collective profile: The Bright Angle

by | May 24, 2017 | Uncategorized

What do you get when you mix a bunch of creatives together and form a new collective called The Bright Angle? You get awesome.

You might have come across The Bright Angle through their work on The Democratic Cup:

Image above is a collaboration: image by Michael Corney and Cup designed by East Fork Pottery.

The Democratic Cup is the brainchild of artists Ayumi Horie and Nick Moen.

“The Democratic Cup is a slow activism project that uses handmade cups to encourage people to become active and engaged citizens in our democracy. We encourage person-to-person civil conversations about social and political issues. As a country, we need conversations and connections to reinforce the dignity and inclusivity of all Americans, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexuality, and culture. The Democratic Cup believes that these cups will act as agents of social change by generating positive political discourse.” – from their website.

Or perhaps you follow the work of the individual team members of The Bright Angle:

Shannon Tovey

Laurie Caffery Harris

 

 

Evan Cornish-Keefe

Nick Moen

Regardless you should pay attention to this ceramic crew as they are on the cusp of some pretty cool design stuff and you can help out at the ground level to invest in their collective dreams : )

“The goal is to bridge a gap between studio artists and the design marketplace. I believe the best way to execute this is by creating efficient systems of well-designed handmade objects where the production process is taken into consideration when designing the original model. In order to execute the prototypes for our first collaborative collection, we utilized the Asheville Maker’s space, our neighbors at The Refinery, to 3D print models for slip-cast porcelain mold systems. Beyond that, our collaborations in Asheville have involved working with local glassblowers, leather workers, printmakers, photographers, candle makers and other ceramic artists. This is why The Bright Angle is starting in Asheville, because the creative community is full of masters of their craft and in my experience we are all here to grow together.“- Nick Moen

Just check out a few of their innovative designs below:

These fine folks have a kickstarter going and could use your help if you are so inclined.

Find out more here or here.

 

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technical tuesday: a must read by Lisa Congdon

by | May 23, 2017 | technical tuesday

So today might seem a bit off course for a “technical tuesday” but I wanted to share the following article and maybe start a conversation here for ceramic artists about working too hard and the whole life/work balance thing. I’m a big fan of Lisa Congdon’s illustrative work and often saw her successes and work ethic as the type of success I was looking for…maybe still am. In the following personal essay, Lisa gets honest about the struggles to maintain an art career. I’m alot like her…unable to say no….unable to enjoy a movie without some sort of work on my lap. It’s a hustle. I get fidgety too when there’s nothing to do or when I have to take a break. Unless I’m on a plane, somehow that time I can waste watching movies and napping without guilt. The cult of busyness is often talked about, glorified, and criticized. No matter how much I like being busy, or feel guilty about it, I know that to get to where I feel like i’m successful with my career will be awhile and the hustle will have to go on until then. And I guess if i’m really honest with myself about what that success is i have to be honest and say that it would have to include some financial stability. I don’t make ends meet on my art work. Exhibitions, sales, followers, projects on the go don’t pay our family’s bills. So I guess that’s part of what success would mean to me, if we’re talking about the work side of things, not the side that discusses what a successful piece of art is. That is different.

Anyway…I should stop rambling so that you can read Lisa’s far more considered words. And plus it’s time for me to get back to working on three things while i bake the kids cookies and try to watch tv with the husband : )

“The problem was, I was like a hamster on a hamster wheel who literally did not know how to stop the wheel and get off. Even though I was making a steady six-figure income and I could have taken some space, I had become addicted to working. I was also addicted to the rush that working and being acknowledged for the work brought to me. I was attached to the idea that it is the hustling that brings success. I began to feel more stressed when I wasn’t working, not just because I had so many looming deadlines, but because slowing down itself became uncomfortable. Despite early indications of burnout, I felt it was imperative that I continue in this way. I told myself, You can do this! You work fast! You don’t need much sleep! Someday you will be able to take a break.” – Lisa Congdon

Follow the link for more: lisacongdon.com