images that she captured during the evening.

Experimenting with Cone 6 oxidation

I've been experimenting with many of the glazes that Pete Pinnell, John Britt and Steven Hill have been publishing lately and getting some terrific results. Thankfully, I was able to install new elements in my kiln, which has improved my firing schedule tremendously. As well as finding a local Cone 6 porcelain with a great glaze fit. I'll post some pictures shortly.

Anyone out there playing with Cone 6 oxidation?

I'd love to hear about your successes!

Showcase Cookbook Cookout

Over the weekend, the Cookbook Crew assembled at Jen Tonneson's floating home to cook, bake and have a girls weekend/slumber party. And cook and bake we did. Jenny Lakeman, Jen Tonneson, Brenda Scott, Debi Nelson, Stephanie Burton, Deborah Moen, Reena & DoDo Dodeja and Kris Paul and our wonderful photographer David Lutz all pitched in and got the job done. An amazing collection of OPA members dishes and pots, props and flowers were scattered throughout the house and everyone enjoyed finding just the right pieces to create beautiful shots for the cookbook. Hats off to all that contributed! This is going to be a must-have cookbook.

food obsessions

Is it really bad to still be devouring fromage blanc & caviar, a gift from a distant relative in Iceland, well after the New Year's Eve balloons have faded? I've got to either forget about it or...hmmm....what would Julia say?....bon appetit!

the glow of autumn

Autumn doesn't seem to last too long here in the Pacific NW but it is truly spectacular. I start thinking about translating the colors to my glazes. Let me know what glazes come to your mind.

Naked Raku Workshop at Mt. Hood Community College

Have you ever wanted to get Naked?....Naked Raku that is. Come to this one day workshop and learn about this exciting technique. Held at Mt. Hood Community College on Saturday, 11/14/09 starting at 10am. I'll start the morning off with a lecture and demo and then after lunch, we'll fire up the raku kiln and fire some pieces to really give you all the information that you will need to start exploring this technique. The workshop cost is $25.00 ($15.00 for OPA members) - bring an open mind, a creative soul, don't forget your lunch and come join me for a great day at MHCC.

NCECA demo-Korean Potter & a kimchi pot

So, after learning that one of our members is very interested in the fermentation process, I went back into my picture files to locate the photos that I took during NCECA 2009. This demo was done each day of the conference, each time, the potter making several of these large kimchi pots, some with lids, other without. It was truly amazing and inspiring to watch this potter take a bag of clay, get down on his knees and literally starting tossing the clay from side to side, each time stretching the clay into what would become a very long coil. Then he would take lengths of this coil, throw it over his shoulder, sit down at a very crude wheel and start forming a pot or lid. At the end of the last day, a kimchi pot was placed back on the wheel for all who had attended to sign. Enjoy!

food, food, glorious food

What a feast! Last night the Showcase Steering Committee meeting took place at my house and everyone brought delicious dishes to enjoy. With this much talent in the kitchen - the Showcase cookbook will be a major success! hmmmm...."the dishes we make" - I think Brenda was onto something when she mentioned it last night - could be a great play on words for the title of the cookbook - a dish we cook in a dish we make. I forgot to take more pictures of the food but here is what I made - hummus with fresh chickpeas from the farm! And the bowls were made by my good friend, Tim McMullen, owner of Silica Studios in Palm Springs, California.

Linkin Up - 2009

After a stormy Saturday & Sunday, the skies cleared and the children showed up to help create more links for the OPA's Linkin' Up with the OPA project. I lost count of just how many children came to the booth to play in clay but for most of the day we had kids waiting for an empty seat at the table. And at the end of the day - 297 links were made! They are all in my studio drying and will be fired mid-October. Thanks to all the children and parents and to the OPA members that came out and helped make the day so successful. Dawn Panttaja worked all day, for the 2nd year, Jamie Anderson & Mark Chapman worked the morning shift, Jeff Gunn drove up from Corvallis to help out for a few hours, James DeRosso helped for several hours and taught the kids all about making monsters! And Jenny Lakeman worked the afternoon shift. What a team. A huge thank you to Art in the Pearl and the Contemporary Craft Museum and KINK FM for sponsoring our day. More updates as the links get closer to being fired.