krystal speck

looking back, looking forward...

2010-09-16T13:51:00.000-04:00

Hey y'all. So, you might have noticed I've refrained from writing here for a few weeks time. This is because I've been busy in the studio making new work. To go along with new work, I'm building a new blog full of lovely features, clearer navigation and an all around fresh feeling. I'm taking wordpress for a spin, and can't wait to link you up to the new site when she's up and running.

But first...

When I'm looking for new inspiration, before going to the studio I spend my mornings looking through books and websites. Free information is everywhere. Rejoice! The Toronto Public Library is amazing, and I've also been finding some great online sites related to craft/art that you should know about:

I think I've mentioned Craft in America before, but it's an amazing resource with an accompanying book, TV show, online exhibits, and even a free 'study centre' section. Super. Here's one of many videos you can watch:

Craft is art people! Love it. I could spend all day on this site, but there's another one you should visit:

Paul Mathieu has published a FREE online book titled, The Art of the Future. (I learned about this resource through the Ontario Craft Council's email newsletter.) Paul has written fourteen chapters on the history of ceramics from a "why" perspective, rather than the usual context of "when" or "by who" a ceramic object was made, with accompanying photographs for each juicy section (flux, shelter, sex, death...). Reading it reminds me of the relationships built between humans and clay, over millennia, to create ceramic objects with meaning. And maybe more importantly, to lose the focus on the "when" and get to the real meat of the matter: Why were/are ceramics important?

As Paul Mathieu argues in his book: "Ceramics is a very misunderstood art form and the blame for that sorry state of affairs lies largely within the field itself. Ceramics as a practice has been dismally effective, amazingly inefficient at explaining itself convincingly as relevant within culture now and more specifically within the art world. I hope this book will provide...an effective argument for relevancy and necessity of ceramics not only in the more or less distant past but now, today, as well and hopefully in the near and distant future too. To argue with conviction that, yes, ceramics is the art of the future."

And last but not least, a quote to ponder, one that is both reassuring and dismantling:

"Culture doesn't really beg people to pursue a career in the arts. I think you just decide every single day, you just decide you're gonna do it, because there's so many reasons not to do it."
-Cary Esser, Ceramics Professor, Kansas City Art Institute

origins...

2010-08-27T23:28:00.000-04:00

Dame Lucie Rie. Porcelain bottle vase, c. 1952.

Yesterday I visited the TPL and found a great book, The Potter's Art by Garth Clark. This "complete history of pottery in Britain," highlights traditions in the history of English potting, including the peasant, industrial, artist and studio potter. It has been satisfying my desire for new inspiration, having a good balance of wordiness and juicy photographs. How stunning is this piece above, by Dame Lucie Rie? I remember her work being one of the first to make a big impression on me when I had just started in ceramics at OCAD. So pure & beautiful.

Hannah Barlow, Doulton's Lambeth Art Pottery, handled vase,
saltglazed stoneware, 1874.

And on a very different plane, I was also drawn to this

vase by Hannah Barlow for Doulton. It's amazing to see a

piece like this, that was made in 1874, and see parts of it

that are still quite contemporary. Flora + fauna will never

go out of style, I suppose. Enjoy the eye candy.

(Pictures above taken from The Potter's Art by Garth Clark, 1995)

2010-08-26T23:29:00.000-04:00

Here are a few shots of the new studio: I've already been so inspired by the space & feeling more energized. I can't wait to create the pieces that are still just ideas in my mind. This picture above is so simple, but pleasing. I think it's the aqua/red colour combo.

a place with space...

2010-08-16T15:03:00.001-04:00

I'm officially moved-in! Here's a peek at my new space for making, complete with giant windows, scads of natural light and sturdy shelving! Ahhh. Feels good. Lot's of organizing to come, but I'm enjoying the relieving feeling of finally being settled.

Found this excellent quote today. Perfects for over-analyzers like myself:

"You know, I'm sick of following my dreams, man. I'm just going to ask where they're going and hook up with 'em later." Mitch Hedberg

bye, bye, birdie.

2010-08-13T20:55:00.002-04:00

Forgive me for the pink crocs, but behold! My first act of ceramic-y-ness after a lovely, and oh-so-short, vacation. The drop-off. These birdies, which I know I've blogged about all year, have just been taken home by their fabulous new owner, where they will be installed on a grand polished concrete wall. Can't wait to take shots in situ.

To quote L7, "The beauty process; the process, process." Dremel,
sand, polish, repeat.

I have a few more installations coming up in the next handful of months. One will be a porcelain light/sculpture installation for a restaurant. I've always been curious about making light fixtures...time to call the electrician!

the apple never falls far from the tree:

2010-07-30T19:13:00.001-04:00

It's amusing to see the common personality traits you've inherited from your family. For me, passed along down the Speck/Finlayson lines were a love of art + creativity, a deep reverence for nature, fierce independence (aka stubborness) and, more recently in our family history, an undying allegiance to classic rock music. There might also be some fiery tempers in there, just sayin'. Our clan also agrees that keeping a good garden, whether for flowers or food, is paramount.

I recently discovered that my dad's descendants immigrated to Canada from England in the 1880s and founded a farm in Utterson, Ontario. John and Sarah Jane Speck (nee Prebble) had at least eight children, from what I can decipher from old census records, each of whom would have been vital to the daily operations of the farm. I have no idea what happened to the property, but I've had romantic notions of finding it, somehow claiming it back (ha ha) and starting up a herb/native grain farm and living as my ancestors did...without the whole Church of England thing.

My mom's family of Poles and Scots veered towards annual + perennial flower gardening. Tall stands of hollyhocks made an appearance in several old photographs of my great-grandfather's garden in Toronto during the 1930s. Mom also recently uncovered this old bridge score book that belonged to her step-father's parents. It lists their entire planting schedule for the summer of 1934, with sow dates and seed counts to boot (are they for real? 20,000 cabbage seeds?). I feel like I've uncovered a time-capsule of plant-y knowledge.

Here's what they grew:

Veggies: cabbage, cauliflower, beets, celery

Flowers: salvia, snapdragons, verbena, ageratum, lobelia, petunias, zinnias, asters, salpiglossis, alyssum, clarkia, nicotiana

Sweet Peas...

2010-07-12T14:06:00.000-04:00

...from the Dufferin Grove Farmers market. How beautiful are these flowers? They were grown by the folks at Under Ground Organics in Hamilton, who you can find at the Duff every Thursday afternoon. I hear they usually have long lines for their custom-made bouquets, but I snuck in a bit early and found these vibrant sweet peas. One of my mom's favorite flowers, and now mine, they really stand out in this new vase. I'm partial to the green/brown colour combination. What do you think?

incognito

2010-07-03T19:07:00.000-04:00

Counting down...twenty-seven days til vacation. There will be jumping in lakes, roasting of marshmallows, paddling in canoes, swatting and cursing at mosquitoes. You get the picture. And the count down is on. I've been playing around with wheel-thrown mug prototypes. Here is one hiding behind a Dragon's Blood Sedum. His handle has a tiny crack so I've taken him home to my new apartment to test drive. So far so good, just a bit weightier than I'd like.

Hope you're enjoying an iced drink somewhere cool...

the birds cometh...

2010-06-18T11:54:00.000-04:00

The number eighty does not seem quite so large, until you throw in seam-cleaning, sponging, sanding and the potential for kiln mishaps. I'm making my way to ninety-five for good measure. Here is yet another sneak peek at the elusive bird project, which I can't wait to see installed in all its grandeur.

Nurturing Creativity...

2010-06-15T17:17:00.000-04:00

So, I've just discovered TED lectures. I know...I'm behind the times.

I have to share this particular lecture with all you creative folks. Elizabeth Gilbert, writer of Eat, Pray, Love (and other great books you may not have heard of yet, such as The Last American Man) speaks about the nature of creativity, inspiration, and the notion of creative genius. And why are we artists so manic anyhow?

And as a side note: Is she not the best public speaker you've ever seen?

Enjoy.

2010-06-12T00:29:00.001-04:00

Hi there. Today was very productive + full in a pleasing way. I was in the studio for most of the day, casting up a storm to finish up all the work I possibly can before I take my ceramics vacation (July-mid August) and of course, what do I do? I start thinking of all kinds of new projects I could start. New surface design techniques, larger, more sculptural forms, ideas for a gallery exhibition, planning for OOAK Christmas, etc. This is classic of me. Trying to do a zillion things at once.

At least I will fertile ground to start on when I return to making in mid-August. And I'll be moving into a new studio! It's official. Five minutes from my new apartment, full of lovely people, and huge, massive windows that let in lots of natural light...bright + spacious. Space! It is such a relief to know I have a place to settle in and get making again.

...

And this is completely unrelated, but I want you to know that it's sea asparagus season at your local farmers market. And by "season," I really mean the next two weeks, tops. Crispy, so sea salty and delicious.

...

(Above, new Wildflower Cups, in the Etsy shop soon)

je t'aime

2010-06-04T12:28:00.001-04:00

Teacups by Molly Hatch, via her Etsy store...

So I'm in a bit of a creative dry spell. At least outwardly. I have ideas floating around in my head, brewing away, but haven't had the space or time to bring them out yet. I'm putting all my studio time into commissions at the moment, which I'm very grateful to have on the go...but I'm longing for some new, more personal work. I'm also about to move out of my studio in Toronto's east end where I made my ceramics for three years. This is a bittersweet move. A studio closer to my home (the west) will be far more practical, but I won't have a new space until late August or September most likely. This means a clay free summer (a vacation?!) but also it takes a few months off my OOAK Christmas prep time. What can you do?

I am looking forward to giving my body a break from clay and working with J. at the cafe. And doing some creative research for future work. In the meantime, I wanted to share a few images from three very inspiring ceramists. Molly Hatch, Julia Galloway, and Diana Fayt. Thank you for blowing my mind. xo

Tea pot (above) by Molly Hatch (Etsy shop, see above)

Tea cup (below) also by Molly Hatch.

