I came, I saw, I conquered

Art on the Mall was a smashing success. I doubled my previous sales records, sold out of nearly ALL my new work, and won a purchase award granted by judges from The Detroit Institute of the Arts. I couldn't have imagined a better showing. I sold several of my more expensive pieces, as well as two of my last remaining sculptures from my BFA show last year AND my favorite plate I ever made. It was very gratifying to see so many people willing to invest in my creative vision. And, with the money I made, I bought a wheel. Yes, ladies and gents, in two days I will have my very own Shimpo RK Whisper.

I would also like to take this opportunity to note what a wonderful job the UT Alumni Association and their volunteers did setting up and maintaining the grounds for the show. Any artist interested in selling their work should most definitely check out this one-day event.

Getting ready for Art on The Mall

I have a show coming up this Sunday at The University of Toledo. As such, I haven't done much that's not ceramic related in the past weeks. Kelly and I successfully fired our first bisque kiln this past weekend and we're firing our first glaze kiln this Saturday. These pots won't be ready for The UT show, but it does mean that I'll have more new work for other shows coming up in September. I'm also getting hooked up to process credit cards securely through 5/3 Bank, so I'm hoping to be able to sell some of my larger pieces now that customers can charge it. Just as a reminder, Art on the Mall, Sunday, July 27th from 10-5 at the University of Toledo. The show is off Bancroft St., in the Centennial Mall, behind the big bell tower.

Working with Kelly Lever

I'm really excited to be working with another local artist named Kelly Lever. She's earning a BFA in 2-D Studies from BGSU and is very talented. I copied this photo of one of her paintings from her myspace, and will add more info as I get it. Kelly is also a potter that helps teach ceramic classes at The 577 Foundation.

Shawn O'Connor Pots

I want to post this kid's pots because they're awesome and deserve to be seen. Shawn O'Connor is a student at Syracuse Univ. in NY and wood-fires his work. I purchased one of his cups, and it's one of my favorites in my cup collection.




All these images were sent courtesy of Shawn.

Upcoming Shows- Support the Local Economy!

I've got a couple shows on the schedule for late summer and fall. Support your local artists!! If you don't come to buy something I made, buy something from someone else talented! People prefer unique, hand-made gifts rather than unoriginal trinkets made in third-world countries by under-paid children.

Univ. of Toledo Art on the Mall, Sunday, July 27, 10-5.
Info: http://www.utoledo.edu/alumni/articles/Art_on_the_Mall.html

Sylvainia Chamber of Commerce Art Show, September 7th, 10:30-4 at Lourdes College in Sylvania ($2 Admission / goes to Ursuline Sisters at the College)
Info: http://www.sylvaniachamber.org/ArtShow/tabid/125/Default.aspx

Perrysburg First Fridays
The first Friday of every month (Aug. 1st, Sept. 5th, Oct. 3rd) in downtown Perrysburg from 5-9pm featuring local artists, music, food and drink specials from downtown vendors, free horse and carriage rides and boat rides (small fee for boat rides).

More new pots!

So far, this is a one of a kind. The image wraps around the cup. This is the first hand-built cup ever, most likely more to follow soon. They're a a little more labor intensive, but worth the time.

New Pots! yea!

Just because I haven't posted anything in a month doesn't mean I haven't been making pots! Just the opposite is true. At my next show at Art on the Mall (July 27, 10-5 at The University of Toledo) about %80 of the things at my booth will be New Work.



This summer has brought about some interesting changes in my life and those are being reflected in my work. I'm now working out of my home, at Space 237 (downtown Toledo) and with a friend named Kelly Lever at her home (also in Toledo). I've got a whole new line of small plates and bowls, some of which are pictured above. These pots are still green (unfired) and will later be decorated with layers and layers of underglazes to add color and vibrancy to these cute little pots.

The "bird" bowls are my new favorite. I'm calling them Nesting Bowls, for obvious reasons. At this point, they don't actually "nest" but I'm going to try to make some for later this fall. I'm planning lots of shows and exhibitions for the fall, so please check back for the most current info.