Ross Petersen ~ New Beginings

Going through files on my computer I came across these images, taken earlier this year at the Xiem Clay Center in Pasadena California. They are of a one man show by Ross Petersen. I really enjoyed seeing this body of work since I was a member at Xiem for many years and recall Ross working on them.

I really do wish I had more info on hand about them, but they were striking to see in person and quite moving. What do you think? What do you think is going on here?

Andy Clift And Claystation

Late last year a friend and I went out to Redlands California to the home and studio of artist Andy Clift. I had seen his work at the Xiem Clay Center. Larger than life orchids doubling as fountains. They are beautiful and somewhat surreal. Andy teaches ceramics at the University of Redlands as well as San Bernadino Valley College.

Andy is also the founder of Claystation, an online community for ceramics enthusiasts everywhere. Claystation is loaded with information. I highly suggest you get a favorite beverage, follow the link, set-up an account and do some reading. There are forums, links and classifieds. Once you have an account you can join in by participating in the forums. There is a great selection of instructional videos to watch as well. Do yourself a favor, set up and account, bookmark the page and visit often. Lets all help Andy make Claystation a place where potters from all over the world can go to for news and information.

Thanks Andy!

The Handmade Diaries on Oprah's OWN TV

Oprah is launching a new television network called OWN TV, the network will go on the air in January 2011 "OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network will be a 24/7 cable network devoted to self-discovery, to connecting you to your best self and to the world".

She has teamed up with reality tv producer Mark Burnett and they are accepting auditions for shows on OWN. Its a contest to be in a reality tv show, the winner getting his or her show on OWN. Above is my video, I had originally shot it with my friend and fellow potter Sally Anne Stahl but in the rules (that I didnt read) it states that there can only be one host, so we got rejected. Last night at Sally Anne's urging I re-shot, edited and uploaded this video. Check it out and if you would be so kind please vote! You dont have to be a member to vote, but you do to leave a comment. Click the link below to vote for the Handmade Diaries, Thank You!

VOTE!!

Mug Swap Event With The Covert Potters

The Covert Potters Association is having an event that just started today. This July they are initiating an honest to goodness pottery swap. Not a potter but still a crafter? feel free to join. If you would like to take part, please email us your name, address and email address by July 4th, We will send out the list by July 7th and we asked that all mugs or crafts be sent in the mail by July 15th. So person #1 will send a mug to #2, #2 sends to #3, #3 to #4, etc and the last person sends to #1. We will pull names out of a hat for the order.Hope you will join us in this first online event! Please keep in mind that RSVP via this event page is amazing, but we still need you to send us your info to get your mug. potteryparty@covertpotters.com. Visit the event page on FaceBook and become a fan of the Covert Potters on Facebook too!

This is really cool! I love getting suprises in the mail!!

Eco-Pottery With Sustain Ceramics

Utilizing things like brick dust, fossilzed clay, broken windshields and bottles, sandstone and broken ceramic plates the artist at Sustain Ceramics gathers recycled materials around his home in England to create beautiful works of art from refuse. In this day and age we need to think about ways to live a "greener" lifestyle. Being a potter and all that goes with it doesnt exactly make it the greenest of practices. But Sustain Ceramics shows us that it is possible to recycle and create works of art all the while reducing your carbon footprint.

Beautiful work, I applaud thier efforts!