Above image + below, Julia Galloway.

And above, platter by Diana Fayt.

Hope you've enjoyed the eye candy. Here's to change, figuring out, starting over, and finding new inspirations.

When Life Hands You Lemons...

2010-05-20T20:53:00.002-04:00

...buy ceramics that you love. A long time ago I ogled a Ryan Marmoreo cookie jar. I only had the budget for a coffee mug at the time (which is also pretty kick ass), but today's travails called for a much more substantial reward. I'm a firm believer in buying yourself something special every once in a while, and buying something hand made and local makes things even sweeter. Behold! My new cookie jar! She's a beauty. Now back to handling bumps in the road gracefully...maybe.

{inspiration} Christi Belcourt

2010-05-07T22:32:00.007-04:00

Aren't these paintings amazing? They were created by Christi Belcourt, a Metis visual artist who lives in Whitefish Falls, Ontario. I found these images while looking into traditional Metis floral motifs and crafts online. Back in February, I did a blog post after a recent trip to the ROM, and its First People's gallery, where I was particularly inspired by the "Bandolier Bags" and other examples of floral motifs in Ojibway beadwork found there. Belcourt's paintings take inspiration from similar beadwork traditions, but also incorporate the artist's knowledge of healing plants and Metis plant medicines.

In her artist's statement, Christi writes:

"In 1993, what began as a simple experiment to paint flowers inspired by the traditional beadwork patterns of Métis and First Nation women I’d been exposed to since childhood, has now evolved into the course my work has continued to follow since. This journey has led me on an exploration into traditional Métis art, Métis history, environmental issues, and contemporary issues that face the Métis in modern times."

Below, is the cover of her book, Medicines to Help Us, which showcases her beautiful paintings of wild plants, along with the names of each plant in four Aboriginal languages, and its healing properties. This is definitely on my book wishlist. I'm so inspired seeing this collision of art/plants/natural medicine.

If you look closely you can recognize familiar wild plants; roses + rose hips, strawberry, irises, yarrow, plantain...

carrie hayes: icelandic geology

2010-04-26T11:36:00.009-04:00

Just a quick admiration blog post for Carrie Hayes, fashion designer and fellow BizStart alumnus. Behold: The Geode Dress! I've been thinking about this dress for months, since she gave us a preview of her Spring 2010 "Icelandic Geology" line last winter. The print is so unique and earthy and the cut so simple and flattering. Wouldn't this be the perfect summer dress? I have a vision of wearing it with sandals and riding my bike through the park, on my way to Clafouti for tarts and coffee. Look at that...I've already bought it in my mind. Dangerous!

---

Swing by Carrie's website to view the entire collection.

You can also shop online from this collection here.

Tanya Neumeyer: hot like magma...canadian shield yourself!

2010-04-24T00:05:00.005-04:00

I recently had a great phone conversation with my dear friend, Tanya Neumeyer. Tanya is a communications specialist. That is to say, she is a world class communicator...not that she works for a PR firm (though she could). She called to tell me about her upcoming fundraiser for her summer cycling tour with Otesha. Otesha is, in a nutshell, a group of traveling cyclists/performers who engage and educate youth about environmental and social justice issues. They also spend time with local farmers, farming and cycling. So basically, they're just amazing.

Anyway, Tanya called to discuss Otesha fundraiser details, but we meandered into a great discussion about our educational backgrounds, geology, the earth, ceramics, minerals, what we take from the earth's crust...it was pure geek talk. I'm looking forward to chatting with her more about our shared knowledge of ceramics/geology and hearing her perspective on ceramics and practices of "making stuff" from her environmentally focused perspective. And it's got to happen soon...she rolls out of Toronto on May 3rd!

Tanya is also a poet. Here is one of my favourite poems she performs, with a geological theme:

Like what you see and hear? Help support Tanya on her journey...she still has a tiny way left to go to reach her fundraising goal and the deadline is Monday April 26th! Donate here.

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Follow Tanya's Otesha journey via her myspace!

coffee + the car wash

2010-04-17T11:36:00.002-04:00

I can't tell you how happy I am to see buds on the trees, lil green leaves, robins, worms, bees! It makes this city so much more beautiful and livable. And the leaves dampen all the noise from our charming 24 hr backyard car wash. Side note: There is a man who drives a red SUV that always comes to the car wash at midnight, opens up all his car doors, and proceeds to vacuum out his ride while blaring gospel music! Yesterday was a very industrious studio day. I'm still working on that commissioned series of porcelain bird forms, which should be completed by early May. We're currently testing glaze colours and finishing up the last details...I can't wait to see the pieces installed and share some photographs on the blog! I made an additional mold yesterday, too, so the production process can be a bit more speedy.

I fired a bisque kiln full of fatties (aka the large square vases) and assorted cups, birds, and bud vases. I'm trying to be more prepared and have a bountiful stock of bisqued work ready to go for shows, shops, and the mother of all marathon shows, Christmas One of a Kind. I know, it's in November, but here's for trying! Some artists prepare for that show all year...or so I've been told.

So yes, same old, same old for me. I'm balancing on a fine line between ceramics and food...working in both worlds all of a sudden, and quite enjoying it. My friend Vivian Lee, who will one day be a pastry chef and ceramic artist, once pointed out to me how similar ceramics can be to baking. We both have big ovens and follow recipes, but ceramics is way more unpredictable! I can make you a hundred muffins with the same recipe and things will likely turn out the same...if I make you a hundred cups, at least 20% will develop a plan of their own and do crazy, unpredicted, unwanted things.

Resto, studio, resto, home. Muffins, vases, birds, dish washing, food prep, home. Coffee, coffee, coffee.

Love it.

Look closely, underfoot...

2010-04-05T22:23:00.007-04:00

A cluster of Spring Beauties (claytonia caroliniana)

More of the same above.

And white Hepatica (also known as Liverwort).

- - -

Found these beauties while tramping through the forest on the briefest of holidays. We ran away from the city for nearly twenty four hours, had a campfire, slept by a wood stove and had coffee in the forest in the morning. So worth it. And the best part -- the spring peepers were out singing full tilt...night and day.

bud vase...

2010-03-27T18:10:00.003-04:00

This photo makes me happy...new bud vase in the Etsy shop tonight! The bud vases are tiny enough to fit even the smallest living spaces and are punchy and colourful to boot. And affordably priced!

More items going up tonight and later this week, including cups, vases + mugs. xo

wild results!

2010-03-18T13:36:00.002-04:00

I think this is a whole new direction...I'm pretty happy with kiln number one. The pieces came out a bit more subtle looking than I'd expected, but maybe that is good given that the floral patterns are more dominant? I'll have to see what kiln number two holds in store when I get to my studio tonight.
Please excuse the drab background in the shots, but I wanted to at least get a few photos taken for reference before I deliver these pieces to galleries. Never let your work go away before you photograph it!!! If you do, you will regret it. I always think I'll remember what patterns I did, or what colours work well together, but months pass and memory fails and I kick myself for not documenting the work.
Happy tumblers...I imagine sipping cold iced tea from these on a summer patio. Or maybe wrapped in a little felt cozy for to-go coffee.
This is the piece I'm most fond of. Something about the cluster of flowers in the bottom corner that makes me happy. Like they all just fell together...and the blue dripping into the honey brown. Not too much drip, just a little. Nice.

Okay, next is kiln number two...

Hot kiln!

2010-03-13T03:01:00.002-05:00

It's 3:06 am. I can't sleep just yet...put in a late night at the studio and am feeling antsy, but glad to have new work in the kiln. Here's a little peak of the "fatty" vases and tall tumblers I illustrated + glazed today. I'll post pics of the finished glazed pieces when we crack the oval open on Sunday. I'm loving the new wildflower book from my previous post. It's got me drawing in a whole new way. As my friend Becky said so well, I've been putting the flowers through the "Krystal Filter" and come up with some punchy stuff! Funny...I didn't know I had a filter, but sounds like a useful tool.

Today was rainy and grey. Before heading to the studio, I chatted with a friend I'd not spoken too in many moons and realized how much has happened in the past several years. I grabbed a ginormous coffee from Calico and headed out into the wet. Then drew flower after flower after flower. A good day.
Here's some flowers for you Ash + Oli. Coming your way as fast as Canada Post can muster (meaning three weeks). Xo.

wildflowers on my mind...

2010-03-04T12:11:00.006-05:00

This is my latest Value Village score: this book features a very detailed collection of wildflowers with "over 1200 illustrations in full colour!" And it only cost $1.99. Perfect. This book will come in handy when I'm glazing this week, trying to develop new floral patterns on spring-y cups, bowls and vases. Look at these beauties below...

And I wanted to share these amazing floral card designs (below) by Brie Harrison. Go to her website and fall in love with everything you see. I did. I've seen her cards in the Outer Layer on Queen St. in Toronto, if you'd like to pick up a card or two. Now repeat this mantra: Spring is coming, spring is coming...

Matter will be damaged in direct proportion to its value...

2010-03-01T19:53:00.006-05:00

On my godmother's office wall circa 1992, there used to hang a lacquered wooden plaque listing some of the best of Murphy's Laws. I remember thinking to myself, "Who the hell does this Murphy guy think he is (I was eight or so) pointing out how everything can and will go wrong?" What a jerk! Well, tonight I wished for a little wooden plaque of my very own. I'm running behind on my production schedule and yet I seem to be breaking two pieces for each survivor. This cannot go on.

In the studio, we always joke about how all ceramists are clearly masochists. Why else would anyone bother putting themselves through the rigamarole of cracking, dunting, crazing, dripping, chipping, sagging, slumping...mistakenly glazing your pot pepto-bismol pink instead of white because you're glazing your pots at 4am (shout out to M. & V.) and have truly hit a new level of ridiculousness? Wow. Breath. I know, I know...ceramics are lovely and we artists are lucky to be able to make things and have people appreciate them. I am not ungrateful, but I am a glutton for punishment.

