Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Elaine Coleman

Today's interview is with Elaine Coleman. Elaine is responsible for the incredible carvings on her husband Tom's work. They had a show and workshop at Xiem Clay Center last year, both were excellent. They give a great workshop and I highly recommend them if you have a chance.

There is a softness to Elaine's work that I really admire. At the show I picked up one of the pieces, so delicate to the touch I simply wanted to cradle it and admire. Be sure to visit the Tom & Elaine Coleman website for more info on upcoming shows and workshops.

Why clay? I Love the excitement of never knowing if it will turn out. Tom’s porcelain is almost like glass which I also love.
Where do you like to work? In my studio all alone.
What gets you in the mood? Knowing I have a beautiful form to design a drawing on.
Do you listen to music when you work? Sometimes and other times old radio and talk shows
What motivates your work? I like designing on the surface of new work and when I see thing in nature it makes me creative.
Do you like to work alone or in public? Alone
Who is your favorite artist and why? Vincent Van Gogh because of the colors and movement of his work.
Mine too, What’s your favorite cuss word? Shit
What is your favorite pleasure? Eating good food and traveling to tropical places.
What would you say to someone just getting started in ceramics who asks you for advice? Be sure this is what you want to do and that you have a real passion for clay because it’s not easy to make a living at unless you become a teacher and then you don’t have much time to be creative.
Thank You Elaine!


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Saturday, March 15, 2008

The Ceramic Art of Don Reitz

A retrospective of more than 50 works by ceramic artist Don Reitz opens today at the new Riverside City College Quad Art Gallery. Don is widley known for his incredible work in wood fired pottery and is the author of a book titled Clay Fire Salt and Wood.
Be sure to go check out the show, heres the info;
Where: Riverside City College Quad Art Gallery, 4800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside
When: Opening reception 6-8:30 p.m. today. Runs through April 11. Hours 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday
Admission: Free
Information: 951-222-8358







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Thursday, March 13, 2008

Tony Natsoulas

The next artist interview comes from the Sacramento area. Tony Natsoulas is a figurative ceramic artist who studied under Robert Arneson. He has been producing works for over twenty years, showing in galleries and museums all around the world. You can check out his blogs here and here.
Why clay?
A quick and direct way of expressing oneself.
Where do you like to work?
At my studio at home.
What get’s you in the mood?
Music, I need to have music on all the while I am working.
I love Metal and Funk, Fusion and Big Band.
Do you listen to music when you work?
Why yes, the faster the better.
What motivates your work?
My sense of trying to make things that will make people think, laugh and question.
Do you like to work alone or in public?
Alone.
Who is your favorite artist and why?
Robert Arneson, because he was not afraid to experiment with technique and content.
What’s your favorite cuss word?
Fucking
What is your favorite pleasure?
Laughing with my wife.
What would you say to someone just getting started in ceramics who asks you for advice?
Make small stuff, so you can ship it easily to Italy and New York for that big show.

Thanks Tony!


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Tuesday, March 11, 2008

You Comment ~ I Reply

Thats what its all about isnt it? A little one on one, personalize things a little, reach out and touch. You Comment, I Reply is a movement, check it out on MeAndMyDrum and another great blog things by mike. So leave a comment, then i'll reply, its that simple! Then were having a conversation!

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Scripps College 63rd Ceramic Annual Exhibition



After seeing the Fred Marer Collection Kirk opened up the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery for us to see the 63rd Scripps Ceramic Annual. Again an amazing experience to have a gallery to yourself to examine works of art. The show continues through April 9, if you have a chance do go see it.

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The Fred Marer Collection Visit



We had our trip to see the Fred Marer Collection at Scripps yesterday. If you ever have a chance to go do so. It is incredible to see all these works of ceramic art in one place. Over and over again while going through the file cabinets filled with treasures and the crates lining the floors you see pieces that you may have only seen in books and magazines. The collection represents ceramic art from the 1950's onward. Peter Voulkos, Jun Kaneko, Phil Cornelius, the list goes on and on. All completely accessible to touch, hold and photograph. This was my second of what I hope are many visits to the collection. I don't think I will ever tire of seeing it and the inspiration I feel after is great!
A special thank you to Kirk Dellman!

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Saturday, March 1, 2008

The Pottery In Yucca Valley

Took a trip today out to the Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree area to see my friends Greg & Rose at The Pottery. Greg is a good friend of mine and I couldnt be happier for he and Rose in this new venture. If you are in the area stop by, they have a great selection of artists producing some beautiful work. They have many plans for upgrades to the store. Besides all styles of pottery they have jewelry and blown glass items and custom furniture as well.
Stop by next time youre out in the desert, tell them Cristòbal sent you!