Another Dazzling Art in a Box Piece

Believe it or not I had to fire this piece 3 times(in addition to the bisque firing) to get it to work. The darn rocket kept popping off during the glaze firing. Eventually I ended up using nichrome wire to hold it in place which also ended up looking rather nice. Just another example of mistakes(or mishaps) working out in the end. Join Art in a Box or give the gift of Art in a Box today.

Holidayland at the Compound Gallery and Prof. Squirrel shop Just Around the Corner

Another Disappearing Bikini

I apologize for the sideways orientation.

Another Art in a Box in the Works

Almost done, just a few more coats.....
Coming soon to Art in a Box.... Join now and DEMAND this brilliant piece of ceramic history. Don't wait, this would make a great present or addition to your art collection. Art in a box. http://artinabox.net/

Video for your further amazement!

I apologize for the poor quality of the video, however I think you will enjoy this. Stand dumbfounded as you behold the magic disappearing bikini.

Eureka! It works!

So something I've had in the works for some time now is finally done(though not perfected yet). I have been interested in creating a heat sensitive ceramic vessel where clothing disappears when hot liquid is introduced. Recently Karl McDade was kind enough to invite me to be in a Gravy Boat Show at Diablo Valley College which gave me the perfect opportunity to test out my new concept. This is the gravy boat that I made:




Just add hot liquid and....





Unfortunately this is as transparent as it gets for now. Still rather novel if you ask me. However I intend to find a more transparent base that would give a true clear as opposed to this yellowish color. So stay tuned.
For more information on the gravy boat show visit Diablo Valley College's website here. The show runs 11/1 - 11/23 and I believe there is a closing party. The work will be sold silent auction style with a buy it now option. Also I believe you can "buy it now" over the internet if you are so inclined here(not up yet, check back).

Just a quick post to alert y'all that I'm going to drop off some new heads at the Professor Squirrel Shop located within the Compound Gallery. And actually Friday night their having an event within the shop. Here are the details:

"Two Events! Stowaway Card Game Launch Party and more!
Friday October 8th, at 8-10pm
Sunday, October 17th, 3-5pm

Come Get Some Booty! Pirate Party to show off Stowaway, a pirate card game by local game maker, Jonathan Curley
and to show off nautical art by local artist, Kerri Johnson
Learn to play Stowaway! Compete in a tournament! Prizes! Professor Squirrel is carrying Stowaway Card Game!

Pirate outfits highly encouraged! Prizes!
Art and decks of cards for enjoyment and purchasing.
Pirate Snacks and Libations
Arrrrrrr, mateys!"

Location:
Professor Squirrel & The Compound Gallery
1167 65th st
Oakland, CA

Normal Hours:
The Gallery is open: Thursday-Sunday 12-6

Here is another small glazed ceramic head that will be available:



And here is a small ceramic hand holding a pistol also available at the shop:
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Thanks!

Ceramic Dam #5

(click on images to see larger)

So I just sold this piece. It's something I have been thinking about and working on for a while now so it's pretty gratifying to have some positive feedback. Here is a small version I made when I was working out the perspective:



Here is the piece in it's greenware state:



And here she is all done:



Here's a shot from above showing the perspective:



I plan on making more like this. Stay tuned......

Art in a Box Show at the Compound

From art in a box:

"Art in a Box Exhibit and Handpick
at The Compound Gallery!
(July 10th-August 8th)

"What does this all mean? It means that all NEW and RENEWING subscribers can pick their piece right off the wall! We only offer this opportunity a couple times a year, so don't miss this!

"Work will be up from July 10th-August 8th in the Artist's Gallery. Even subscribers who are not about to expire can renew (and extend) their subscriptions and pick a piece off the wall. Check out what Art in a Box is all about! The Art in a Box Exhibit and Handpick will be in conjunction with the annual group show featuring The Compound Studio artists and 17 open studios. Too many reasons not to check this out. Better yet, stop by the opening reception on SATURDAY JULY 10th 6-9pm. There will be music, food, friends, and LOTS of Art in a Box to choose from."

So this is one of my pieces for the show. It wont last long....