Here are a few of my favourite quotes from this Murphy character:

If anything simply cannot go wrong, it will anyway.

The chance of the bread falling with the buttered side down is directly proportional to the cost of the carpet.

The first myth of management is that it exists.

On a more pleasant note, the bowls above are a new development for spring. Spring! I'm hoping to make at least one for every two that kick the bucket. Good night.

{inspiration} beadwork at the ROM's Canadian First Peoples gallery...

2010-02-19T21:38:00.010-05:00

My mom came to Toronto for a visit this past weekend and we went on a girls-day date to the ROM. We spent most of the day brunching which left us with only three hours to cover the entire museum. Nearly half our time was spent in the Canadian First Peoples gallery, with the remainder spent in the Rocks + Minerals gallery (meteorites people! I'll cover this more another day). We didn't even make it to the dinosaurs, we were so happy amongst the First People's gallery and this is one reason why: beadwork.
Typically, I am not a beadwork fan per se, but the bandolier bags, moccasins and sashes in this collection have coverted me. The floral patterns are all so lovely. The Ojibwa bandolier bag above (c. 1880-1890) is claimed to have once belonged to Sitting Bull (Hunkpapa Lakota).
A bit of a side note: I've recently come to terms with my love for floral patterns. For a long time I tried to avoid being overly flowery, particularly with my ceramic decoration. I felt a bit cliche. Flowery pottery has been done for centuries (flower pots, too). But I'm always drawing/planting flowers! I grew up inside a plant nursery and my mother was a florist for many years...leaving me with a deep love for plant life and apparently, a need to recreate them in clay. The beaded objects in the ROM's galleries were another push back to the familiar.

(Above, Ojibwa beaded bandolier bag, c. 1900)

Back to the bags, it's interesting to see the evolution of the beaded floral motifs on the Ojibwa bandolier bags from the geometric to the curvilinear in the later half of the nineteenth century. Some of these bags took over a year to make, and though once functional, eventually became purely ceremonial, and were exchanged and traded for goods (even horses) at tribal gatherings.

(Look at the moccasins at the top, the stem-like pattern on the vamp...gorgeous)

I think it's true that what you love as a child is what you'll love for the rest of your life. Rows and rows of impatiens. I was spoiled with flowers...me c. 1990.

molds

2010-02-18T12:40:00.004-05:00

This is just a little peek at the project I'm working on right now. I'm creating a series of about 80 porcelain birds that will be installed in a private residence in Toronto. The final installation should be quite dramatic: a sea of stark white birds mounted on a large deep grey polished concrete wall. They'll be nestled in beside a big window which should provide interesting lighting effects. I can't wait to see it completed in the home!
We're now in the casting stage. I made the mold last week and think it should be dry enough to cast some tests today...I'll post updates as the project develops!

lovely loot...

2010-02-08T18:03:00.004-05:00

Love + Rummage 2 was a great success, and a pleasure to vend at. Thanks to those of you who came out and generously supported your local crafters. Special thanks to organizers and hosts Becky and Karyn, and dear Emily, who managed to find a babysitter and journey all the way from Oakville via GO train. Thank you! Here's a look at my trunk (above) care of Becky of Sweetie Pie Press. You can see more photos of the vendors and products featured here.

I found great v-day gifts for J. (and myself)...a fabulous circle scarf by Davis of lines by: davis and a letterpress card by Tanya of snap & tumble featuring a perfectly geeky valentines sentiment! For my foodie friends I picked up some of Becky's baking + food themed buttons...I think I'll split them up and attach them to homemade valentines and spread the love around.
(I'm fond of the anthropomorphic muffin)

Love & Rummage 2!

2010-02-05T14:14:00.008-05:00

It's been a whole year since you first experienced the wonder of the Love & Rummage Trunk Show...and now it's back for part two!

Please join me and my friends in craft this Sunday, February 7th at the Workroom. There will be an assortment of handmade gifts for your significant other(s) as well as vintage items and rummage aplenty. Did I mention there's treats, too?

If you haven't yet been to the Workroom, come visit. It's one of my favourite places in Toronto. When you walk in the shop, you're overwhelmed by beautifully patterned bolts of fabric, sewing accessories, craft books and magazines. In fact, I'd recommend making a day of it: first you could go to Rustic Cosmo for a breakfast burrito and coffee, then walk a few shops west to the Workroom for Love + Rummage, then grab something sweet at Brown Sugar.

Here's a look at the show set-up last year, from Karyn's flickr...

For a preview of the artists who'll be at this year's show, please visit the city of craft blog. See you Sunday!

And take a peek at: the workroom

the voting continues!

2010-01-23T11:53:00.002-05:00

Hello friends. I'm sorry if this is old news for some of you, but I'm excited to be nominated for Best Ceramics on the poppytalk blog! Woot! I'm in great company, with other amazing ceramic folks such as Xenia Taler, Julie Moon, Nesting Emily, Diana Fayt, Dahlhaus, Perch!, the list goes on...and here I'm supposed to be swaying you over to my side. Ceramic love all around.

Voting continues until January 25th at midnight!

Please visit the polls, right HERE.

Many thanks! When you're working away in your studio, late at night, in the cold winter, with only cbc radio for company and a looming to-do list...it's nice to know that people out there appreciate what you do. Aw.

great finds: textile platypus

2010-01-07T12:01:00.004-05:00

The OOAK show wrapped up way back in early December, but I've been meaning to post these adorable hand-felted toys on the blog since then. My booth neighbor at the show, Christina Larsen, creates these wonderful toys completely by hand for her Textile Platypus line. She dyes her own fleece, spins her own yarn and hand-felts each pattern piece to create her remarkable toys. Each pattern piece is carefully blanket-stitched together to form a rabbit, elephant, horse or rat. I am the proud owner of the two bunnies above, Pistachio and Brun.

She told me that her these toys are not only for children, but also meant for adults. We saw many adults pick up a toy for themselves during the show, including me! I'm so glad to see that handmade toys are back in style. Imported plastic toys just can't compare. Christina even taught me pick up each toy and smell it. The toys made from Alpaca wool had a fresh, sweet scent that brought back memories of weaving in the Fibre Studio at OCAD.

There was one item of Christina's that I absolutely coveted - a red felt horse with a green mane - but it was snatched up before I could add it to my collection. It reminded me so much of the patchwork horse from Michel Gondry's film, The Science of Sleep.
Please have a look at the Textile Platypus blog for more information about Christina and her work.

starting off...with the best of intentions:

2010-01-04T18:36:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year! Time flies...it's 2010. And yet, I somehow feel like the year 2000 was only yesterday? Heck, sometimes I feel like it's still 1995 and I should be reading hand-me-down issues of Sassy magazine and watching Winona Ryder movies. Reality bites, hm? When I was little, I imagined the people of the 2010's would wear fancy, futuristic clothing and drive hover cars. Instead, I drive a bicycle, make pottery from fired mud, and want to grow up to be a farmer!

Also, I recently realized that I've been blogging here for over three years now. Hooray! I hope you've enjoyed what you've seen so far. I love seeing your comments and touring other creative + inspiring blogs. Thanks for your readership and support.

One of my resolutions this year is to blog more often. Not only about my own adventures of being an artist, but about crafty people, events, and ideas in general. Are you keeping up with your resolutions this year? What are some of the things you'd like to accomplish, encourage, or avoid in 2010? Feel free to leave a comment.

Here are a few of my own to get this started (that I will be more likely to stick to if you all know about them...)

-eat well, sleep well, be well
-complain less/act more
-enjoy your successes when they come + be easy on your spirit
-enjoy good company more often!
-find nature, sit in it, a lot
-see my family more

...and a few more specific goals:
-grow many gardens/join a community garden (summer)
-meet at least once a month with fellow entrepreneurs/artists
-forage for wild edibles in Toronto + write about the experience (summer)
-get out of the city, often

So...here's to 2010!

a new year...

2009-12-31T13:30:00.018-05:00

Kenojuak Ashevak, Floral Passage, Cape Dorset Stonecut, 2007.
_______________________________________

I can hardly believe 2009 is winding to a close. It has been a very industrious year for me + J. We've been starting and building up our own businesses...often I cross into his restaurant and he into my ceramics studio. Without trying we seem to have achieved a sense of balance. For the time being. As my dad would say, we have "kept our stick on the ice."

Today I made a big to-do list, but postponed tending to it because of the incredibly beautiful images you see here. Just a few prints from the Cape Dorset Artists. I feel incredibly behind the times. My first memory of seeing these stunning prints was only about a year or two ago, but they've been produced for fifty years now. I was browsing in a book store on Roncesvalles and came upon a calendar with Kenojuak Ashevak's Floral Passage, (above). It made me sigh....out loud....a lot.

Kenojuak Ashevak, Vigilant Owl, Cape Dorset, Lithograph 2007.

Then I saw another image by the same artist, Vigilant Owl, (above) and this one hit me like a ton of bricks. The vivid red berry-like appendages, radiating out from an owl with all-seeing eyes. These images felt so familiar, and so bold. I love everything about them.

Kenojuak Ashevak, Illustrious Owl, Cape Dorset Lithograph 1999.

Kenojuak Ashevak is one of the "best known and most acclaimed of all the remarkable Inuit artists who have emerged in the North in the last half century." (Canada Council for the Arts) Please have a look at the video below, made by the NFB in 1963, for a glimpse of her inspirations and life in Cape Dorset.

Kananginak Pootoogook, Arctic Seals, Cape Dorset Stonecut + Stencil, 2008.
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There were so many prints I wanted to include in this blog post, but I had to limit myself (more threats to my to-do list). Kananginak Pootoogook's prints (above, and below) were among my favourites. Especially the last image, Making Sealskin Kamiks, so lovely in its detail. It's an artful diagram of the kamik making process. All the pieces of hide cut, the hand tools ready and craftswoman hard at work.

