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.
by Carole Epp | Apr 16, 2009 | Uncategorized
Today’s artists are brought to you from good old Saskatchewan! Zack and Adrienne (together known as Smiling Cow Studio) have set up studio in Maple Creek and though our province is small I have yet to meet them in person, just online, but someday…someday…hopefully soon!
The above tumblers are Zack’s and below is a tea set by Adrienne.
In their words: “We make tableware and other functional pots from porcelain and stoneware. Adrienne focuses on traditional forms, and Zach focuses on contemporary forms. The clay we use comes from the Cypress Hills, which is about a two hour drive from the town of Maple Creek. Some of this we process ourselves, and the rest is processed by Plainsman Clay in Medicine Hat.”
I think there is a really interesting dynamic between their styles, they work really well together but are nicely unique to each maker. Check out their blog and website for more info, oh and don’t forget their shop too!
“Parched,” triptych of hand built stoneware clay forms, each 5 ½” x 5” x 2 ½”, 2008.
