Flying Cup Clay studio

OCHSA GALA

2012-02-22T08:01:00.001-08:00

Here are the two ceramic pieces I have donated to the Orange County High School of the Arts GALA auction; Acorn Squash bowl and Ginger Root teapot.

Family Day at AMOCA

2012-02-22T07:52:00.001-08:00

I went and helped at Family Day at the American Museum of Ceramic Arts in Pomona, California last Saturday and Sunday.

2011-10-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

Here is the booth at the Artistic License Fair 2011. Beautiful weather beautiful people!

And then the Next Day!

2011-10-03T21:13:00.001-07:00

I was at the Japanese American National Museum in downtown Los Angeles.

2011-10-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

Here is my booth at the October Artists Village show in Santa Ana, CA.

the End of the Fair!

2011-08-13T00:20:00.000-07:00

Well the Orange County "Let's Eat!" Fair is coming to a close this Sunday, August 14, 2011. More people have come to the OC Fair this year than ever before! We have had lots of fun and if you haven't made it to the Fair yet you still have a few more days! So come out and visit us in the OC Pottery venue in the Crafter's Village area. You just might catch a couple of crazy potters trying to throw a pot with their FEET!

Orange County Fair 2011

2011-07-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

The OC Fair runs July 15, August 14, 2011. The ceramic gallery is in the Crafter's Village area. Come and visit! Info about the Fair is at www.ocfair.com

Show in Santa Monica, CA

2011-07-16T08:28:00.001-07:00

A little show in Santa Monica , California at the Urban Craft Center.

Ojai show 2011

2011-07-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures from the show I did with the Ventura Potters Guild in Ojai.

June shows Irvine and Ojai

2011-06-05T22:44:00.001-07:00

Irvine Fine Arts Festival June 4th. Then a show in Ojai California with the Ventura Potters Guild June 11 and 12, 2011

May shows: Artists Village West Floral Park, Patchwork LB and SA

2011-06-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

After the San Diego ArtWalk I did the Santa Ana Artists' Village again in May 7. Then I was invited to do the West Floral Park Open Garden tour event May 14th. Patchwork in Long Beach May 15th. Then Patchwork in Santa Ana May 29th.

San Diego; Mission Federal ArtWalk

2011-06-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

April 30, May 1st; Mission Federal ArtWalk with the Clay Artist of San Diego (CASD).

APRIL shows: Floral Park, Santa Ana Artists Village

2011-06-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

April 2, 2011 I was in the Santa Ana Artists' Village for the first Saturday Open House. It went till 10pm, that's why the harsh lights.

Then April 16, 17 I did the Floral Park Home Tour event. I shared a space with painter Brighton Smith, a past graduate of the Orange County High School of the Arts, now going to Pepperdine University.

Shows Shows Shows and more.

2011-06-05T21:35:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a while since I updated and I hae done a lot of shows. So here goes!

Celebration of the Arts

2011-03-14T08:06:00.000-07:00

Assistance League of Santa Ana has their first Arts Celebration. Art work from the Santa Ana Unified School district was on display and vendors like myself sold work in the Thrift shop "Top Drawer" area. The ALSA organization provides dental, vision and school supplies "Operation Blue Bell" to students in the district.

Getting ready for more!

2011-02-03T07:56:00.001-08:00

Well it's already a new year! 2011! Looking at what shows I want to do this year. Probably the ArtWalk in San Diego with the Clay Arts of SD group. Patchwork shows and some local things. Stay tune!

It's been a BLUR!

2010-12-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

Well I just finished my last art show of the season! I could sleep till next year, but there is still so much to do. Last show was at the LA Arboretum in Arcadia. Beautiful show and weather, but slow traffic. Saw workshop demonstrations from Biliana Popova ( got one of her gorgeous slab cups ) and Marc Hoar. I hope to be able to do some concentrated work in the studio over the next few weeks and I am so looking forward to that. See you in 2011!

Talmadge show San Diego

2010-11-25T22:38:00.000-08:00

Here is the only picture I have of the Talmadge show in San Diego this past November. Next show is Patchwork here in Santa Ana, November 28, Sunday, from 11am-5pm!

Xiem Clay Center fall show

2010-11-15T07:19:00.000-08:00

So it only took me 2 hours in Friday traffic to get there and 45 minutes to get home, but it was worth it! Lots of wonderful work by Xiem Clay Center members and others. I hope to do this show in the spring ( May) as well so stay tune!

Dia de los Muertos celebration Nov. 6, 2010

2010-11-07T00:13:00.000-07:00

Just finished the Dia de los Muertos celebration in downtown Santa Ana. The best ever!! Put up an altar of work by 8th grade VA students and got lots and lots of positive comments.