Kananginak Pootoogook, An Intimate Memory, Cape Dorset Lithograph 2001.

Kananginak Pootoogook, Making Sealskin Kamiks, Cape Dorset Stonecut + Stencil 2008.

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Signing off from 2009.

Hope you all have a happy, safe and abundant new year!

handmade holiday

2009-12-17T21:28:00.004-05:00

The popcorn-cranberry garlands have been strung. The pomanders have been made, one attempt at lemon-cardamom cookies down, and cedar boughs and wreaths abound. I'm so happy to have a little pocket of free time to celebrate the holidays with my friends and family. After months of preparation for holiday craft shows, now I can finally do the things I love most: surround myself in good company, savour great food, enjoy the wilderness and read a book! When I was little, I used to wonder if I would stop loving Christmas once I became an adult. I wondered if I would have less fun, or receive less presents (hey, I was a kid...the presents were the best), or just lose the holiday spirit? Not so. Though I do notice I celebrate in different ways now that I'm a twenty-something "adult."
Just as my mother said I would, I now enjoy giving presents almost as much as receiving them. This year, the gifts I'm giving to my family are almost entirely handmade. Many from local artisans who I've met or know quite well. And I have to state the obvious, these gifts are so much nicer than anything I have ever bought in a mall or chain store. Without giving too much away (I hope!), some of the artisans I've found great holiday gifts from include: Stephanie Atkinson of Baublebox Glass Beads, knifemaker Eric Seguin, potter Shane McNutt and olive oil empress Niki Tsourounakis of Amphora. It's always a pleasure giving a gift that you know the story behind, and knowing just how much skill and time goes into creating a beautiful handmade object.

Now I just have to make wrapping paper for all these goodies (potato-stamping on craft paper, all the way) and take the train home to the snow-covered countryside. Happy holidays everyone!

OOAK wrap up!

2009-12-07T12:28:00.006-05:00

Ah, yes...the day after OOAK. I've been dreaming of this for weeks! Thanks to all who stopped by my booth to say hello, givers of compliments and food breaks, new acquaintances and friends who helped make this a successful show! Now to decompress...

As you can see, I'm decompressing with organic coffee from Moonbean and orange/coriander short bread cookies from Coach House. Over the 11 days at the show, I saw thousands of shoppers with bags FULL of these cookies...so I broke down and got myself a package! I'm easily swayed by treats in shiny packages, it was only a matter of time. I met some amazing folks in the Rising Star section (a fancy name for the newbies) and am so impressed by their talents. Here are just a few who rock my world:

-Benita Hsueh of House of Hsueh, deluxe bags, clutches and coin purses and her sister Brenda of Black Sheep Farm.

-Joel (and his lovely assistants) at Banjo Puppets.

-Isabelle of Zazai, beautiful + quirky textiles from re-purposed fabrics

-Chirstina Larsen of Textile Platypus, adorable creatures lovingly made from hand-sewn, hand-dyed, hand-made felt (I am a proud owner of 2 of her bunnies, Brun and Pistachio)

-Emma Gerard, clever interpretations of your favourite candy treats in glass ("Yes, I swear, it's all made of glass...")

In my next post, I'll share all the amazing loot I got from these artists. Bartering with other artisans is such a great way to cross-promote each other and build your collection of handmade art!

XMAS OOAK...

2009-11-30T21:56:00.008-05:00

Here's a peek at my booth for the One of a Kind Show. It's running through December 6th (I can't believe it's December already!) and I'm so glad to report that the show is going well. I've met some lovely people, including an inspiring organic farmer and local florist I've been hearing amazing things about. Come visit the show, I'll be in booth H51. Scroll down for more pics...

making through living / living through making...

2009-11-20T11:41:00.004-05:00

My fantasies about running my own creative business often wrestle with my fantasies of saving the planet by going completely off the grid, learning survival skills and retreating into the wild (as if just this lone effort would do...). BUT every so often I hear about something amazing that fills me with hope, makes me think that my ceramic business might be able to run in greener ways, and that might provide new sustainable technologies for artists.

I'm sorry I don't have time to post about this amazing event in more detail, but check out the conference description below. This is what I wish we were talking about five years ago when I was entering my ceramics course at OCAD. This is what every art school should be talking about and moving towards...And the panel for this event is amazing!

Making Through Living - Living Through Making: Studio Pottery in 2010

Preconference for NCECA 2010, Philadelphia
March 29 and 30, Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA Co-hosted by Michael Connelly and Alleghany Meadows

This inaugural conference at Montgomery County Community College will focus on contemporary issues in utilitarian pottery, including sustainability, creativity, content, form, marketing, idea generating and social outreach. Demonstrators will also give slide lectures about their work. There will be a keynote address by the editor of Studio Potter Magazine, a panel discussion about Living Through Making, and a panel discussion on Sustainability in Ceramics. Presenters, Speakers and Panelists include Mary Barringer, Christa Assad, Andy Brayman, Ron Meyers, Ellen Shankin, Ayumi Horie, Julia Galloway, Alleghany Meadows, Steven Lee and Michael Connelly. The conference will also feature Artstream Nomadic Gallery.

A part of the conferences focus will follow Montgomery County Community College’s commitment to integrating sustainability into the curriculum to better serve students, professionals and the greater community. Integration of "green" components across the curriculum for students in a wide variety of programs, from physical sciences to allied health, social sciences, and the humanities will have the greatest impact in the long-term reduction of the carbon footprint of our community. In addition, this conference will have a focus on "Green Kilns" and technologies for ceramic artists, which Dr. Stephen Grieco and Michael Connelly are currently seeking funding for a future kiln project at MCCC. It is, to the best of our knowledge, that the Montgomery County Community College’s "Green Kiln" will be the first at any college or university in the country.

The demonstrators and presenters will be among the artists represented by the Artstream during its 2010 Spring Tour. Venues for the tour will include the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, MO; Wabounsee Community College, Sugar Grove, IL; Illinois State University, Bloomington/Normal, IL; NCECA Preconference, Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA; NCECA 2010, Philadelphia Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA; New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred, NY, and other venues TBA.

photoshoot!

2009-11-12T12:42:00.002-05:00

Finally, I have managed to get new process/studio/head shots from a professional! The lovely Michelle Clarke lent me her superb photo services for the afternoon. She even brought in her giant light...a first for our ceramic studio, I'm sure of it. I'm incredibly awkward having my picture taken, so I'm excited to have this under my belt (I know, I'm a baby...) and will have some great shots in time for the Christmas One of a Kind show.

Here are a few shots I took of the process and my studio. I'll post the photos from the shoot here when they're ready. We did a series of shots of my slip-casting and glazing process. These will come in handy at shows to better explain how the heck I make my work. It's much easier with visuals, and a huge part of the value of handmade art and craft is knowing exactly how much time goes into each object.

Thanks Michelle! Check out her blog!

Now I get to photograph you, Michelle...hahaha!

Etsy Finds feature...

2009-10-28T12:32:00.003-04:00

What a happy to surprise to be featured on this week's Etsy Finds Decor guide, The Comforts of Home. My large square floral vase in pink was part of a colourful and eclectic collection of home decor objects. Thanks Etsy! I'm currently making vases like this for the Christmas One of a Kind Show, November 26th-December 6th in Toronto. I've also added new objects to the collection (ahem, coffee mugs!) so please come visit me in Booth H51!

autumn hibernation...

2009-09-21T17:33:00.005-04:00

Thanks to all who came by my booth at both the Cabbagetown festival and Danforth East Arts Fair! After two very busy weekends (and many weeks of frantic show preparations) I'm ready to hunker back down into design mode. I won't be doing any shows until Christmas OOAK so it's prototype/production time for me until late November.

Until then, you can find me on Etsy! New items this week include this darling little bud vase in blue/green and shot glass sets in blue, green and pink. Scroll down for more shots...

Bud vase in Blue/Green, $30

Shot glasses, set of two, $36

(also great for sake, espresso, votive candles or toothpicks, as one sweet grandmother once told me!)

Cabbagetown Arts & Crafts Sale...

2009-09-08T10:36:00.003-04:00

I'm just about to run to my studio to glaze more pots (glazing is never ending) but wanted to remind you all that this Friday is the first day of the Cabbagetown Arts & Crafts sale. I'll be selling there with some amazing artsy vendors. Before I exhibited at this show, I'd always visit as a shopper and I loved it. Probably because it's held in a park, next to Riverdale Farm (cute fuzzy animals) and the Pickle Guy is there every year...buy a jar for $10 and be amazed how soon they disappear. Cabbagetown is a relaxed show to send off a busy summer!

Here's a sneak peek into my cozy studio space as it looks now. My lovely assistant Megs, has been a huge help (thank you!) and one day I will reciprocate by assisting her on her upcoming novel writing adventures. As a side note, Megs is also my BFF. That's right...I said it...straight from rural highschool to Toronto. We don't wear those gold heart necklaces broken in two, but we do share bottles of wine, "Kraft" Dinner with Spike seasoning, and brunch. Happy ten year anniversary Megs! (You'll kill me when you see this...ha ha)

makings! happenings!

2009-08-21T21:50:00.006-04:00

I've been working on a new vase form...a tiny bud vase (above, in the blue/red colourway). I'm really happy with the shape and love that it's small enough to add colour to a small space, and still quite functional. I'm doing a run of these in a light minty green + blue for Jared's restaurant, Calico. They're just big enough for a few blooms but still leave space on the cafe tables for plates full of food. I'm also officially into production mode for the Fall/Holiday craft show season. If you're in Toronto, come visit me at the Cabbagetown Arts + Crafts Sale running from Sept. 11-13th. I'll be selling my line of ceramic tableware and decorative art. Hope to see you!

things I love...

