by Carole Epp | Apr 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
I first came across Jeff’s work on one of my many procrastinating days in front of the computer (often spend browsing through etsy, i’ll admit it!) I was really drawn to the minimalism and repetition in the pattern of his forms and how they still evoke movement. I love how they play with light and shadow. Thus I was happy to get the opportunity to share it with you during Artist of the Day Month (which is already more than half over…so sad!)
So here’s a bit about the work from Jeff himself:
“The work is slip cast and made of stoneware clay. The textures grew out of a desire to make an ergonomic handle for the Braille mug a little over 10 years ago. How to incorporate them into usable vessels has been an ongoing challenge.
I decided to make Braille pots in the 1980’s after participating in various art fairs and seeing the occasional blind person visit the booth and interact with handcrafted pottery. (While their sighted friend described the work.) I thought a pot that spoke directly to a blind person was needed. I introduced Sixdot Braille Products in 1998.”
Please make sure to check out more of Jeff’s work at his etsy shop www.jefflongtin.etsy.com
by Carole Epp | Apr 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
I’ve just received an email stating that the artist “Matthias Ostermann ended his battle with HIV induced lymphoma yesterday at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal. As was his wish there will be no memorial, although celebrations of his life are encouraged. A full obituary graciously written and provided by his longtime friend and art dealer Suzann Greenaway is available on PRIME’s website.”
There are also images of an exhibition of his work at Prime from January of this year.
Photographs of Matthias Ostermann and his work are available at his web site as well at www.matthiasostermann.com
by Carole Epp | Apr 20, 2009 | Uncategorized
“Parched,” triptych of hand built stoneware clay forms, each 5 ½” x 5” x 2 ½”, 2008.
I was instantly taken by Anna Freeman’s work when it turned up in my mailbox. Not only are her works terribly evocative of the beauty of the clay material, but her subject matter is moving and puts the viewer in a place where they can’t hide or avoid the issues she presents.
Here’s a bit from her artist statement:
“My work draws attention to a range of issues, including food-borne pathogens, monoculture, irrigation and water shortage, the use of corn for fuel production, and colony collapse disorder in honeybees: a syndrome that has caused massive die-offs of these vital pollinators. Through my work, I hope to generate a deeper contemplation about the sources of our food, its processing, and its impact on the environment and our bodies.”
Take the time to have a look through the work on her website. She’s created an interesting dynamic between presenting the charged subject matter in a material that is a part of the debate – the land – and serves up her subject matter relating to food on the objects themselves upon which we eat. There is also some great tile work and make sure you find the delicate slipcast “waste” pieces, they’re some of my favorites.
by Carole Epp | Apr 19, 2009 | Uncategorized
Today’s little bit of lovely eye candy is from Andrew Widdis who if you’re on twitter and you need someone good to follow make sure you find him. Andrew’s always got the best links to beautiful work (and some good tunes for the studio too!)
Here’s Andrew’s thoughts on this lovely elegant vase:
“This vase has an iron oxide slip on it’s rim. As it melts, the weight of the oxide is dragged down by gravity (Newton was right) hence the effect. I live less than 2km. from an Iron bark forest. The colours on this rim are similar to the colours found in this forest and the Australian bush, of which I never cease to be inspired by.”
Also make sure to follow Andrew’s blog for more about his work, his thoughts, you know the usual good blog stuff.
by Carole Epp | Apr 18, 2009 | Uncategorized
I’ve long been a fan of Julie Moon’s work so I’m excited to share it with you today.
I love the how she mixes contemporary design, graffiti and ink art aesthetics with ceramics making her visual style very unique.
Julie’s currently a grad student am I’m looking forward to seeing how her work evolves during that intensely focused time. Here’s a peek at some of her new work in progress. You’ll have to go and have a look at her website to see the finished results and the rest of her fantastic portfolio. 
by Carole Epp | Apr 17, 2009 | Uncategorized
Today’s artist is another Sask resident. I’ve got a lovely leaf plate of Teresa’s that my little guy loves (and hopefully won’t break anytime soon!) Teresa’s a member of Saskatoon’s potters guild so if you’re in the province you can catch her at their twice yearly sales or at other provincial markets and shops. Make sure to check out more of her gorgeous work on her blog.
