A Busy Week

Well, it's official, summer is here. Isn't it supposed to be a bit more laid back this time of year?

It's been a full week starting with my first trip of the season down the Animas River here in Durango in my kayak. We've passed the peak high water by about 2 weeks, the water is almost clear and is at a level that suits my skill level just right.

Had a nice visit around a campfire with some of the local clay folks and Steve Schaeffer up from Flagstaff, AZ with his wife Janeece on their way to his opening at Shy Rabbit Contemporary Arts in Pagosa Springs, CO.

Got up bright and early the following morning and set up some of my wife's and my pots down at the Durango Farmers Market. What a great way to spend the morning, quality people, amazing local produce and a relaxing atmosphere, love it!

Our little baby girl Hana (7 mos.) finally decided it was time to sit up and went from novice to pro in the short span of this week, exciting times!

Our son Juno (6yrs.) was also inclined to take things to the next level and took his first leap off of the high dive at the local pool.

Also, I received notice yesterday from two juried shows I recently entered some pieces into, turns out I was awarded 1st runner up for both shows! The shows are still up, if you're in the area of either of them, stop in and have a look (links & more info below).

1st Runner-up, for "Untitled" Wood fired porcelain with Shino liner, 4.5 x 3.75 x 3.75", KC Clay Guild, 2010 Teabowl National (photo by G. Post). Juror: Pete Pinnell

1st Runner-up, for "Carved Vase #1" at "The Carved Vase Contest

And last, but not least, I had an interview and feature written up on Clayzilla Blog, "Claymate of the Month" :D

A busy week full of good times..... yes, please, and thank you!

Thank You TAOS!

I just arrived back home in Durango after a great weekend in Taos, NM. I gave a workshop at Taos Clay and managed to squeeze in a few amazing hikes and got a taste of some authentic New Mexican food! Thanks to Logan, Katie and all the good folks at Taos Clay for making me feel at home.

Here are some more workshops offered by Taos clay this summer.

Kickin' back

With my Onggi and Carved porcelain workshop at Taos Clay just around
the corner and an Anagama firing on June 18th, things have gotten a
bit busier around the studio. It's been great to get back to the
Onggi wheel, something really great about the pace and feel of a kick
wheel. I always think of something my friend Scott Roberts says
about using a kick wheel; "it's nice to be able to actually hear the
clay passing over the rib without the hum of an electric motor", a
small detail but somehow it really adds to the overall experience and
makes for a more relaxed (if this word can be used to describe Onggi-
making) time in the studio.

Recent work...

Fired in Scott Parady's Anagama, January 2010

Good Culture!

A recent batch of personal sized Onggi fermentation jars. With our
first date at the Durango Farmer's Market rapidly approaching (May
15th) I've been making work with a bit more of a practical,
functional and food related use. With all the amazing farmers
offering up their beautiful produce I thought it only made sense to
make some pieces to store and ferment it in. As for practicality,
I decided to make these Onggi jars a bit smaller, 3/4 gallon,
perfect for trying new recipes. I'm really looking forward to
seeing these forms put to use for their original purpose!

Moon Byeong Sik, gettin' it DONE!!

Here is another installment in my YouTube pottery video series, and one

of my personal favorites. Moon Byeong Sik is SO skilled with all things

clay. Also, for all of you going to NCECA, keep an eye out for him, last I

heard he was planning on giving a workshop along with an exhibition at

this years conference. I'll see if I can find more details and will post what I

find here.

Enjoy the video and please rate and/or leave a comment.

Thanks!

WOW!