Artistic License Fair October 2010

2010-11-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

Pictures of my booth and other shots at the Artistic License Fair in Costa Mesa, California, October 29-30, 2010.

The crush is on in Barbara Kincaid's booth next to mine!

Shows Shows Shows

2010-10-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

I am getting ready for a bunch of shows in the next months. Just finished the San Diego, Gourmet Experience show now it is on to Artistic License in Costa Mesa at the end of the month (Oct, 29-30) and then in November (Nov.12-13) Xiem Ceramic Center in Pasadena; (Nov. 21)Talmadge Show in San Diego, Hillcrest community; and Patchwork in Santa Ana at the end of the month (Nov. 28th).

the Gourmet Experience

2010-10-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

Here is my set up at Del Mar; the Gourmet Experience show this past weekend Oct 9-10, 2010

it's Venice Beach! Abbot Kinney Festival

2010-09-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

What is Venice Beach, California without girls in bikinis squirting water on the crowd and other girls in bikinis!! Here are some pictures of the crowds and girls and the food trucks . . .

oh, . . .and my booth. It was very hot and very crowded which made the crowd watching great!

UPDATE of shows and stuff

2010-09-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

I have been busy teaching at the Orange County High School of the Arts here in Santa Ana, California. the Visual Arts Conservatory, of which I am assistant director, just received an new building to house several art classes in - the Bole Building! The building is a short walk from the main campus and houses five of our classes a day.

I am also working on getting ready for the Abbot Kinney Festival coming up soon. If you are interested in the other things I am doing, please check out
my web site Flying Cup Clay.

OC Foodie Fest with Patchwork

2010-08-31T07:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday, August 28, 2010 I did the first OC Foodie Fest with the Patchwork group, Honda Center , Anaheim, California. Thanks again to Delilah who put this all together. Great crowd and fun food.

Talmadge show in Encinitas

2010-08-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

Just finsihed the Talmadge Art show in Encinitas, California 2010. Out on the deck of the Encinitas Library next to the Community Room.

OC Fair week three!

2010-08-06T23:36:00.000-07:00

The Orange County Fair has been going full steam since it openned and has been true to it's theme "and the Beat Goes On!"

This is the third week so only one more to go, come on out and join us.

more at the OC Fair!

2010-07-26T22:49:00.000-07:00

Well we finished the first full week at the Fair. Only three more to go!. See my demo schedule and come visit!

the Orange County Fair 2010

2010-07-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

" . . and the Beat Goes On!" at the Orange County Fair!! Here is my demonstration schedule and pictures of the demo area and gallery.

Patchwork; Long Beach June 2010

2010-06-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the Patchwork show in Long Beach at the Marine Stadium parking lot this past June 27, 2010. Lots of people discovering the unique arts and crafts at the Patchwork, this is only the 2nd time in Long Beach.

Last two pictures are of my booth at the show.

A day at Muddy's Studio

2010-06-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots of life at Muddy's Studio in Santa Ana. The Studio is owned and run by Kevin and Gina Myers and has been open for about three years. Muddy's studio is also the principle behind the pottery demonstrations and sales at the Orange County Fair. Come by and see us this year; July 16- August 15, 2010, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Ojai show 2010

2010-06-13T23:10:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of the Ventura Potters Guild; Ojai Show (51st)

June shows

2010-06-07T08:25:00.001-07:00

Did two shows this past weekend (June 5-6, 2010 Artists' Village open house and Patchwork Santa Ana (see picture). Both were well attended, the weather was great (if a bit hot) and I had lots of fun meeting old friends and making many new ones. Next weekend is the Ojai show with the Ventura Potter's Guild and then Patchwork Long Beach at the end of the month June 27th! Come and visit!

More shows

2010-05-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

Just finished the Floral Park Home and Garden Tour show. Nice weather if but a little bit windy.

13th Annual Calabasas Fine Arts Festival (see picture) May 1-2, 2010. Did early set up Friday night which made things less rushed, but the drive up during rush hour traffic was crazy! Large show (175+) in several sections in the Commons at Calabasas shopping complex. Great weather, nice crowd, larger on Sunday. Met people from the Calabasas Arts Council and Chamber of Commerce, local film makers, and students.

Happy Birthday (1 year) Blog!

2010-04-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

I just realized that it has been a year now ( 1 year) since I first started this blog! Oh how time flies.

I started it when I went to the NCECA (National Council on Education in the Ceramic Arts) in Arizona last year. I was not able to go to Philadelphia and stay at my favorite place, the Divine Tracy Hotel ( don't even know if it is still there it has been so long!) for this year's NCECA. And next year it is Florida so that's probably out! I was not fortunate enough to have my school or a wealthy patron to finance the trip this year so I had to stay home (sigh!). Anyway I am looking forward to hearing from my friends who did make it out to Philadelphia, what they saw and experienced and learned. Come on all you people, start talking!!

