- white crow ceramics -

This year I attended NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) for the first time. It was in Seattle Washington, and as could be expected, it rained.  I was a good bus-ride from the Washington Convention Center, where the event was being held (first-mistake! If attending NCECA,get lodging close!).  The hotel was not bad, but the real problem with my proximity was that it limited my attendance of the evening festivities that accompany a good NCECA trip with live music, good drinks, and strange potters. 

The vendors’ area, which includes companies/individuals selling products, publications, and school/program information, was good for several walkthrough’s.  After seeing all the products available and speaking with the makers/users/sellers of said products, I was able to make well-informed choices about which products I wanted to purchase.  What I enjoyed most about this area were the demonstrations that were being done sporadically throughout the entire event.

On the second floor was a setup by several galleries displaying artist’s work for sale.  This was a great place to walk around and look at finely made ceramics and purchase them as well, if one were so inclined.  I returned to the gallery area several times throughout the event, making sure to take my camera with me to photograph pieces that I especially liked. Also upstairs was the annual cup sale, which I chose to participate in this year (five cups donated, five cups sold!).  Each year attendees can donate cups and suggest a selling price. The proceeds from the cup sales go towards education awards and scholarships in the ceramic field—a great cause, and a great way to get a cup from an admired artist.

There are also demonstrations by working artists every day,as well as presentations on various ceramic-related subjects.  I watched several artists demonstrate and discuss their work, as well as several lectures, including Soda-Firing techniques and the history of porcelain.

My potter friend Jason and I also did much walking about in the downtown Seattle area, looking for gallery displays which were in conjunction with NCECA’s presence in the city.  The best stop, in my opinion, was the Center for Design which had many small exhibitions of ceramic work. 

By the end of the trip, we had walked more miles than is enjoyable and been soaked from walking in the rain several times over.  Of course, this is nothing that couldn’t be fixed by a nice drink at the end of a long day.  All this walking however, took us to some great places to eat and to visit.  Whatever city I find myself in, I find it best to get off the beaten-path and experience the city as the locals do, as much as possible.  Between NCECA and my recent attendance at a Jack Troy workshop, I feel that I have been filled to the brim with ideas and motivation as far as ceramics is concerned.  It was a great experience which I look forward to having again, hopefully in the not-too-distant future.    

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a workshop by Potter, Poet, and Teacher Jack Troy. Jack has been doing pottery for many years, has written several books and countless articles about ceramics; all the while inspiring his fellow ceramicists.  The first evening consisted of a slide show of different works of his, as well as wood-fired kilns he has built and fired.  The following day I watched as Jack made several beautiful tea bowls as he discussed his approach and philosophy towards the making of ceramic objects. Throughout the day he made a good handful of cups and bowls as well as imparted a great amount of information and perspective on ceramics. 

I am an admirer of Jack’s work, but more than that I appreciate his knowledge of ceramics and his approach to making objects.  He often discussed the idea of letting the clay and the fire both have their say in the creative process.  He allows for a certain looseness in his work that I greatly value myself.  Watching Jack work and listening to his philosophy has given me a degree of validation,inspiration, and some other –ation word that I don’t even know.  My first order of business after attending this great workshop was an assignment that Jack used to give to certain students—to make 100 of something.  I am currently in the process of making 100 teabowl/cups.  I started at a particular point with the idea of what I wanted out of these cups, and I am looking forward to what I will see on the 100th cup.  Surely it will show me something—maybe an evolution of the form, maybe improvement in the initial design, embellishments I can’t yet conceive of?  Who knows, but there’s only one way to findout!  Thanks Jack!

Recently, a good friend of mine moved to southern Oregon.  This was a friend who, among other things, did crystalline glazes with me.  After he had left, I realized that I still had one glazed but unfired piece of his work.  What else could I do but fire it?!  So, here's a photo of the finished piece, which I'm hoping becomes mine..

Hello again!  You may have noticed that I am (attempting) to give my website a little facelift.  I am trying to make some changes, so please be patient with me as I may mess up!  I am very open and welcoming to any constructive criticism and/or general comments you may have about the changes.  Thanks again, and don't forget to check out the Albany sale this weekend for some great deals on pottery!

Ashley

What:

Albany's 24th Going to Pots Sale.  A great way to get some ceramic artwork for yourself or as gifts for unbelievable prices.  Much of the work are "seconds", meaning that there may be some small defect with the piece, or it may not be what it was intended to be.  Some pieces have very small damage, and some pieces are perfectly fine, with no problems whatsoever.  There will be a good number of ceramic artists participating, so come out and get some deals!

Where:

Two Rivers Market

250 Broadalbin St. SW

Albany, OR

Hours:

Thurs Oct 13: 12-6

Fri Oct 14: 9-6

Sat Oct 15: 9-5

Not so recently I asked a good friend of mine (and a collector of my work--how flattering!) to say something about my ceramic work--good or bad, with the idea of sharing it with others who may not be as familiar with my work.  Yes, this was a marketing scheme of sorts, and perhaps even a not-so-subtle plea for a compliment.  I was both complimented and entertained by the comment given by this friend, who is also a writer.  So without further ado, here is the undeniable and absolute truth about my ceramic work ;):

"Mesmorizing glazes coat elegant, time-less, shapes. Each form is a piece of the cosmic puzzle, beauty emerging from unadulterated clay into unique vestiges of the divine."        -D

Thanks D!

Hey all.  Wanted to update you on a few events going on.  This Saturday and Sunday (20,21) of August I will be selling work at the Silverton Fine Arts Festival.  This is a great show in the beautiful Coolidge Park in Silverton, OR.  There are many other artists, good food, music, and scenic  beauty to enjoy this weekend so come out and say hello!

Also, my work is currently being shown at the new Civic Center in Independence, OR until Jan. 5, 2012 along with some other artists.  Come check it out after a day at the Butterfly farm, the scenic drive you're taking, a night out at a local wine bar, or whatever the occasion!  

As for now, awaiting results for the All-Oregon Art Annual.  I'll keep ya'll posted on the results, and thanks for taking the time to stop by!

Below are the links to the three ceramics videos I have made thus far.  Check them out if you're interested, and especially give some feedback if you'd like!  These and future videos that I create will be posted on my YouTube account for White Crow Ceramics.

Video 1: Ceramics Process: The Pit Fire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi2k7RZ7knU

Video 2: Ceramics Process: Making a Mug: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pawgRM4pqUA

Video 3: Ceramics Process: Making a Vase: http://www.youtube.com/user/WhiteCrowCeramics#p/a/u/0/f1f91ZYSbjQ

I hope you enjoy them, and I plan on making more and posting them as soon as I find the time!

Some new work has been added to the aptly titled "new work" page on the website.  I have also been updating the different site photo albums with the goal of presenting a good example of the different glazes and techniques I have been learning (and continue to learn).  I have also posted new photos onto the White Crow Ceramics Facebook page as well.

There will be a link to some ceramics videos I have been working on soon, and more to come after that!  Thanks for stopping by!

My first entry on the new White Crow Ceramics Blog... what to say?  Aside from giving an honest effort at improving my website, I have been making more crystalline and horsehair vases for my next art fair this summer, the beautiful and enjoyable Silverton Fine Arts Festival.  I have also been playing a lot with making various teabowls, which is a lot of fun.

I'll be posting pictures as soon as I have them taken and put onto my computer, so keep an eye out for some new work finally!  As far as the website is concerned, I have decided that I am emphasizing the sharing of my work and information (educational, if you will) rather than sales-though there is still a section of the site that has work for sale.  As usual, I'm always open to input and constructive criticism.  Thanks!