2009-08-07T21:04:00.007-04:00

bee balm + lavender from my mom's country garden, sculpture by Sun Koo Yuh (Anniversary), candy cane beets...

lake + rocks at the cottage, gorgeous necklaces by Sarah Nadas, tall pine trees...

farmers markets for city folk who love their veggies, more Sun Koo Yuh (One More Chance), my Jenny Clark maiolica bowl...

for the birds...

2009-07-24T22:37:00.004-04:00

I'm currently working on a commission project involving birds forms. The final pieces will be slip-cast and installed on a wall...should be beautiful. I'll post pictures of my progress as the project unfolds...

nature-based...

2009-07-09T18:18:00.004-04:00

I've noticed lately that instead of posting craft related updates, I've been focusing on plants, flowers, veggies and food. It's summer, so I'm a bit plant-crazy. But my current veg-centric view is not such a leap from my craft practice. I tend to look to plants and the natural world for inspiration for my ceramic forms, motifs, and patterns. Not super original, I know, but always reliable. I have a running joke with a friend who is a glass artist that all craftspeople seem to describe their work as "nature-based."

On a recent visit home to visit my parents and get away from the smoggy city, I reacquainted myself with my mother's garden. Originally belonging to my great-grandparents, our home came with a legacy of gardening attached to it. My great-grandfather grew his own vegetables in summer and canned and preserved them in the fall. When we moved into the house in 1994, we found pickled beets in the pantry, still untouched, marked with the date 1979. My dad claims they still tasted great!

So while I'm gearing up for a few new projects (bud vases, porcelain wall installation, upcoming craft shows) I wanted to post some pics of flowers I stole from my mother's garden to bring back to the city. Delphinium, lamb's ears, spirea, daylilies, hosta leaves and lady's mantle. xo

live a life of beauty...

2009-06-30T22:53:00.006-04:00

I'm so happy it's finally summer! When I'm not at my business program I'm in the park smelling the grass, or in my veggie garden picking the first heads of lettuce and staking tomatoes, or on my deck where I'm growing annuals. Usually always admiring wild, growing things. Have you noticed all the yellow daylilies blooming in Trinity Bellwoods Park? I've also finally broken down and splurged on a few chenille plants and a ptilotis which has beautiful conical purple flowers (see example below!)

I've been reading "The Earth Knows My Name: Food, Culture and Sustainability in the Gardens of Ethnic Americans" by Patricia Klindienst. This book helps keep me from running wildly back into rural Ontario to become a farmer while I continue to build my ceramic business in the city...and yet it also inspires me to do the same. Highly recommended summer reading.

And last but not least, BIG thanks to all you lovely folks who visited the Garden Party trunk show at the Workroom last week...great to meet some new faces!

garden party trunk show @ the workroom

2009-06-06T22:13:00.004-04:00

I'm very excited to have a great show coming up to tell you about...the good folks at the workroom and toronto craft alert are hosting a garden party trunk show to kick off glorious summer!

As an aside, I'm plugging away at my business incubation program. We're now in month two (of eleven). Though I can barely stay sane cooped-up in an office five days a week, I'm learning a ton. They don't teach you this stuff in art school, let me tell you! Break-even points, fixed and variable expenses charts, branding, operations plans...all for a little ceramic biz. I'm humbled.

Hope to see you at this great show! Happy (almost) summer!

May flowers...

2009-05-21T16:13:00.008-04:00

Yay! I've got a new vase available on the goodEGG Industries website. In case you haven't already perused this lovely collection of Canadian craft, please venture over to the site to take a peek. There are so many amazing designers on this site. I love these Bok handmade wooden blocks by petit flaneur. I know they're for kids, but I want them too!

Word to your mother...

2009-05-10T12:18:00.003-04:00

Two generations of great mothers...Helen and Sue (my nana and mom, respectively). The artistic talent from these two ladies could sink a ship (which makes no sense, but illustrates how heavily gifted they were/are). Painting, dressmaking, pattern drafting, drawing, calligraphy, jewellery designing, kick-ass perogie making, embroidery, cross-stitch, gardening, quilting, thrifty shopping, child-raising...amazing. Happy day to you, mothers!

twenty-five...

2009-05-03T19:10:00.005-04:00

Today is my twenty-fifth birthday. It feels like a big deal. I know twenty-five is young, but it's a big number. I felt like I should mark the day with some kind of significant/wondrous activity.

I'm really starting (really starting) my business this year. My partner (who I've just started calling my partner, since he's not my husband but somehow more than just a boyfriend now) is about to open his own vegan/vegetarian cafe. And in June we will be moving into a new apartment...a very adult looking apartment.

To mark these things, I spent the afternoon in Trinity Bellwoods park with my best friend eating tarts (!) and bought a book of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales. She got a collection of Marcel Dzama prints. Then I bicycled home. So many things have transpired for me in this park since I moved to this city, I really feel connected to it. If you are reading this then maybe you have a shared memory of us here.

And of course, my beautiful pink b-day tulips...

...quickly discovered by my cat...

...and thoroughly enjoyed by both of us. xo

New Beginnings:

2009-04-26T19:33:00.005-04:00

I'm sorry I took so long to post this, but I've been wanting to show off my new favorite vase made by the inspiring Nesting Emily! I got to see all her lovely pots in person at last Sunday's Hunt & Gather trunk show at the Workroom. We've been mutually admiring each other's work for some time, so by the magic of trading I scored two porcelain treasures: a bottle-shaped vase and a howling wolf magnet! I love bartering with other craftspeople.

As an aside, my life has just changed dramatically as I've started an eleven-month business entrepreneurship program. I'm really excited to get to spend a year with other young, creative entrepreneurs, but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I've had to give up much of my studio time, making time, and personal time (I know, insert the tiny violins here) to participate in this program. And a trip to Chicago...sigh. I'll keep you updated on my findings/feelings as I go along.

Book wish list:

2009-04-13T19:58:00.004-04:00

Image above from "Naïve: Modernism And Folklore In Contemporary Graphic Design" published by Gestalten.

Don't these look great? I could spend hours reading books like these with a big cup of tea and a sketchbook...sigh.

spring...

2009-04-12T23:27:00.002-04:00

I'm enjoying a week or two away from making now that the dust has settled from OOAK. This made me happy: my tulip decided to bloom today, and my new Blue Mountain Pottery Apollo vase (a wonderful score from Value Village).

ooak wrap up! and loot!

2009-04-07T00:14:00.004-04:00

Last night me & j packed all my ceramics, shelving, lights and bubble wrap into our autoshare van (which was so much more practical than a budget van, fyi) and drove away from the Spring One of a Kind Show. I practically lived in the Direct Energy Centre, not seeing the light of day for nearly a week, becoming more and more squirrely each day. But it was indeed a great show and we all made it out alive. Hoorah! Over the five days I met local artisans that I'd long been admiring, as well as a few brave souls who transported their work from afar (props to Kim in Seattle and Gillian from Calgary!)

As you might guess by the photo above (which doesn't do these items justice) I also left with a bounty of amazing handcrafted delights from my fellow show-mates. The bookbag and hand-dyed scarf is by the lovely Anna Zygowksi. She uses recycled suit pants to construct her bags which are also screenprinted, and lined with mens shirts...And though they may not be shown in their actual glory, please guide your attention to my pair of merit badges by Lee Meszaros! My favourite is the badge for "Surviving first Love."

I kept eyeing these floral-stamped silver earrings by Calgarian Gillian Hillerud. The wallet is by Roisin Fagan of Bespoke Uprising and features Iznik print teacups and saucy ladies on the inside! The retro owl key ring is by Kim Sun, who sources all her leather from local Amish farmers and uses vegetable based dyes and stains to make her adorable line of leather belts, cuffs and key rings.

I know it's spring, but it snowed today in Toronto and I have Anna to thank for my new cashmere/wool mittlets! (and those are my leather cuffs made by Kim in behind)

Last but not least, as I rushed around trading like a madwoman I picked up this matrioshka pendant from Kate Singer of Marmalade designs. Kate's paper/fabric and resin pieces are so cheerful, and if you visit her website you can read about her efforts to reduce harmful environmental pollutants from her jewellery practice. So inspiring. Thanks to all of you who came out to visit, shop and support handmade!!

minty green...

2009-03-02T23:41:00.002-05:00

These are my new scalloped bowls, cups and shot glasses in mint green. Photographs by the magnificent Robin Tieu.

OOAK Artisan Reusable Bag Design Contest: Honourable Mention

2009-02-23T12:41:00.007-05:00

Here is my "Spring Sparrow" illustration (#3) which I'd hoped would grace thousands of One of a Kind Show reusable shopping bags, but alas, honorable mention is okay too! I like that we all went for flora & fauna themes. Below you can see the runners up for the public bag design contest.

road trip: dufferin county museum

2009-02-18T21:01:00.003-05:00

(above, the Add-Index mechanical calculator and cash drawer)

It turns out that you don't have to go very far from Toronto to find different scenery. Today I joined a team of curious, crafty ladies on a miniature road trip to the Dufferin County Museum (about 1.25 hrs from Toronto, or more if you need to make pit stops to get coffee and croissants as we did). My lady friend was in search of inspiring examples of old signage, product packaging and ceramics from bygone days. We deemed it a "research trip" for her ceramics thesis, but really we just needed some fresh air and a big cornfield to gaze upon (we all hail from small towns...sigh). Here are some of my favourite findings:

C's pick for the best vintage bike...there was a horse and buggy hearse with a wicker coffin just a few feet from this guy.

Sadly, this illustration by Ed Huxtable seems quite timely today. It's titled The Man of the Hour. But What of Tomorrow? Notice the angry squirrel...

Loyal Orange Lodge or Laugh Out Loud? Both.

Here's a picture for my father, an avid harmonica collector, enthusiast and player. Such a lovely display for Hohner harmonicas, too bad there's only one left!

