Red Gulch Pottery: 2010

So the past month has been full of surprises. When I took my research on glazes to the regional science fair I did much better than I ever could have imagined. I ended up receiving 1st in my category (Engineering) and 2nd overall with a couple special awards. I was selected to attend ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) as a finalist and competitor. I backed out because the Coleman/Long workshop was that exact same week. Then I took my research to our State Science Fair. I was astonished when I did as well at state as at our regional fair. I took first in my category (Engineering once again) and 2nd overall! In the whole state. I was shocked. I was the state's first candidate to attend ISEF and I did not know what to do. Once again the decision was in front of me, Coleman/Long workshop or International Science Fair! Ahhh. That was one of the hardest choices I have made in my life. But then I realized that then it was more than just me. I was representing the school, the state, and ceramic artists as a whole. I decided to attend ISEF, which is held in San Jose, CA this year. I got back to school the next week and then learned that I had qualified for another international science fair (ISWEEEP) which is held in Houston.
I still had not let Red Lodge know about my decision. I then learned that they were opening a show in Powell and I knew immediately it would be best to tell them in person. That show has been a turning point in my life. The support that was shown amazed me. All of the resident artists, David Hiltner, and Markus all showed the greatest support. I was able to see people who are succeeding and loving what they are doing in the Ceramic Arts all with their own style. I then attended a small 2-dayASU faculty workshop in Red Lodge that weekend. Watching them work was not the greatest thing I experienced but rather their philosophies and all of the others attending.
So I guess Houston and San Jose, Here I Come!

Mendenhall Bowls and Plates

I received a commission from some very good family friends back in Utah, the Mendenhalls. Edward commissioned me to throw 4 bowls and 4 plates. He wanted something unique and this is what I came up with.

The plates remind me of lily pads :D

Karin's Cups :-)

These were bisqued and then four glazes were sprayed on overlapping each other to give a very subtle earthy affect.

It's already the second month of 2010. How time does fly. Recent Exhibitions were at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and the Old Shell Lodge. Basketball, applying for scholarships, and schoolwork has sure kept me busy.
Recently I received a scholarship to go to a week-long workshop in Red Lodge at the Red Lodge Clay Center in May. I can hardly wait. The workshop is a soda firing workshop presented by two of the ceramic artists that have been great inspirations to me; Matt Long and Tom Coleman!

That week is sure going to be torturous 8-) . A week of insight from two superb artists, and to go I'm going to have to do work at the center. Loading and unloading kilns, cleaning wheels, and work study time, it's a potters dream come true! I'd like to thank my amazing teacher Karyne Dunbar, Elaine Debuhr (professor of ceramics at NWC) and David Hiltner and Markus Urbanik the directors and Red Lodge Clay Center.