New work

After a week of grueling work on the new house trying to get it ready to move into next week I got a break while the floor guys came in to refinish the floors. I spend a few rushed days at the studio glazing work and loading two glaze kilns worth of work for upcoming deadlines. I unloaded the first load yesterday and was really happy with the work I pulled out. A lot of it is going to Edina Art Center next week for their Garden Party event, and some is going to Pewabic Pottery in Detriot for their June garden theme event. For these two shows I've been making lots of vases and even some flower pots! Here are a few highlights of new work. I'll unload a second load this weekend.

 

These plates are test pieces experimenting with using paper resist stencils to create a background layer before adding the stitching over the top. This seems like it has a lot of potential!

Here is a sampling of some new handbuilt vases for just a few flowers. Cute!

And, of course, what would a garden sale be without a few flower pots. Most of these need to go to the shows, but I think I need to make some more for myself! I don't want to let go of them. I'll be adding a few of these to my etsy store this weekend. 

Happy Spring - Fired Up Coupon!

Happy Spring! Fired Up Studios is having a special coupon promotion from now through May 31, 2009. $5 off any purchase in their pottery gallery (print it out and take it with you for the discount). I have a special place in my heart for Fired Up after renting studio space there for a number of years. I started out renting a shelf and using studio wheels, then moved up to a shared private space, then into a full space and finally outgrew that to move into my own studio in my current building. I never would have had the opportunity to grow my clay business without such a supportive environment to set up shop in. Their gallery is a hidden treasure of the Twin Cities. You'll find work by many (30+?) clay artists in diverse styles and price ranges. I always have some work there (but you can buy anyone's with the coupon). They are hoping to let new customers know about their gallery. It's also a great place to rent space and take classes. Support independent local artists and a great business!