Arthropology show and party

2010-03-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

April 26, 2010. Arthropology show and party with the students and alumni of the Pepperdine Univeristy Art Department. Susan, Courtney, and Brighton did a great job putting this together!

My set up.
"Platter of Peppers" display.
Looking back across. Big fish tanks. Night dancing and party! No art was harmed at this event!

Art Rush show

2010-03-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

Doing a show with the Art Rush art group from Pepperdine University tonight Friday March 26, 2010. It is a quick set up and take down in the LumberYard retail complex. I hope to have pictures later.

You can see the other activities I am doing at my web site www.flyingcupclay.com

OCHSA show at OCCCA virtual tour

2010-01-16T07:19:00.000-08:00

Orange County High School of the Arts: Visual Arts Conservatory This is the link to the OCCCA Show Virtual Tour of the OCHSA High School Art Exhibit. Super Cool. You will have to load it once then hit refresh and open it again. Its amazing, you can look at any artwork in close up detail-
OCHSA High School Show LINK

Orange County High School of the Arts High School Art Show

2010-01-04T08:24:00.000-08:00

This is the annual OCHSA High School Art show at OCCCA (Orange County Center for Contemporary Art) 117 North Sycamore in downtown Santa Ana, CA. Show opens Wednesday Jan 6th and runs 7-13th, gallery hours are 12noon-5pm.

It's NEW YEAR 2010!

2010-01-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

Well there is nothing like a new year, fresh start, unlimited possiblities. Let's see what this brings to us!

AMOCA Artist's Market: Wet and Wild!

2009-12-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

Well the American Museum of Ceramic Art: Winter Artist's Market was held this past Saturday Dec. 12, 2009. The rain was pouring down and the wind was howling and a few brave souls came to see the unique ceramic work. The museum made arrangements for us to be in an empty next door space (notice the bathroom sign) which as cozy and intimate. Maybe the weather will be better next time (it was sunny the day after!)!

Patchwork Long Beach

2009-12-01T20:37:00.000-08:00

The first ever Patchwork (originally from Santa Ana) show in Long Beach Nov. 29, 2009 was a great beginning. Lots of people and great stuff. This is the original upscale flea market like no other!

November Talmadge Art show

2009-11-23T07:08:00.000-08:00

Well I hope you were able to come to the Talmadge show in San Diego. Lots and lots of people (new) came and it was a delight to meet all of you. The show was so busy I didn't have time to take any pictures, so you just have to believe me when I say it was a beautiful show. Sharon and Allan look after every aspect of this event and do a great job of herding all the artists will a firm loving hand (and voice)! And they were never farther away than a wave and a shout!

I will be doing a new show with them (Talmadge) in Palm Springs Feb. 14th -Valentine's Day, so stay tune!

post Clay Festival thoughts

2009-11-16T20:49:00.000-08:00

The Clay Festival of the ACS-DC was very nice. More people should have come to check it out, well maybe next year. Lots of people from the organization did great work putting it together. Met lots of nice artists and got to walk around in the Arboretum, beautiful! My next event is down in San Diego, Hillcrest area, the Talmadge Art Show sunday Nov. 22, 2009.

Clay Fesival at the LA Arboretum 11/13-15, 2009

2009-11-13T22:47:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of my booth at the ACS-DC Clay Festival going on now (Nov. 13-15, 2009 Friday-Sunday).

Noche de Altares 2009

2009-11-08T00:08:00.000-08:00

Here is a look at the event. Work by Visual Arts students at the Orange County High School of the Arts, Santa Ana.

Ceramic Clay Olympics 2009

2009-11-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

Here are two pictures from my annual "Ceramic Clay Olympics": blindfolded and saimese twin wheel throwing. This is a fun activity that makes the students have to focus on a different approach to the process of throwing on the pottery wheel. Sense of touch and movement are highlighted as well as understanding the collaborative act of centering and pulling.

Artistic License show

2009-10-25T08:34:00.000-07:00

Just finished the Artistic License show in Estancia Park in Costa Mesa, California. It was a little hot on Friday, but perfect and beautiful on Saturday. It's nice to see people support a local independant art show like this. There are some artists that only do this show once a year! Now to organize, put everything away and start making more stuff for the next show!

La Jolla Art and Wine festival

2009-10-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the booth at the art show.

La Jolla Art and Wine Festival

2009-10-10T01:42:00.000-07:00

Just finished set up run for the La Jolla Art and Wine festival. I have to get up in 4 hours and get back down there to do the show this weekend. Come by and see me! .Randy

More shows!

2009-09-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

Got accepted to two shows. I will be doing the La Jolla Art and Wine festival with Michael Penilla in two weeks. Also (by myslef) the ACS-DC Clay Festival show in mid November at the Los Angeles Arboretum. Been making lots of Icons for the next few shows! I will post stuff as it happens!

Functionally Informal show at Myers Gallery

2009-09-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

I have curated a small ceramic show for the Myers Gallery. The opening is next Saturday October 3, 2009 from 5-7pm. See attached image.

A big thanks to everyone who came out for the opening. It was so much fun; especially after being at the Aardvark open house and sale all day long! Show looks great and two pieces got sold already!

Face Jug workshop

2009-09-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

I had my friend Karl come to my advanced ceramics class to lead a workshop in Face Jug making. Here are a few pictures.

Chili Bowl 2009 event at OCHSA

2009-09-19T07:29:00.001-07:00

We just finished our Arts Back to School Night at the Orange County High School of the Arts. It was chill'n chili! We sold all 140 ceramic bowls, 64 quarts of chili donated by our parents and grossed over $2000 for the Visual Arts Conservatory.

Responsibilities

2009-09-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

We are into our fourth day of school (conservatory classes just started this week) and I am feeling the sense of awesome responsibility that teaching brings. I don't just want to be taking up time, filling my students' days with boring and meaningless activity just waiting for the bell to ring and the check to be deposited. Because I don't want to be bored or waste my time! I know that I won't be able to be all things to all studetns, but I certainly want to try to (be)! These talented students are entrusting to be something very special and I hope I can honor that trust and help them further along on their own journeys of discovery. So here we go again trying to be the best we are with what we have.

Saw an interesting quote yesterday: Samuel Beckett "... art loans us the spectacles with which to view reality anew."

Torrance Block Party!

2009-08-31T07:30:00.001-07:00

What a fun time at the first annual Torrance Block Party event this past Sunday. Man was it ever HOT! Here are some pictures of Michael P and my booth at the event. It was nice to see how much the citizens support their city, and yea the Beer tasting Garden was packed! Sold enough to cover expense which for a first time out is always good. Hope to do this again next year!

and so it starts . . .

2009-08-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

Just finished the first two days of the new school year at the Orange County High School of the Arts. Met all my new students, at least the ones who are going to stay. There are still lots of new school stuff that we have to go over, so work will not begin in earnest till next week. Look forward to it!

New video of Clay Icons

2009-08-22T23:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a little video of some ceramic icon shrines I have been making this summer.

The most Wonderful time . . .

2009-08-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

Well my BACK to SCHOOL offically starts today! Summer was great, but now it's time to get greater. Meetings and registraton and soon classes will begin. I hope you are all feeling the anticipation like I am! Oh, so much to do!

Last day of the OC Fair!!

2009-08-09T23:46:00.000-07:00

On the last day of the OC Fair 2009. . . we threw with our feet!!

All good things . . .

2009-08-06T23:24:00.000-07:00

Well we are at the last weekend of the OC Fair 2009. Here is a shameless promotion of some new shrines that I have at the Fair. Enjoy! . . . and don't forget the after Fair Potluck Party!

Clay Performance at the OC Fair

2009-08-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday night Marc Hoar becomes a human armature by slaping a slab of clay on his face and making a primitive mask!

More pictures from the OC Fair

2009-08-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

Here are more pictures from the OC Fair. Monsters at the Fair! Guys throwing big pots!

Half way there! OC Fair!

2009-07-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

Well we are at the half way point of the Fair with just two more weeks to go. I don't want the summer to end. . . but all good things . . .! Saw lots of friends from OCHSA this past weekend and hope to see more. Here is another picture of doings (fantasy stilt walker) from the Orange County Fair!

Day at the Fair

2009-07-25T00:17:00.001-07:00

Spent all day at the OC Fair and will be there again tomorrow (Saturday, July 25th) Here are a few more pictures.

More from the Fair

2009-07-16T00:41:00.001-07:00

Here are more pictures from he OC Fair.

Demonstration throwing on the wheel at the OC Fair 2009

2009-07-12T00:32:00.001-07:00

Day two of the OC Fair. Here are some pictures of the volunteers in action!

"Think Big!" at the OC Fair

2009-07-11T09:39:00.001-07:00

Well the Orange County Fair 2009 started yesterday! The 55 Freeway to the Fair was a parking lot as tons of people tried to get in for free the first hour (12noon-1pm). Here is a picture of the Muddy's ceramics booth. There will be new and changing work every week! There are people demonstrating on the pottery wheel all day so come see. The Pottery area is in the Crafters Village up against the back hill. Have another Funnel Cake for me!

OC Fair "Think Big!"

2009-07-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the Orange County Fair! July 10-Aug. 9, 2009 (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Been setting up the demonstration and sales booths. Pictures soon!

Ojai Show

2009-06-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

Got up at 4am on Saturday to get ready and drive to Ojai! Ojai is up about Ventura about 2 1/2 hour drive for me. Thanks Ciecele for sharing a booth with me and helping. I got bad food poisoning Saturday night, went out to dinner Italian! And so it's going to take a some time to recover. Yucky sick! Here are some pictures of the booth and crowd. Enjoy!

YIPPEE!!

2009-06-12T07:32:00.001-07:00

Made it thru the last day of school! Made it thru final grades, graduation, and seeing the graduates off to grade night! Need to get ready for my Ojai Art Show and then maybe I can start thinking about the summer!

Almost there . . .

2009-06-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

Well this is the last week of school before the SUMMER starts! I just finished glaze firing all the work from the second semester. I finished doing the Irvine Studio Arts Festival and next week will be Ojai. Busy busy very busy, but loving it!

School is almost over!

2009-05-23T19:26:00.001-07:00

Just a few more weeks of school! Senior Show is finished and we just have to de-install, move out all the pedestals and walls and repaint. Of course I am also firing multiple kilns filled with student work that is being done at the last minute!

Another show and another show!

2009-05-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

Well so far I have survived the Talmadge Show in San Diego and the Patchwork show in Santa Ana. I met alot of nice people and sold lots of work!

Tonight (5/19/09) at the Orange County High School of the Arts (OCHSA: 1010 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA. 92701) we have our openning reception for the Visual Arts Conservatory Senior Show "Final Impressions" 6-8 PM.

Illustration by Sohyang Kim and ceramic cookie jar "Fish eating fish eating fish" by Jenna Payne. Come by and see what our graduating seniors have done.

May 2-3, 2009 another day . . . another show!

2009-05-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Saturday (10am-5pm) is the Muddy's Studio Spring Sale!
Then Sunday (10am-4pm) I am in San Diego at the Talmadge Show.
Come by and visit if you can!

Shows Shows Shows

2009-04-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

Just finished the Floral Park Art Home Tour show last weekend (see booth picture). Perfect weather and great people and good sales. Getting ready for this coming weekend with a sale here at Muddy's Studio Saturday May 2, 2009 and then the Talmadge show in San Diego area.

See my website for more information and links.

Back home in the STUDIO

2009-04-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

Finally getting in some time at the studio.
I have a space in the Muddy's Studio co-op in Santa Ana. Working on things for my show at the Floral Park Home Tour (see PDF links below)

Home Tour Info

Parking Info

Then the week after is the Talmadge show in San Diego. If you want to see a list of what shows I am doing you can go to my site Flying Cup Clay studio.

and the BEAT goes ON!

2009-04-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

First full week back from the NCECA Conference in Phoenix. Made some new contacts. Got my students back working.

We did Ceramic Olympics II: siamese twin throwing and bindfolded musical chair throwing. I think that the ceramic electric kiln is finally fixed. It has been down since the middle of last semester and I have changed two coils and all the possible switches and relays plus the two wall plugs connections. Finally got the main breaker panel switch changed and everything passed my first test! I plan to do a full firing today and we will see if everything is HOT to go!

HOT . . . HOT like BACON!

2009-04-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

Well I am truly back home. Back at the school I teach at (OCHSA: Orange County High School of the Arts). Back working at the studio: Muddy's. My 9th grade class is finishing a mosaic project with a guest artist, Caroline Machado. We have been talking about compositional focus point and use of color theories. I will try to post some examples. Personally I am making work for some upcoming shows: ( you can see a full list of my upcoming events at my site www.flyingcupclay.com) the Floral Park Home and Garden Tour; Talmadge Show, San Diego; and the Patchwork show here in Santa Ana.

Me and my Cup

2009-04-12T23:04:00.000-07:00

My cup in the Art Museum collection

2009-04-12T22:59:00.000-07:00

honey . . . I'm Home!!

2009-04-12T22:48:00.000-07:00

Finally got to home sweet home! Left Phoenix 7am and got back about 12:30pm, went to the studio to work, friends for Easter dinner and now home. I am tired and sleepy and have to prepare for school tomorrow, but first to sleep to dream . . . of next year's NCECA 2010 in Philadelphia!

. . . and their off!