ArtStruct Art Doors by Yorgen Quent Kvinsland

So in the past few months I have been working on some ceramic heads to be installed in a custom door made by my old college classmate Yorgen Quent Kvinsland. The name of his company is ArtStruct and you should deffinately check out his website here. Here is what he has to say there about the doors:

"A front door is a focal point of a dwelling or building – it sets the mood for the inhabitant or visitor. Yorgen Quent Kvinsland founded ArtStruct on the belief that a front door is an often underutilized blank canvas for creative expression and personal enrichment. A front door should express the owner’s personality and individualism, create a lasting impression, and “set the mood” for the entire building. "

"The identifying signature of an ArtStruct art door is the wooden end-grain grid pattern constant throughout. Also unique to ArtStruct art doors is that sections of the grid can be replaced with original artwork, either from the ArtStruct Collection or introduced by the client. ArtStruct art doors combine fine craftsmanship with artistic expression. They are one-of-a-kind works, crafted from permanent, sustainable, and recycled materials."

So he asked me to make some ceramic panels with heads on them to set in with the woodwork. It took me a good amount of time to get them all done due to super busy schedule but I finally got them all done.
Here is one of the best of the head panels.

And here is a group of several of the heads:

New Ceramic Heads for Professor Squirrel Shop

So if you haven't already heard the fantastic Compound Gallery has moved to a new and improved location. (Address and Hours-1167 65th st., Oakland, CA 94608. Hours: Thursday-Sunday 12-6.) It's only about a block away from the old one. Here is a brief description from their website:
"The COMPOUND Studios & Gallery is an artist run space that was established in 2008. In 2010, The Compound Gallery & Studios moved to a new location in Oakland, CA. The new building allows for a fuller realization of what The Compound is…an art institution without the institution…an art school, without the school. Located in the Golden Gate Gallery district of North Oakland, the new building boasts nearly 8,000 square feet and was chosen because of its location, amazing natural light, and architectural grandeur."
Needless to say it's pretty sweet. Matt and Lena have done an amazing job yet again.
Within the building just off the main gallery is their retail space- Professor Squirrel Shop. Run by the Professor as well as assistants Kerri Lee Johnson and Lena Verderano Reynoso. It looks incredible and their taste is exquisite. This is where you will find my heads. Stop by sometime....

Something from art in a box-

This was a piece I had in art in a box recently.

Another drawing

This is a drawing I did a while ago that I just finished shading. It was just some ideas for a website. There's another larger drawing of just mountains that would be in the background above one or more of these images. They would then be links to other pages.......

3-D Stereo Dam

More Dam Art

This is the second one of these this week. I think I'll try to make the perspective even more prominent on the next one.

New Work for the New Year

New Ceramic Landscape with a dam:

Here it is in stereo-

Here is a picture of a dam I made last year:

Last Chance to get stuff at the Compound Gallery!

That's right, this weekend is your last chance to shop at Holidayland at the Compound and Blankspace Galleries.
Here is the awesome display that Matt and Lena put together for my heads:

Here is one of the nicer, larger (more expensive) one of my heads:


Here are some cups that I made that are for sale. One of them sold already.

And here is another head.

Of course there's lots of other good goodies for your last minute shopping needs. Check out their site for more details.

Kiln Stand

THis is a picture of Sara that I took. I was just copying it to the computer and I thought it was pretty interesting.

Holidayland and Craft Fair at CCA

Well the craft fair time of year is upon us and I have been busy.
First of all I have work up at The Compound Gallery for their Holidayland event which they hold in conjunction with Blankspace Gallery nextdoor.

Here is the info from their website:
"Holidayland
(November 27- December 20th)
First Friday Reception: Friday, December 4th, 6-10pm
Galleries are open extended hours during the sale:WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY 12-8pm
*additional holiday cheer events Dec 13th and 20th 4-8pm

This is the second year we will be joining forces with Blankspace located next door to create a holiday Extravaganza! This year we are looking to offer more local original artwork, handmade crafty items, accessories, cards, ornaments, tote bags and creative fun stuff. Both galleries will be themed with rustic Paul Bunyan decor and will feature over 100 great local artists, designers and craftspeople. Small works of art, ceramics, accessories, paper goods, household goods, gifts for kiddies, jewelry and many more affordable indie gifts. Many fun activities through out the sale including- Get your holiday photo taken in our themed photo booth (proceeds go to Art in Oakland Schools) and spin the Wheel o’ bounty for prizes.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS (see Blankspace for more artists!): 1.by.liz, Adrian Van Allen, Alissa Goss, Amy Martin, Anne Garvey, Art for a Democratic Society, Ben Belknap, Billy Davidson, Brandy Gardner, Brave Moonman, Claudia Bauer, Christopher Romer, Crystal Morey, Ezme Designs, Flock Home, Foxes and Robbers, Hue Yang, Jake Gillespie, Kate Donaldson-Fletcher, Katie Kaapcke, Laura Borchert, lemonade handmade jewelry, Lena Verderano Reynoso, Lucie-Lu, Matt Reynoso, Masako Miki, Noah Sakamoto, Noelle Nakama, Phineas Wilson Peale, Esq., Recession Clothing, Roberto Gastelumendi, Ryan McJunkin, Shannon Ingraham, Tallulah Terryll, Terrariums by Kat Geiger, unatuna, W.Ho Made It, YaChin Bonny You, and MORE!!"

I have several heads up on an awesome display made by Matt and Lena for the show. It's a stump of a log right up on the counter with the heads all hanging off of it.
I will add a picture of it later, it looks great.

I already had feedback from a happy customer from Holidayland. Local ceramic artist Derik Van Beers came in to my work to show me pictures of the heads that he bought because he was so excited. He even sent me copies:
This is a picture of a wall of ceramic art he has in his house. My work is on the far right.

Here is a close-up of the three heads that he bought. People always like to pick out a group of heads that look good together. I suppose it suggests some sort of narative.


So you can buy your own heads at Holidayland or you can buy them direct from me at the CCA(California College of the Arts) Craft Fair in Oakland this Saturday.


Here is the info from their site:
"Holiday Fair
A winter arts and crafts bazaar
Saturday, December 5, 2009, 11 am–3 pm

Main walkway, Oakland campus
Oakland campus map (PDF)
Directions »

Twice a year CCA Student Affairs staff turn the idyllic Oakland campus into a bustling arts bazaar. The public is invited to shop for one-of-a-kind, handmade, affordable gifts created by the CCA community: paintings, drawings, cards, jewelry, ceramics, hand blown glass, clothing, photography, textiles, and more. Discover unique gifts while enjoying live jazz music and holiday treats.

Participation in selling is open to all CCA students, alumni, faculty, and staff. To register for a table click here. The deadline to register is November 27, 5:00pm.

For more information email glee@cca.edu."

Hope to see you there!

So I started a Blog of only pictures from the "Drawing Telephone" game. So far it only has ones from my house and a few from my old sketchbook. I either drew a picture or wrote a sentence in most of them though not all.
Hopefully we will get some other people's examples posted as well.
Also I just wanted to say that I didn't make the game up and I'm not exactly sure it is call "Drawing Telephone" but I was told it was when I learned the game.
If you are not familiar with the game I will outline it briefly.
You need at least 4-5 people and sheets of paper/sketchbooks and pens for each.
You start by writing a sentence at the top of the page (you could start with a picture).
Next everyone passes their piece of paper.
The next person illustrates the sentence that the first person wrote on that piece of paper.
They fold over the sentence so that only the picture is visible.
Everyone passes their piece of paper again.
The next person writes a caption below the picture.
They fold over the picture so that only the sentence is visible.
Everyone passes and so on until the page is filled up or you run out of people to add.
Enjoy.
I recommend that you try it and then send me a picture so I can post it on the blog.
Here is a link to the Blog: Drawing Telephone

Cup Swap tomorrow

I'm going to the cup swap at the CCAc Ceramics Dept. tomorrow evening and I made some sweet little cups for it. Just thought I'd share them with y'all.




I made them as pinch pots and flattened them square. Then I drew the men with White and Black underglaze on 2 sides of each cup. Finally I used a clear glaze on the inside.




So I'm bringing the little one, just so you know.