Sorry this picture is out of focus--I had to take it from across a barricade. At first I was drawn to the amazing wallpaper but then we noticed the box of taxidermy-ed birds on the parlor table. Charming.

And finally, just colourful and fun toys.

Dufferin County Museum

get 'er done!

2009-02-16T23:14:00.004-05:00

I wanted to pass along this amazing contest via all the hardworking folks at Toronto Craft Alert. You could win all the amazing handmade loot seen above just by finishing that abandoned craft project you've got stashed under your bed. Perhaps there's more than one? Read below for details:

We all have unfinished projects lying around – be it a pair of pants that need hemming, a quilt that needs binding, or even a vase that need glazing. And most of us are familiar with that pang of guilt we feel when we catch a glimpse of these abandoned projects tucked away, gathering dust.

Still riding the high of our recent website relaunch (months and months in the making!) Toronto Craft Alert presents The Crafty Slacker's Get 'Er Done Giveaway - a contest that gives you the incentive you need to get 'er done! By sharing your unfinished projects in our flickr pool (and commenting on our blog) you'll be entered to win a care package bursting with goodness from Toronto-based craft stores and talented local designers (valued at close to $700!). Finishing your abandoned projects will earn you even more entries and of course the satisfaction that comes with completion.

For contest details and a full list of prizes please visit our contest page. Anyone can enter – you don't need to live in Toronto!

i am a machine

2009-02-13T19:36:00.004-05:00

I keep thinking about deadlines: kiln schedules, photo shoots for show applications, van-rental timelines, payment due dates. And quotas: 80 doves, 50 cups, 40 bowls...numbers have taken over my brain! It's okay though, because I'm really enjoying being able to make so much work, and like seeing my work changing and growing. These two unfired vases are new, and I get to see the finished versions tomorrow when we unload the kiln. Fingers crossed.

I couldn't resist bringing something LIVING into my studio, hence the little crocus on the table. I literally move it to whichever area of my space I'm working in so I can have a constant reminder that spring is coming, and things will grow! I miss the smell of earth and plants. Could that be why I'm always drawing plants on my ceramics?

Make something!

2009-02-10T15:22:00.004-05:00

New sessions are starting soon at my ceramics studio! It's located at 1910 Danforth Ave. (between coxwell and woodbine) and classes feature handbuilding, wheel-throwing and moldmaking techniques.

Come get dirty, play with some clay!

i stole these photos

2009-02-09T23:14:00.001-05:00

Just a few pics from the trunk show...thanks Ashlea! Look at all the amazing fabrics we gazed upon all day...so lovely!

Love & Rummage

2009-02-07T13:22:00.003-05:00

I'm busy getting my trunks full of ceramic doves, cups and pendants! Tomorrow is the Love & Rummage sale, as the lovely flyer to the left will inform you. I'm afraid I don't have much in the way of rummage, since I'm not ready to part with my vintage fabric scraps (I'm still in hoarding mode apparently), but I promise you'll find all the goodies your heart desires, and some delicious vegan snacks chez Chef J!

Hope to see you tomorrow!

xo

2009-01-28T20:49:00.003-05:00

I'm gearing up for my first craft sale of 2009, and pleased as punch that it's the Love & Rummage trunk show with the awesome crew at the workroom in Parkdale. I attended the Valentines trunk show last year and wanted to stay for hours, the people were so warm and inviting...and Zeesy Powers was painting watercolour portraits (which I was too shy to sit for and now regret!)...but back to business. I'm bringing along these cute little ceramic tags to sell. Each will be strung with a ribbon and can be hung up as a decoration for your home or studio, or turned into a pendant. Here's a sampler of styles, above.

I'm snagging the red bird above (my mother always told me to keep one item from each series I make, or else live to regret it, as she did in 1986), but I have just collected 30 more from the kiln so come pick one up for your valentine (or your arch enemy?)

I like it when art helps animals!

2009-01-25T21:12:00.004-05:00

I didn't know I could grow to love Neko Case anymore than I already do, but it's happened. Now we're quite serious. Until February 3rd, she's offering a FREE download of one of her new songs: People Got a Lotta Nerve. For every person who BLOGS about (and re-posts) this song, she will personally donate $5 to the Best Friends Animal Society.

Here's what it's all about:

And here is the new song!

People Got A Lotta Nerve - Neko Case

flower friends

2009-01-18T22:09:00.002-05:00

I have been glued to the computer for most of the day (photoshop - how I love/hate you!), but I did squeeze in a little drawing time for my new prints I'm working on. This is just one idea above...but today's main mission was to complete several show applications and a submission for Lark's upcoming book in their popular 500's series, 500 Vases . If you're interested in applying, you've still got time (submissions must be postmarked by Feb. 2nd) and it's absolutely free! No excuses, then, yes?

Ps, if you're bored & need more eye candy check out this Flickr group on Mid-century modern ceramics & tableware!

Sustainable Ceramics (?)

2009-01-09T19:43:00.006-05:00

Most people think that the job of a potter or ceramist is a relatively green profession (we're talking environmentally green, not monetarily!). It's easy to understand why we might assume so, as many ceramic buyers, teachers and students I've spoken to like to believe that by using "earthy" materials, ceramics are also inherently earth friendly. However, anyone with their own ceramic practice who has felt that pang of guilt from washing glaze down the sink or firing a not-so-nice pot into permanence knows that just isn't the case.

I've had conversations with friends in the business, questioned my practices and theirs, seeming to only end up with more questions. As I searched the internet for "greener" ceramics, I was surprised to find very little online discussion on this topic from any respected ceramic magazines or suppliers. Where the discussion seems to be growing most is on (wait for it!) blogs. Some of my favourite ceramic artists have weighed-in on the issue, honestly examining the environmental impact that their ceramic businesses incur.

On Diana Fayt's blog, One Black Bird, guest-blogger Laura Zindel describes her own frustrations with ceramic producers who describe their work as completely sustainable. She writes:

"On one site, a potter making very nice copper reduction pots states on his web site ... 'No toxic materials are used in these ceramics, they are therefore maker, user, and environmentally friendly . The work is 'Reduction' fired in a 40 cu. ft. Natural Gas kiln to a temperature of approx. 1340 degrees centigrade (cone14). The firing takes about 24 hours to reach top temperature.'"

"Just about everything in this statement makes me so mad I don't even know where to start. First we have silica, then copper, then reduction, 40ft cu kiln, and end with Natural Gas I think, are you tripping. This is the kind of stuff that is really going to confuse someone that does not know about ceramics. It confused me, and I know a thing or two."

Many potters and ceramic artists may never have considered their industry to be a contributor to the pollution of our water and soil, industrial mining or global warming. If they do ponder this fact, it isn't always so easy for independent ceramic businesses to over-haul their production processes and re-design their wares (and aesthetic choices?) to be less harmful. This could mean switching clay bodies, changing firing temperature, buying or trading for a new/different kiln, using a limited range of glazes and producing batches upon order with no excess inventory. At the most extreme, it could mean choosing not to make art in any non-biodegradable or toxic form (I'm interested to hear what these might be). These are all possible changes, but I think most people refrain from doing these things because of mental blocks, not to mention financial costs.

In her blog entry on the subject, Emily Murphy writes:

"I think my aversion to actually writing this post [on green ceramics] that has been in my head is the same thing that stops many of us from creating greener lives. I wanted this post to be epic, to have all of the answers. It was going to be very complete and very satisfying. But that is truly an impossible task. When I think about all of the environmental changes that I want to make at home or at my studio, the ultimate goal is overwhelming and paralyzing. The only way to get past the paralysis is to stop for a moment, and break it down into steps. The steps will get you closer to your end goal, but they are much easier to conquer than taking a gigantic leap."

If you would like to learn practical ways of making your ceramic studio more sustainable, I highly recommend reading more of Emily Murphy's blog post, "A path to being a greener potter." She lists some very practical ways art studios can reduce their ecological footprint.

Of course, if you have the space and the dough, there are solar powered electric kilns! And I've heard discussions online about artists outfitting their studios with solar panels that power their kilns (this power can also be recycled to heat your studio/home). Check out Steve Harrison's solar studio set-up and his suggestions to help reduce your eco-footprint: http://www.hotnsticky.com.au/sustain.htm

Links for you:
SHUT UP AND COLOUR: http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=48812473697&h=f_AiE&u=t9_TD
EMILY MURPHY: http://potteryblog.com/2007/10/a-path-to-being-a-greener-potter/
DIANA FAYT: http://oneblackbird.blogspot.com/2007/07/green-ware-question.html
STEVE HARRISON: http://www.hotnsticky.com.au/sustain.htm
DAVISTUDIO: http://davistudio.blogspot.com/2007/08/my-list.html

Enroll for January ceramics classes!

2009-01-02T20:51:00.005-05:00

Can you believe the holidays are over?!

It's once again time to begin a fresh new year. We're gearing up for our Winter session of ceramics classes at 1910 Danforth (the studio where I make all my stuff). If your New Year's resolutions included becoming more crafty/creative OR if you've had a clay project in mind for some time, a class at our studio might be just the thing!

Students are able to focus on functional or sculptural pieces and usually complete 2-3 projects during the eight week session. Plus, the cost includes all the clay and glazes you'll need and the firings are taken care of, too.

Feel free to email if you might be interested, or if you have any questions.

To the snow I go...

2008-12-18T19:45:00.003-05:00

There hasn't been much going on with me art-wise in the past week. Although, I have been catching up on some reading and drawing and sleeping...decadent! I'm almost ready to go home for a snowy, country Christmas and will close up my studio until January. My New Year's resolution will be to get my Etsy shop open, despite worries over shipping quotes on heavy/fragile ceramic objects!

Happy Holidays everybody!

craftified...

