Artist of the Day – Jim Gottuso

by Carole Epp | Dec 13, 2009 | Uncategorized

Well I didn’t get any text with Jim’s submission, but that’s likely because he writes one of the best (and often quite humorous) clay blogs out there and truly you should be reading about him and his work over at Sofia’s Dad’s Pots. I would not be able to do it justice over here. It’s normally my morning read over tea. He shares a beautifully evolving portrait of his life as an artist and father, weaving a narrative around the incredibly detailed and process-oriented pots he creates. I’m sure you’ll be enamored by both his technique and his inspirational daughter.

You can also purchase his work through good old ETSY here.

UPDATE: Here’s some written info Jim just forwarded me to include. Enjoy!

Statement – I am very interested in the complete cycle of creating clay objects. Functional demands inform aesthetics and vice versa creating an evolution that hopefully moves forward to better work. I like the imperfections that occur while aspiring to perfection and am learning to let them be. I do not set out with strict limitations and always allow some wiggle room to let something become something else. Consequently, each object’s creation is different for me and the immense frontier of possibilities keeps me exhilarated and wondering about the unknown results of the coming years of trial and error that all potters eventually get under their belts. For many years I’ve been drawn to certain drawing, painting and calligraphic styles and usually cite artists like Cy Twombly and Mark Tobey as influences along with my perception of Jung’s automatic writing but after many years of not really caring about the origins of influence, I’ve come to believe that I’ve always just been in love with what happens when a brush, pen or pencil makes contact with another surface and using shellac as a resist on dried, unfired clay allows the surface to be etched without losing the immediacy and spontaneity of such brushwork.

Bio – I was born in central NY state and moved south to Kentucky for college. This is when I was introduced to clay. I earned a BFA in ceramics and drawing and went west to Missoula, MT for graduate school. Things didn’t work out financially so after a year I switched universities and majors and spent the next 3 years getting my MFA in sculpture. After that, I moved to Louisville and started two businesses with my very best friend. Although both of the jobs initially allowed me to have a creative outlet, after the companies evolved a little I ended up doing less and less until I was mostly a manager. All this time, the clay was calling and when I found out 5+ years ago that I would be a dad soon, I figured if I didn’t jump in then that it probably wouldn’t happen. In retrospect this was the best decision I have ever made. Aside from doing what I’ve always wanted to for a job, being a potter has allowed me to work from home and be there 24/7 for my daughter and I feel we have all thrived because of this.

[email protected]
http://jimgottuso.wordpress.com

A must see…

by Carole Epp | Dec 12, 2009 | Uncategorized

For some fantastic website design and gorgeous work check out ceramic artist Claire Loder.

Artist of the Day – Yolande Clark

by Carole Epp | Dec 12, 2009 | Uncategorized

tokkuri (sake bottle) , porcelain, fired for 9 days in our Little River Anagama, no applied glaze

Today’s artist, Yolande Clark, is actually an artist whose blog I’ve been following for a while now. So I was naturally thrilled to see the submission and to have the opportunity to share her work with you all. There are definitely times in which, although the internet is an indispensable tool for linking our vast and varied community – sometime when I read about the context in which each artist works, all I really want to do is hop in the car and stop by for a coffee and a chat around the kiln. Artist really do live some of the most interesting lives…and here’s Yolande’s story:

Amitabha Buddha–porcelain, fired for 3 days in our Bourrigama, all natural ash glaze

“My husband and I live in a tiny strawbale solar-powered cottage in the backwoods of rural New Brunswick, Canada. We fire a 27 foot long anagama and a bourrigama with a focus on natural ash glaze, and although we occasionally use shino, for the most part we don’t use any applied glaze. We fire intuitively, without the use of cones or pyrometers. My inspirations include the tradition of yakishime tea-ware, buddhism, and the rhythms of our daily life. The worlds and constellations of colour and texture that result from the woodfire process, and the magic of the ritual of firing itself, are our passions.

Cedar Wood Buddha–porcelain, fired for 3 days in our Bourrigama, all natural ash glaze

vase, porcelain, fired for 9 days in our Little River Anagama, no applied glaze

I apprenticed with my husband, Lee Horus Clark for 3 years, and now we work together. Two weeks ago we completed the construction of our new bourri-gama.

vase, porcelain, fired for 9 days in our Little River Anagama

Artist of the Day – Janet Holson Mazzer

by Carole Epp | Dec 11, 2009 | Uncategorized

Just a wee note regarding Artist of the Day Month. As promised I will include everyone that has sent me images – and we have more than enough now, so as a special bonus the month will continue into the new year. Which in my opinion is the best way to start out the year. Could you imagine if we had artist of the day all year long? Oh how fantastic…Anyhow my dear readers you are always welcome to send me more images and statements and I will always share them with the Musing community. However in regards to the giveaway contest – any entries received by midnight on Saturday Dec 12th will be eligible (that means that even if you are showcased in the new year you are still eligible so log as you get in by this deadline). I do need some sort of a cut off day, so there you go. Otherwise at this rate I might have to add another prize!!! You’re all so worthy!!!
For those that didn’t get around to sending in their stuff this time round not to fear another Artist of the Day month will rear its head again sometime in 2010 so get your stuff ready to go. And don’t forget the second prize is won by writing comments and the comments have been pretty quiet so far, so some of you have a much better chance of winning! : )

But now on to the important stuff – our talented artist of the day!

“Brief Statement
For as long as I can remember I have loved clay. I am both captivated and enraptured by it. It leaves me feeling in awe of life. I have always felt connected to this wondrous soft and sensuous material and it inspires me to acknowledge the depth of the human spirit and soul. When I made the decision to enter into this field, there was an instant acknowledgment within that this was what I had longed for my whole life through.

My primary focus revolves around functional forms, pieces that are lovely to look at, to hold, and to use. I believe that through handling and using pottery, that its true beauty is revealed; it’s amazing how a piece of mother earth can be transformed into something that has a spiritual connection, a functional purpose, and an everlasting impression. Hence, the pieces I specifically design for people are always created with their daily rituals in mind. Because I primarily work in oxidation (electric kiln), it seems necessary to give more attention and thought to surface design and decoration. I love to explore glazes and reactions to one another.

I recently took a week long course on slip decoration, which not only enhanced my skills as a potter, but gave me the opportunity to connect with other potters; such connections are inspiring because it gives more clarity to where I am at creatively and also direction to where I hope to be in the future.

Brief Bio
Janson Pottery was started by Janet Holson Mazzer in 1995 after she completed a full-time ceramic art & design program at George College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. “I remember my first encounter with clay as a young child making mud pies at the side of our home. I loved the feel and the texture of it.” “When I entered high school, I sought out the ceramics programs and remember feeling totally enraptured by the process. I left it behind and always kept that connection in the back of my mind and knew that someday I would return to it.” “After many years of working in the accounting field, I had an opportunity to take a part-time course at George Brown College. I remember trying to recall what I was so taken by. It wasn’t long before I felt the return to the place that I felt captivated by. I decide to enroll in the full time program. After completing my studies, Janson Pottery was born.” In October of 2002, her functional work was featured on Sue Warden’s “Craftscapes” and in the November of 2003, Janet was also featured on Sue Warden’s “Creative Spirit” on the Home & Garden Television Network. “In 2004, we relocated our family to a quieter life in beautiful Midland, Ontario. Today, I still have the affection for this wondrous material and now divide my love for pottery and sculpture with my love for family.”

My website address is www.jansonpottery.com