Dharma Strasser Maccoll

Dharma Strasser-Maccoll was my very first ceramic teacher in college.  More than anything she taught me that there is a limitless realm of possibilities out there for ceramics.  She always encouraged me to think outside the box and not feel limited by or to one medium.  You can see why she offered such advice by looking at these pieces above. Maccoll is a trained painter who fell madly in love with clay as an alternative medium while in school. Now she has married the two and and creates beautiful, abstract illustrations on fine artisan paper using watercolor, silk thread, and thousands of tiny porcelain beads that she sculpts by hand. In addition to her fine art, Maccoll also creates a darling pottery collection which she sells in local shops around the Bay Area. I guess there's always that little part of us, no matter how far out we get, that needs to return to the pot every once in a while, huh?

(images via artist's own website and Walker Contemporary)

Matt Repsher

More earthenware love... what can I say? These pieces are phenomenal. Repsher says a lot of his inspiration comes from architecture which I think is very apparent in his work but in a subtle way.  His shapes are so strong but the influence is visible only when you think about it. If you aren't thinking about the architectural sense of his work, they just read as remarkable forms. I love that!

And I'm sorry the post is so late today. I slept in for once and then spent a lovely day with my fantastic grandmother. I forget the rest of the world exists when I hang out with her.  It looks like it's going to be a beautiful weekend where I am, I hope you enjoy yours, too, wherever these pots find you. ;)

(images via Akar and Santa Fe Clay)

Off Subject: Linda Hutchins

Whew, since beginning my textiles class this past semester I have been completely enraptured by the sculptural and painterly uses of fiber. (Side note, if you'd like to see any of my own textile work visit my other blog, Everyday Object.) Linda Hutchins is an artist I came across in the April/May 2010 issue of FiberArts that we had in the studio.  Her work is a perfect example of textile as sculpture. With just a needle, some thread and a little bit of organza, Hutchins creates these airy pieces which linger like the ghosts of domesticity- beautiful and uncomfortable at once.

(images via artist's own website)

Studio Time: My Embroidered Self Portrait

I thought I would share with you the project I am most excited about from the last semester.  The assignment was to stitch a self-portrait, this was the embroidery learning module. It's not complete, but I am still really pleased with the results thus far.  I have a few more lazy daisy appliques, several french knots, and a bit of couching to finish up. Then I plan to frame it...

I have to say, this is my first experience embroidering. It feels like I'm a fish in water, though, the most beautiful and exciting rolling stream. Below is my sampler, which is basically that- a sample of all the embroidery stitches you know, or are learning as was this case. I love it as well and am considering sticking it in a frame, too.

I'll be sure to post pictures of the finished and framed pieces. Plus I hope to do some more work this summer in this medium. So stay tuned. ;)

12/14/10 Update: The top photo is the finished and framed piece. Still working on those summer projects.

Sandi Pierantozzi

I think that Sandi Pierantozzi is a great example of how to maintain a certain consistency in the style of your work while still freely exploring different patterns, shapes, and techniques.  These pieces all offer a unique visual experience but they still sit next to one another so peacefully, so naturally.  On another note, I love the buttery feel of these shapes. They are so smooth and pillowy.  I think it might shock me to hold one and experience the actual weight of the object. I love it when that happens! ;)

(images via artist's website and The Clay Studio)

Neil Patterson

It amazes me what some carving and spot on glazing can lead to in ceramics. I love the architectural feel of Patterson's work and the idea that holding any one of these pieces would bring such tactile enjoyment... I really hope to see these in person someday.

(images via artist's website)

Lowri Davies

Lowri Davies has been all over the blogosphere with her delicately printed ceramics. But I just can't resist giving them a little more air time.  The illustrations look like scenes out of Nora's Castle and the light use of gilding adds just the right amount of formality to the whimsical pieces. I am very curious about her techniques for layering images... any guesses?

(images via artist's website, Print & Pattern, and Yatzer)

Margaret Keelan

Many of you might already be familiar with Keelan's sculptures, but I'm sharing them anyway because I got to see them live and in action this weekend at the San Francisco Fine Arts Fair. It is always so exiting to see work in real life as opposed to over the web or slide lectures.  The details and glazing that go into these sculptures are magnificent and each piece feels as though it is carrying an entire history that we as viewers can only aspire to discover.

(images via Pacini Lubel Gallery)