2008-12-13T21:29:00.002-05:00

The second annual City of Craft show just wrapped--literally...I'm just jotting down a few notes after getting home about half and hour ago. What a great show! For those of you who came out, you probably noticed how great the atmosphere was. It's a rare find: a cozy setting, affordable tables, quality handmade goods and a real sense of crafty community. It makes you warm and fuzzy all over.
I'd like to send a big thanks to Jen Anisef, Becky Johnson and all the other amazing organizers and volunteers who worked all year to put on the show. Can't wait til City of Craft 2009!

It's almost here!

2008-12-07T14:56:00.004-05:00

One week until all your handmade holiday dreams come true! Okay, that sounds kinda cheesy, but for anyone pledging to buy handmade gifts this holiday season, look no further than City of Craft.

I'll be there, with new ceramic vases, cups and bowls, along with Toronto's best indie crafters. Can't wait!

PS...did I mention there will be coffee, sandwiches and an Afghan Mountain for you to relax on? AND craft workshops will be running all day long. Hope to see you there!

http://www.cityofcraft.com/2008/cityofcraft/index.html

goodEgg industries!

2008-11-20T23:59:00.004-05:00

I am thrilled to tell you that my ceramics are now available for sale online at goodEgg industries!

If you haven't already visited this all-Canadian craft marketplace, please take a peek. You won't be disappointed! I'm in love with the handpainted and embroidered merit badges by Lee Meszaros and the Ricky and Loretta Paper Puppets by Pin Pals!

The goodEgg site also features a great directory of Canadian craft related resources for perusing pleasure...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.goodeggshop.com/

Buy handmade for the holidays!

2008-11-16T22:40:00.004-05:00

So I discovered this weekend that the application deadline for DIWhy has been extended until December 1st, which is a bit of a relief since I'm currently up to my ears in projects. I have a show coming up called "City of Craft" on December 13th that I'll be posting about in the coming week. This is my first time participating in this amazing craft sale -- put on by the hard-working ladies at Toronto Craft Alert. For holdiday craft shoppers, I think this just might soothe the empty space left by the DUDE show, which I believe is now unfortunately defunt.

I am also working on a commission project of 150 slipcast ceramic figures...hence, lots of plaster mixing and mould making is going on in my tiny studio space. All the folks at 1910 Danforth are getting ready for holiday shows. Our studio is (almost) packed to the brim with people and ceramic production! (Now hopefully patrons will still buy some quality handmade items, despite the fact that there's a recession!)

Oh, yes! And don't forget: December 13-14th hop on the subway and visit Xenia Taler's fantastic (and rare) studio sale! You'll find beautiful handcrafted ceramic tiles, vases, and decor items at amazing prices!

Xenia's studio is located at:
3884 Chesswood Drive,
North York, Ontario
Canada
M3J 2W6.

t: 416-588-8950
email: info@xeniataler.com

Idle hands?...not lately!

2008-11-10T19:55:00.004-05:00

Hi there. Just wanted to write a quick reminder to anyone thinking of entering a submission to the "D.I.Why?" show in conjuction with the Ontario Crafts Council and Toronto Craft Alert, the dealine is this Friday, November 14th at 5pm!

(visit: http://torontocraftalert.ca/2008/10/09/from-the-desk-of-tca-call-for-submission-for-diwhy-deadline-november-14-exhibition-february-5-march-1/)

Here's a sneak peek of my entry above. I was so glad to see these two craft organizations coming together for this show--and with such a timely theme. As I try daily to combine craft and creativity with my own prosperity, I feel a great sense of pride when I realize that I can forge my own path and make my own business through my craft practice. Craft dialogue cannot only be made from discussions of "high" or "low," fine or folk-craft...because at the moment those lines appear to be (happily) blurred. This show will likely present a good sampling of what's being made in the space in between.

And as an aside, look who came to visit the studio on the weekend:

special delivery...

2008-10-29T19:32:00.002-04:00

What could be better...

...a special surprise...

...from a very talented lady! Thank you Stefani Makes!

OBAMAWARE!

2008-10-08T14:51:00.006-04:00

For those of you following the American election (who isn't?!) I thought you might appreciate the amazing new work being produced by American potters and ceramic artists in support of Barack Obama:

Ayumie Horie (shown above), Diana Fayt, Beth Lo, Jason Walker and Jason Rothshank are only a few of a group of twenty-eight artists contributing work to an "Obamaware" auction, raising money that will be applied directly to the Obama/Biden campaign.

Above: Jason Rothshank

In our ceramic studio, we often tune-in to CIUT for a daily fix of Democracy Now! But it can be hard to hear about the political and financial unrest in North America and still feel good about making art. I often question what role my own art practice plays (if any) in improving the state of the world, even on a personal scale. However, I was thrilled to see this Obamaware 2008 auction, as it shows directly how artists can use their work to reach out and positively influence people's political and personal choices.

On her website, Ayumie Horie writes: "Potters often talk about the intersection of art and everyday life and functional ceramic's power to impact people on a daily, intimate basis. Through Obamaware 2008, we hope to expand this dialogue by generating a timely conversation and by supporting a candidate who is brave enough to promote a hopeful, humanistic paradigm."

"On October 13th, a preview of the actual pots for purchase will be posted online. On October 15th at noon EST the online sale will begin."

Please visit: http://www.ayumihorie.com/obamaware.html#ayumi

tiles + broken cups

2008-10-08T10:48:00.004-04:00

We are slowly but surely settling into the new apartment. As you can see, our cat Nirvana likes the (imitation?) maiolica tiles in our kitchen. I've been told they were installed by a Portuguese family who previously owned the house. I just love them. They make the space feel so home-y.

And here is one of several objects lost in the move...one of my brand new big cups (insert tiny violins here). I was photographing some pieces for my etsy store (opening soon!), packed them away for the move, and they ended up bouncing around in the U-haul until...SMASH!

alas, we must part...

2008-09-29T20:16:00.005-04:00

They say all things change. Apartments are no exception...and I am one of those people who gets veclempt at the idea of moving house. I've been packing all week and am completely amazed by how much junk I have accumulated since moving into our current home over two years ago. Most of this is craft related, boxes of yarn, tupperware bins full of ceramic sculptures from my years at OCAD, and boxes and bags of FABRIC!

I come by pack-ratting naturally, but good lord! I swear I've carted out bag after bag of unused material and yet my "keep" pile looks just as big. Sadly, our new apartment is lacking room for any serious craft space so I'll have to learn to craft in the closet or in the kitchen. I'll post some picks of the new digs when we're settled in!

i finally found it...

2008-09-13T23:38:00.002-04:00

After a few weeks of searching, I finally found an issue of the new and improved American Craft magazine at Pages Books + Magazines in Toronto. I read through the August/September issue while on the subway today and was not disappointed. I was glad to see an article on American quilt-designer Denise Schmidt and some snippets about the state of the DIY craft scene in the States. However, I was left hoping for more thoughful written content and less gallery ads (though I'll take them over the shampoo ads that fill up most newstand mags).

http://www.americancraftmag.org/
http://www.dsquilts.com/
http://pagesbooks.ca/

home-growing pains...

2008-08-28T20:31:00.006-04:00

Even though I'm not supposed to say it, today sure felt like fall in Toronto. Luckily, I was able to fit in a visit back home with J. and the family to enjoy some summery weather before this fall business gets started. Here are a few shots of the cottage where we stayed (complete with thirty year's worth of cottage kistch!). I found some beautiful patterns on objects that have been collected over the decades and will use them as inspirations for my ceramics.

For a week and a half I swam in a lovely lake, sipped tea on a dock in a Muskoka chair and pondered how I could ever feel this relaxed during my real life in the city...As a born country gal I'm always in a toss-up as to where I belong: the beautiful green small town (with limited carreer options and growing pains), or the big frenzied city (artsy and young, and yet perpetually anxious). For now, I am lucky to share a very supportive and inspiring studio of talented folks which I would not soon abandon. Not to mention, there aren't any delicious vegan restaraunts, ceramics museums, cozy coffee shops or many art shows/collectives in the great wild north that is Muskoka. Here's hoping...

paper-cuts...

2008-08-12T14:02:00.002-04:00

Reading: see below...
Listening: Buffy St. Marie, Kaki King
Loving: Pots by ayumi horie, www.ayumihorie.com, Toronto's City of Craft, www.cityofcraft.com

gathered + sewn...

2008-08-02T23:00:00.004-04:00

After my show, I took two lovely weeks off from my ceramic production and did some sewing. It's been so long since I've done any textile related crafts, and it's about time I get reacquainted with the old needle and thread. Sewing was my first love -- been doing it since the age of four. Who else was going to make my Barbies' extensive collection of tube-dresses and circle-skirts?

Reading: "No One Belongs Here More Than You", Miranda July
Listening: Marnie Stern, Shelby Lamb, Dirty Three
Loving: www.mirandajuly.com, www.kittygenius.com, swimming

...and scene!

2008-07-14T21:17:00.004-04:00

I can't believe the show's over, but last night I packed up my remaining work from the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition. It turned out to be a great weekend...despite the rain during set-up on friday, the rest of the show was filled with good weather and great people.

I was especially happy to see so many people showing from OCAD's craft programs, as well as some teachers who offered great feedback about my new work. I was also so pleased that the objects in my imagination came to fruition, many of which found happy homes! If you made it to my booth, thank you so much for your support and patronage. Now I've got orders to fill!

2008-07-02T02:18:00.001-04:00

We're almost there, and my last kilns are about to fire. Hope to see you all at the show!

snippets...

2008-06-22T21:43:00.000-04:00

Three weeks and counting!

heart factory...

2008-06-16T00:33:00.003-04:00

Here's a glimpse of what's been coming out of my studio in the past week: vases of various shapes and sizes, jumbo drinking cups, tiny candle holders (or shot glasses if you like!) and wall tiles. I'm learning how to carve freshly cast forms without cracking them, and doing some underglaze patterns as well.

