The Dragon Kiln Crosses Cultures with Jack Troy: An Anagama Experience

Starting April 16, 2009
Astoria, Oregon
Cost $250.00 US
Workshop Includes:
2 day in studio clay workshop with Jack Troy
Loading Anagama
Firing Anagama
20 pieces per person in Anagama
Traditional Shino Glazes
Bunk House and Camping at Kiln Site
Lecture by Jack Troy with music by a Traditional Koto Player
Dynamic Environment
Unloading and Critical Review with Jack Troy and Richard Rowland
For registration and additional information on workshop schedule please visit
or phone Richard Rowland at
503-338-2449

New blog to check out.

Interested in connecting with other ceramic students? Sharing insight into your work and the school you attend? Well then you should check out a new blog that’s just getting up and running:
Idioart Ceramic Art and Pottery Blog. Michael Arnold is the artist behind the blog and I reckon it’s a great idea to link a community of students and artists in dialogue. Man I was just thinking how the world has changed since I was an undergrad…I remember having to get my first email address, and being so uninterested in this “new fancy” technology! Yet now undergrads have their own websites, online shops, blogs…wow.

The Steve Show at NCECA

So there’s no hiding it, I’m deeply jealous of all of you that are going to NCECA this year. I had these wonderful plans on attending, I figured it was about time again as the last one I was at was Portland. But alas other plans and a different trip coming up this summer have taken precedence and so hopefully next year will be the year. I’m the kind of person at NCECA that loves to spend most of my time touring the exhibitions; I’ve never been one, for some reason, not sure why, to take in the demos. I do love the talks though, always need more theory and provocative insight in my life and studio practice…

But anyway my point is that if you are one of the lucky ones going, may I suggest you take the time to check out the “Steve Show” aka Referents & Research – Functional Ceramics by Steve Godfrey, Stephen Grimmer, Steven Roberts and S.C. Rolf.


I’m a huge fan of Steve Grimmers work, and as for the other Steves… well they’re fantastic as well (i just don’t know them personally!)

Here’s a blurb from the Duley-Jones Gallery website about the show:

“The exhibition explores the ways functional ceramics can be informed by the study of design, architecture, painting, and historical pots. The Steves are deeply committed to the value of craft and to making functional pots with a strong basis in research. While all four employ historical referents in their work, they do not simply appropriate or copy directly from history, but rather use their studies as a tool to strengthen conceptual and intellectual approaches to making functional objects.”

Don’t miss the artists’ reception on Thursday April 9 from 7 to 9pm.

And keep your eyes peeled for a profile on Steve Grimmer coming up next month as part of the “one artist a day for the month of April“, I can hardly wait for April…keep those images coming folks!!!

Craft humor

Here’s a bit of craft humor that I ran across on Modish to brighten your day. (Beware of being blinded by the golden pants!) I think I’ve finally figured out why I get the looks I do and the totally unrelated questions when I tell people I make craft…

Modish is worth checking out as well, it’s a nice design blog. They’ve also have a section call Modish Biz Tips that deals with all things self employed/small business related. Check out the recent post with the lovely and talented Karin Eriksson of Karin’s Style Blog.

Posted using ShareThis

Oh!!!! How exciting, emails have been slowly trickling in with gorgeous pics that I can’t wait to show you each and every day next month. Such lovely pieces so far and such lovely emails to receive, i’m going to do my best to find the time to email everyone back, since you’re all just so darn sweet! In the meantime keep sending in your pictures (spots are still available!), and to tide you over here’s some of the gorgeous work of Non Fiction Design out of Columbus. Bonus points to those who can tell what the pattern on the first piece is…


Non Fiction design is the handy work of

each with an amazing portfolio individually, and then get them together and wowzers. You may have seen them recently in Ceramics Monthly. Check out their blog for insight into their projects and what’s up and coming to look out for, or their website for more images and background on the group and the individual projects (like the residency they just completed in Dresden). And last but not least check out their etsy shop for some nice pieces to add to your home!

Daven Hee Workshop in Saskatoon!!

May 29-31st, 2009

Well here’s one definitely not to miss! I can hardly wait. Daven is such a great resource of ceramic knowledge, a generous spirit and a fantastic artist. If anyone is looking to travel to Saskatoon for this workshop let me know and I can help set up some billeting. Hope to see you there!

To register contact:
Shirley Carriere
610 Clarence Ave S
Saskatoon SK
S7H 3E2
P:306 343.6566
E: [email protected]

Check out more info on Daven here or go the Saskatoon Potters Guild website for more info about the workshop. And in the meantime here’s a few pics of Daven’s work: