making bisque molds – 5.19.2022

In my small ceramics studio, I use a variety of homemade bisque molds to make some of my ceramic forms. Bisque (also referred to as biscuit) molds are clay forms I fire to about 1915 degrees, or cone 04. I wrote about how I use the bisque molds here. In this post, I'll explain how …

poem – Hoagland 5.5.2022

The Word by - Tony Hoagland Down near the bottom of the crossed-out list of things you have to do today, between "green thread" and "broccoli," you find that you have penciled "sunlight." Resting on the page, the word is beautiful. It touches you as if you had a friend and sunlight were a present …

spring art sales 4.21.2022

I'm participating in two art events this spring, both in Madison, Wisconsin. The Marquette-Atwood Neighborhood Art Walk is Sunday, May 1, 2022, from 11am – 5pm. I'll be selling my ceramics out of my garage, so I'll be there rain or shine. I'll be at 2802 Center Avenue in Madison, and my garage is behind …

using bisque molds 4.7.2022

As a ceramic handbuilder, it's nice to have molds on hand. I can use a mold to make several matching pieces, or to quickly create a form to build off of. Molds are typically made from plaster, but I don't want plaster in my home studio because 1) it takes more equipment that I don't …

poem – Imsland 3.24.2022

One Thousand by Rachel Imsland One thousand sleeps (dream chance) mornings sparrows suns twilights shadows nights (one thousand stars) And still I remember sound scent skin breath And talk to you through stars birds trees words And long for eyes song embrace you rolling down the street waving and calling hey mama and one thousand …

recycling packing materials 3.10.2022

I've long lived by the motto "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle," and I bring that philosophy into my art studio, too. One way I do that is with recycled packaging materials. I sell ceramics in my Etsy shop, and shipping those pieces requires careful packaging and shipping. Ceramics are a delicate and breakable, and need lots of …

blind contour self-portraits 2.24.2022

I've started a series of self portraits using the blind contour method of drawing. Blind contour drawing is a technique that some suggest improves hand-eye coordination and hones observation skills. But I use it for the results I get. It's my favorite drawing method. In blind contour drawing, the artist looks only at the subject …

art quote – vedder 2.10.2022

Our job is not to make records that people like. Our job is to make the music that makes us feel proud. I’ve been pondering your questions: Is there something I’m missing here? Am I supposed to be thinking about what other people are thinking? Because with songwriting it’s almost like you can’t think about it in …

a year of junk mail 1.27.2022

Last year, I decided to keep all of the junk mail I received so I could have a visual of what all the paper amounted to. I counted them up today. 110 pieces! 110 pieces of junk mail for 2021 Because my partner and I donate money to a wide variety of non-profits each year, …

poem – Rilke 12.2.21

I’m too alone in the world, yet not alone enoughto make each hour holyI’m too small in the world, yet not small enoughto be simply in your presence, like a thing—just as it is.I want to know my own willand to move with it.And I want, in the hushed momentswhen the nameless draws near,to be …