Our studio has been bursting at the seams lately, with several of us preparing for the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition and our visiting studio-mate, the lovely Grace Donati, is currently working on a big comission. The place is buzzing!

think it + paint it = make it!

2008-06-02T22:45:00.003-04:00

I did something that you're not supposed to do before a big art show...You'd think it would've been easy to just keep making old work (or "same" work) and having any easy time of it, but no. What do I do? I get all new ideas for work that is related to, but made very differently, from the older, safer ceramic projects I had going a few months ago.

Now, with only a month and a bit to go before the big day, I've started making moulds and skipcasting again. I'm changing some of my glaze materials and decorating methods to fit these skipcast forms, which also must be foodsafe. (I'm crossing my fingers and betting on functional pottery being a bigger seller than eccentric ceramic sculptures this year, even though I still love both!)

So here I am, drawing and painting and casting...hoping for some nice results to come out of my kiln. These are just some ideas for cups that I painted when I couldn't sleep last night. Too much to think about!

plaster caster...

2008-05-25T19:58:00.002-04:00

Not quite exciting as the original Plaster Caster (as in "Cynthia The..."), my vase moulds are coming along faster than I imagined. Maybe I'm just working harder on my own work now that I'm finished school and it's more of a "sink or swim" situation.

Altogether, I'll have three vases, a tall cup and square bowl moulds. If things keep going smoothly, I hope to try some test casts later this week. I'll just be relieved when they're done and I can start designing surface decorations and glaze combos.

And then I can wash all the plaster off me for good. Or at least until my next show!

TOAE July 11th-13th 2008

2008-05-18T21:40:00.005-04:00

From now until mid July, I'll be hunkered down in my little studio space much more often. I'll be doing the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition again this year at Nathan Phillips Square.

I've been wanting to make some new forms (and sketching furiously) and am working on a plaster moulds for vase forms. I'm hoping that slipcasting will become my new best friend, allowing me to make more pieces more quickly, and giving me time to spend on my favourite part of the ceramic process: decorating each form. Fingers crossed!

making by hand + making a living:

2008-05-15T17:55:00.006-04:00

Now that it's finally spring, I've been trying to clean up my backyard garden and patio. I'm lucky enough to have a backyard in the city, and our lilac tree has just stared to bloom. Normally I hate to pick flowers since they last much longer on the tree or in the ground, but I couldn't resist. Lilacs look beautiful in my favourite flower vase, made by Toronto ceramic artist Michelle Mendlowitz. Michelle graduated from OCAD in 2005 and has been making her living from her richly-glazed pots and sculptures ever since. Not to mention, she's also my studio mate!

I consider myself very lucky to have friends, like Michelle, who are making a living by making art. This seems to be a daunting task these days. Even though handmade fine art + craft is in style, and crafting has never been cooler, actually paying your rent by selling the objects you make (often painstakingly!) can be challenging. Let's hope more people choose to buy handmade!!!

If you ever need to find something beautiful, try visiting:

www.michellemendlowitz.com
www.xeniataler.com
www.juliemoon.ca
www.jennyclarkpottery.com
www.katejacksonart.com
www.margaretmlim.blogspot.com
www.torontocraftalert.blogspot.com

2008-05-11T21:34:00.001-04:00

Just a quick note...I finally got my Flickr account linked up with the blog. Feel free to take a peek (just click on the link to your right). Hopefully I'll have new work up soon!

lady's got talent

2008-05-05T20:57:00.006-04:00

The annual student exhibition at the Ontario College of Art + Design (OCAD) is quickly approaching and I thought I'd show you one of the many fantastic grads emerging from this year's Material Art + Design program. Majoring in Ceramics, Courtney Chapman has spent the entire year crafting sculptures out of cast porcelain and bronze for her final thesis installation.

Courtney's ceramic forms resemble otherworldly creatures, complete with precisely rolled tenticles and tattoo-like decorations. When viewed in groups, the forms look as though they are communicating with each other, reaching out from their shells. You may have seen Courtney's work at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition...but don't miss her during the OCAD grad show (May 9-11, in room 552), or by visit www.courtneychapman.ca.

pretty ugly:

2008-04-25T17:50:00.006-04:00

I know that retro things seem to always be in style, especially with ceramics and textiles. Nonetheless, my new love is hunting for tackily beautiful retro ceramics! Unless you are a strict devotee of stark white porcelain, you may have noticed a lot of vintage European ceramics around lately. Particularly those made between the fifties and the seventies in Germany and Scandinavia.

Today I went to a few antique shops in the Parkdale/Roncesvalles area with my friend V. and found some great West German vases. When we spied them, V. gasped, "Ah! Hideous!" While simultaneously my heart did a little flip and said, "They're sooo beautiful!" This is why I love my friends--they're not afraid to judge my taste. That won't stop my obsessions with pretty/ugly vintage ceramics!

For more information and inspiration, please visit these great sites:
www.outernational.info/index.html
and www.outernational.eu

gently crafting:

2008-04-11T21:19:00.005-04:00

I've been looking through old family hobby books all afternoon and wanted to share this gem of an article from Volume 1 of Greystone's Creative Hands (circa 1966!) entitled:

The author informs us that, in bygone days, gentle arts such as macrame, tatting and lace-making were solely the pursuits of "Ladies of Leisure." This is dear to my heart, because with the help of a few fellow craft enthusiasts and several rounds of coffee, the Parkdale Ladies of Leisure Lady Gang was born. Our purpose is simple: to promote leisure while crafting together. This could be as simple as drawing comics of each other at a local cafe, performing live comedy for a limited audience, or swapping skills like impromptu guitar lessons at a friend's apartment.

While we are for the moment a gang of ladies, we rub elbows with lots of boys who knit, bake and sew...not so subversive anymore, but we still like their company. Let's all resolve to embrace leisure by slowly (and of course, gently) crafting, laying in grass, reading in parks, swaying to music, drawing pictures and sleeping in...

2008-04-01T22:26:00.000-04:00

I am patiently waiting for spring...

2008-03-20T19:36:00.002-04:00

Last night we finished the display for the Spring One of a Kind Show. Here are a few of my tiles that will be featured in the OCAD booth, accompanied by the fabulous textile art of Amanda Ho. Amanda makes these great plush monkeys, along with painstakingly embroidered pillows and felted cat pins...a must see!

Happy Kiln

2008-03-18T23:06:00.003-04:00

Here are a few details of the last work finished for Spring One of a Kind. I was very happy to see that everything turned out more or less as I'd hoped...you never know with clay! Tomorrow we set up, booth E-20. Hope to see you there!

the beauty process...

2008-03-06T17:51:00.002-05:00

Finally, I pulled something from the kiln that made me smile! Chunky patterned wall-tiles for my upcoming show. Now, only three more days to make as many more as humanly possible...

Spring One of a Kind

2008-03-01T17:39:00.002-05:00

From March 20-24th you'll be able to find me and my work at the Spring One of a Kind show in Toronto. I'll be selling new ceramics along with other fellow OCAD alumni as part of the "Craft Schools of Canada" exhibit. For more info about the show you can visit: http://www.oneofakindshow.com/spring08/theshow.php?p=5

You can also find the fabulous potter Jenny Clark and her maiolica bird and berry mugs in booth K-43!

2008-02-16T11:53:00.002-05:00

Graph paper is perfect for planning new surface designs for my ceramic and textile work. It's particularly good for quilt and cross-stich patterns, acting like big pixels that are easier to work with when using fabric (since it's faster to cut squares and assemble a pixelated pattern than to take many hours cutting out curving lines and intricate structures).

neighbourhood tile

2008-02-15T11:03:00.002-05:00

I snapped this picture on my way out of Waterloo last week, just loved the windows, so many windows. I have a love of old buildings, particularly since moving to Toronto. When you find older structures that have survived the city's building sprees it makes it all the more special.
Walking up Roncesvalles Avenue yesterday, I also noticed how much amazing tile work you can still find. Some are just simple repeats, others are multi-coloured mosaics...and I am determined to find and photograph them all! I'll post my findings for you to see.

2008-02-02T14:47:00.000-05:00

Canadian Clay + Glass Gallery in Waterloo.

Gardiner Museum of Ceramics in Toronto.

On Tuesday I am going on a road trip to the Canadian Clay + Glass Gallery in Waterloo with my studio-mate Michelle. This is my first visit, so I'll have stories to post after the trip. But of course, I was curious to see what the gallery looked like and found this gorgeous image online.
If you have seen this gallery, or the Gardiner Museum of Ceramics in Toronto, you've probably already noticed how amazing they both are. I have a particular love for the Gardiner. I don't think a bunch of concrete and glass has ever made me feel quite so warm and fuzzy. For anyone else who is curious, the Gardiner was created by Toronto's KPMB Architects, who are also working on the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa--can't wait to see this.
The Gardiner's landscaping is simple, but welcoming. When you walk up the steps in the summertime, rows of lavender and tall grasses greet you. It's nice to see a space so dedicated to preserving and promoting ceramics, and craft in general, during a time when other institutions have too quickly judged ceramics as passe.

Please visit: www.gardinermuseum.on.ca
www.kpmb.com/

February, not always blah...

2008-01-16T15:07:00.000-05:00

I'm very excited to say that as of this February I will be regularly surrounded by the beautiful handmade ceramic tiles of Xenia Taler. I'll finaly be putting some of my ceramic training to good use, by helping to create these lovely tiles at Xenia's North York studio. I've picked one of my favourites to show you (above) and can't wait to start the making!
By phasing out of my office job, I'll now be in my own studio far more often and have already started on a new group of plaster moulds for making slab-moulded wall pieces. On the horizon: some of my textiles will be on display in February as part of the second installation of Motherbrand's very successful Souvenir Shop at the Gladstone Hotel...and a series of ceramic tiles based on traditional Canadian quilt patterns (log cabin, crazy quilt, etc.).

Please visit www.xeniataler.com