2009-04-12T05:55:00.000-07:00

Well not "their" just "me-ir". Heading back home to sunny Southern California. Hope to leave here at 6am and get back there by noon. Lots of time to drive slowly and carefully. I will be getting right back into teaching (tomorrow Monday)at school (OCHSA: Orange County High School of the Arts). Have to get my mind prepared for that. I probably will only have time to post once a week if I can.

Need to figure out how to do this next year (2010). NCECA will be in Philadelphia and I will have to take a couple days off from school.

and on the FOURTH day . . .

2009-04-11T19:25:00.000-07:00

So it's Saturday the last day of my stay in Phoenix, AZ. First I slept in late. . . well I kind of had to. I finally got up and went back into Tempe to see the shows around ASU. Went back to the ASU Art Museum: Ceramic Research Center and took alot of pictures. Walked around the campus to the various shows. The show of Kurt Weiser at the main Art Museum gallery was wonderful. The show on the third floor of Viola Frey and Robert Arneson was incredible, took alot of pictures. So it was a short day.

Looking forward to being back home working in the studio.

How do I feel?

2009-04-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Right now this conference has left me with several thoughts and feelings.

The infinite possibilities of what art and clay have to offer has left me overwhelmed to the point of exhaustion and depression and at the same time energized me to do even more. So many more unanswered questions. So many questions to explore and try to find answers for. So do I focus on what I have not done or on what I am yet to do? I guess the choice remains with me alone. I could easily fall into either mindset. Why do anything if I will not be able to do it all or do it particularly well? Why not do something even if I will not be able to do it all or particularly well! Is the unknown messiness of something better than the know pureness of nothing?
I realize that with all that I know and with all that I have done; there is still so much that I do not know and have not done and yet some how want to do. With all the hard work that I have put into my art, compared to many of these other great ceramic artists, I have just barely begin to start. To fully claim the pride and accomplishments that in some ways define me as an artist while holding all those things very lightly with a certain aloofness and distain; I want to be fully possessed with the passion of my art, but not to the point where in controls me (nearly, but not totally) to the exclusion of all else. And while art is a great part of my life, it still remains a part even if only a dominate part. How to accomplish everything I want to do - well I have to start somewhere. One will never have enough time and resources, but those are weak excuses for not doing something. so many of these artists have had so much less of both and yet accomplished so much more and I ever will!

I did like being able to navigate this Conference mostly by myself, running into people I know only now and then; not having to stop and talk or even acknowledge many. I was able to see alot and be alone with my thoughts.

. . .while back on the ranch . . .

2009-04-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

Well it's the last day here in Phoenix, Arizona. I will soon be saying good by to the Days Inn Motel, down the street from the Arizona State Hospital and across the street from the Blue Moon bar and nighclub (yea that kind of nightclub! I would be afraid of catching some kind of disease! yea that kind of disease!). I have been pretty sucessful in finding my way around to the different exhibitions and most everything is really close by. Phoenix, of what I can see, is still pretty rough around the edges; Tempe is a fun college town (Hooters, Urban Outfitters, etc.); Mesa is a nice bit of suburbia and Scottsdale is just too uppercrust for me ( a bit of crust is OK, but not the whole dang pie!).

There's no place like home . . there's no place like home . . .

Last night the electric power kept surging on and off and so my phone kept ringing to let me know the power was back on. Not nice when it's 2 and 4 in the morning! And I had to reset the bedside clock each time.

My plan today is to go out to ASU in Tempe, go to the exhibitions (take a picture of my cup in the Art Museum collection!) and walk around the campus. I especially want to see the art building and ceramics area. I might hook up with some friends or just turn in early so I can get a fresh start home in the morning. Looking forward to getting back in the studio (so much inspiration in my head!) and work. I am convinced more than ever the importance of working long and hard at what gives me the most pleasure and satisfaction (yes I did say the most!)

then the THIRD day . . .

2009-04-10T22:37:00.000-07:00

So now I have been at this Conference for three days.

Got up early in the morning hoping to be able to get into the cup sale, but when I got there at 7:30am the line was already probably 100 people long! I gave up on that and went to the Idea Pot co-lecture with Dr. Billie Sessions and Keith Brockie. Got some great ideas to add into my curriculum.

I wanted to go to the Yoga for Potters, but got there too late and they locked the door! So I went back and saw the end of the Yasuda and Wilson demonstrations. Takeshi Yasuda talked about linear/horizontal methods of exploration and discovery. He used the example of making different kinds of handles. Tara Wilson just made some nice gestural pots. Ran into my friend Dee and went for coffee (I got a sandwich and cookies). I kept running into people I knew. Caught up with my friend Tricia McGuigan who presently is teaching at Biola University. We talked and ate (me eating more). Went to a panel discussion Interdisciplinary Approaches. Thought it would be about art and other disciplines, but realized that it was about art making within the different disciplines and mediums of art. Sat half way thru that and then went to a Panel on Promotions (saw Pat Crabb there). Thought I could do some more, but decided to go back to the motel and take another nap!

