Well I can think of no better way to ring in the New Year than with some thought provoking ceramics! Today is the official end to the Artist of the Day Month, and I sincerely thank each and every artist who participated. Thank you for generously sharing your work with me and the readers of musing. It has been a glorious month here at musing and here’s to a even better new year!

Today’s featured artist is Julie Lovelace, who I think I should maybe do a show with someday in the future as I think our works speak very similar dialogues, yet through their own individual voices. Julie’s work is meticulous, kitschy, and thought provoking. A great recipe for great ceramic work. Enjoy and all the best for the New Year.

I can’t believe it, the last post of 2009! Thanks to everyone of you for such a great year.

Just a reminder that if you want to increase your chances of winning a piece in the giveaway you have limited time to add some comments to the “artist of the day” posts. You’ve got until midnight on the 1st of January to get your comments in.

Well we end this year with some incredibly beautiful and contemplative work by Jim Pickelle. Since I just received a website link as Jim’s submission I’ve chosen a few of my favorites to share with you, and today we’ll just let the work do all the talking…


You can find out more about Jim and his work through his website and blog.

“BiographyIn 1968 when a painting course was cancelled I ended up taking a substitute – Raku. Clay, I discovered, had much more potential for creative expression. Through the 1970’s and 80’s I worked with stoneware and electric kilns, and sold my functional work at craft shops and fairs in the Ottawa Valley in eastern Ontario.After a 15 year hiatus, I returned to ceramics in 2002 with a renewed vigor to explore more varied work. Today I work mostly in cone 10 reduction, in porcelain and stoneware, focusing mostly on one-of-a-kind functional pieces. Working with gas has made me re-evaluate my work and I find techniques such as stamping, carving and appliqué the most satisfying.In 2008 I signed up for the year-long journey workshop with U.S. potter Steven Hill. As a result of studying with Steven I find my work is becoming more focused and contemporary. He has given me the courage to freely transfer my ideas and emotions into clay.After decades of work I feel that maybe my pots are finally beginning to talk and sing to me – and truly satisfy me.”

“Artist’s StatementThrough my ceramic pieces I strive to give outward expression to my inner feelings about various issues facing us today. At times it feels we are in an irreversible death spiral of consumerism, conflict, over-population, and environmental degradation.I trace my enjoyment of clay appliqué back to childhood when my teacher would illustrate stories with felt board cutouts and I would spend hours cutting out paper figures. Now it is my turn to tell a story about what moves me, using clay, glazes and my creative and artistic expression. I find that the exacting detail required in working with appliqué challenges my skills. The design has time to evolve as it is being constructed, giving me time to explore my feelings, with the end result frequently surprising me.Life is not always happy and cutesy as illustrated in children’s stories. There is always an opposite dark side. As in my ceramic works, we may choose not to look at it unless we deliberately make an effort to do so.”

Robert just graduated this month from the University of Guam with a double BA – Secondary Education, and Fine Arts/ Ceramics. Congratulations!