Picked up Dee and we went looking for the two venues out in Mesa, AZ. I thought I knew where we were going but we had to stop and ask for directions. Finally got to Mesa Community College for the reception of Potters as Sculptors; Sculptors as Potters. I had gone to the Panel the day before so it was good to see the work. Probably one of the best shows I saw. There were other shows there. Then we went to the Mesa Arts Center another gorgeous and artful building and environment. Androgeny: New Work by Sergei Isupov just very beautiful and disturbing all at the same time. Also other shows and work here that was interesting. A very nice group of shows.

Now I am finally back planning tomorrow as my last day.
I want to get back into the ASU area of shows and see that again. Take more pictures and call it an early evening.

and the SECOND day . . .

2009-04-09T20:46:00.001-07:00

Just finished the second long day at the NCECA Conference here in Phoenix, Arizona.

The nicest discovery of the day was that I have a ceramic piece (bell pepper cup; 1990) in the permanent collection of the Arizona State University, Art Museum Ceramics Research Center! More about that later.

Started out the day at 8:15am watching two video screenings: Tom Turner- two day workshop and 34 pots demonstration and talking about his ceramic art and a tribute to the late Ralph Baccerra; ART IS WHAT I DO, The Life of Ralph Baccerra. The Baccerra tribute made by students from Otis and friends was particularly moving as I know many of the same people and had the privilage to have know Ralph (he even came to one of my show in San Pedro) and have been heavily influenced by his work even though I never had him as a teacher.

Then I went to Hall 2 to watch simultaneous clay demonstrations by Takeshi Yashuda and Tara Wilson. They were both different in their approaches to the clay and the audience.

Then I went to several shows in rooms at the Hyatt Regency and Wyndham Phoenix Hotels that were close by. The best one was the Santa Fe Clay Presents La Mesa, an invitational exhibit of 150 place settings plus other table objects. I wanted to go back for the openning reception, but didn't make it.

Throughout the whole day I ran into friends from Santa Ana, Ventura Potters Guild, a former student of mine Maria Martin and even Jeri Au (we don't know if we are related) who teaches in St. Louis (I hope that's right).

Next went to a panel discussion: Potters as Sculptures as Potters. Artists that have work that could be considered pottery and other work that is more about sculpture. Donna Polseno, Doug Casebeer, Liz Quackenbush, and Russell Wrankle moderated by James Ibur. They explored the benefits and burdens of working in two bodies of work; are they so different? do they support or hinder eachother? The answers were as varied as the participants. It seems this is something that must be done (a majority of the audience signified that they are also in this state) whatever benefits or burdens are incurred. They each have in their own way come to accept this and work with it physically, intellectually, and emotionally. I think we do several things because that is the way we are wired (Jame Ibur called it our temperament) and we get bored very easily. We need variety to keep us fresh and focused.

Then I went to the Ranch Market to get some food and back to the motel to take a nap!

4:30pm found me at one of the Topical Discussion groups: What Works Captivating the College Clay Beginner. It was interesting although not to well moderated. There were a few to many people who seemed to dominate the discussion and a few to many questions about how to correct what was not working, but there were a few good ideas that were shared.

After that I tried to get to the La Mesa openning, but could not find parking so I went out to the opennings in Tempe at ASU. Tempe is a nice, clean, fun college town. First went to the Tempe Center for the Arts; NCECA 2009 Regional Student Juried Exhibition. Nice show and incredible building. The building was all concrete, glass and steel by the lake, really nice. Then went to the ASU, Art Museum Ceramics Research Center, NCECA Clay National Biennial curated by Christy Johnson, Jeanne Quinn and Chis Staley. There in cases displaying the Museum's permanent collection I saw my cup! Of course I have to go back and take some picture to make sure I was not dreaming.

so that was today. . .tomorrow is another!

the FIRST day

2009-04-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

I stayed the night with my good friend (and great painter) Gerald Schwartz in Goodyear, AZ on the way out from Santa Ana, CA to Phoenix, AZ (thank you Gerry and Gloria for the hospitality!) and he helped me set this blog up! Also saw Michael and Norma Cummingham, two other great art people!

OK so this is my first day at the NCECA (National Council on Education in the Ceramic Arts) Conference 2009. It is centered at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix, Arizona with a ton of shows in the downtown as well as Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa.

I went and looked at some of the shows in Scottsdale before I got to the Convention Center. Some of them were nice (I liked the Cervini Haas Gallery on Fifth Ave., small and intimate. Didn't like the show of teapots stuck in and around jewelry at a Jewelry gallery.)

Downtown Phoenix reminds me of downtown Los Angeles. Beautiful corporate buildings a few blocks from dirty car mechanics, liquor stores and broken down motels. I am staying in one of the motels about 3 miles from the Convention Center closer to the airport and just one block down from the Arizona State Hospital (yea that kind of hospital! Lots and lots of high fencing!) The room is pleasant and clean, the airconditioner and toilet work and I have a coffee pot, iron and ironing board, TV and free Internet! I just hope no one breaks into my car at night.

The one great thing about Arizona is the cheap ( everything being relative) gas. I found a place with $1.79 for unleaded! I also found a cheap Chinese food place up the street (dinner for under $5!) I am all about the cheap except when it comes to Art!

Why is this all important, because I am spending way to much money at the Conference.

I donated two of my bell pepper cups to the cup exhibit and sale and saw way to many cups I wanted. I understand that the sale opens on Friday at 8am and people go crazy stupid over the cups (I probably will be one of them!)

In the manufactures/suppliers and nonprofit exhibits; the new tools alone were making me crazy! not to mention the new and different equiptment, glazes, etc. Also picked up some information about Anderson Ranch for a possible workshop I want to take in the summer.

So I picked up enough posters to paper over my school room at OCHSA (Orange County High School of the Arts, Santa Ana); took some pictures of work from the 12th Annual National K-12 ceramic exhibition.

I am planning to go to the openning reception at the Marjon Ceramics Inc. Legendary Ceramics curated by David Armstrong of the AMOCA (America Museum Of Ceramic Art) in Pomona, CA.

I plan to spend all day at the Convention Center going to art demonstrations and panel discussions and trying not to spend any more money (than the $70 on batik wood stamps from a company in Ontario, Canada!).

I will try to post some of the pictures I took, but that might have to wait till I get back home!

On my way to NCECA

2009-04-08T10:31:00.001-07:00

Getting ready to travel to Phoenix for the NCECA (National Council on Eduaction in the Ceramic Arts) conference. First going to Scottsdale to see some shows and then checking in at the convention center. I will let you know my impressions and what is happening.

Flying Cup Clay studio

OCHSA GALA

Family Day at AMOCA

And then the Next Day!

the End of the Fair!

Orange County Fair 2011

Show in Santa Monica, CA

Ojai show 2011

June shows Irvine and Ojai

May shows: Artists Village West Floral Park, Patchwork LB and SA

San Diego; Mission Federal ArtWalk

APRIL shows: Floral Park, Santa Ana Artists Village

Shows Shows Shows and more.

Celebration of the Arts

Getting ready for more!

It's been a BLUR!

Talmadge show San Diego

Xiem Clay Center fall show

Dia de los Muertos celebration Nov. 6, 2010

Artistic License Fair October 2010

Shows Shows Shows

the Gourmet Experience

it's Venice Beach! Abbot Kinney Festival

UPDATE of shows and stuff

OC Foodie Fest with Patchwork

Talmadge show in Encinitas

OC Fair week three!

more at the OC Fair!

the Orange County Fair 2010

Patchwork; Long Beach June 2010

A day at Muddy's Studio

Ojai show 2010

June shows

More shows

Happy Birthday (1 year) Blog!

Arthropology show and party

Art Rush show

OCHSA show at OCCCA virtual tour

Orange County High School of the Arts High School Art Show

It's NEW YEAR 2010!

AMOCA Artist's Market: Wet and Wild!

Patchwork Long Beach

November Talmadge Art show

post Clay Festival thoughts

Clay Fesival at the LA Arboretum 11/13-15, 2009

Noche de Altares 2009

Ceramic Clay Olympics 2009

Artistic License show

La Jolla Art and Wine festival

La Jolla Art and Wine Festival

More shows!

Functionally Informal show at Myers Gallery

Face Jug workshop

Chili Bowl 2009 event at OCHSA

Responsibilities

Torrance Block Party!

and so it starts . . .

New video of Clay Icons

The most Wonderful time . . .

Last day of the OC Fair!!

All good things . . .

Clay Performance at the OC Fair

More pictures from the OC Fair

Half way there! OC Fair!

Day at the Fair

More from the Fair

Demonstration throwing on the wheel at the OC Fair 2009

"Think Big!" at the OC Fair

OC Fair "Think Big!"

Ojai Show

YIPPEE!!

Almost there . . .

School is almost over!

Another show and another show!

May 2-3, 2009 another day . . . another show!

Shows Shows Shows

Back home in the STUDIO

and the BEAT goes ON!

NEXT

Me and my Cup