How are you? Isn’t it fun to recognize the connections that we have around our community and the world? It’s just life but I am always amazed at how small the world is – the ceramics world especially. I was talking with a fellow potter this weekend who is a pottery teacher out East. We talked about our lineage with regard to having excellent teachers. I thought it was interesting that she was thinking of this topic and this is my current blog theme.
Listen to Hoyt talk about teaching – short clip
During my time at Vermont Clay Studio, Hoyt Barringer taught at VCS. He too comes from an interesting clay background. Hoyt interned with Toshiko Takaezu in Hawaii. Hoyt also interned with Todd Piker. You should click on the links regarding these two artists. Hoyt taught me that even though I am a small woman, I can make large vessels. You just have to know the techniques.
Todd Piker wrote a document called the Learning Curve. It’s a long but very interesting read. This pot that you see Todd holding, I have one like it that Hoyt made for my 40th birthday.
I would love to make large forms like Toshiko. However, she always had studio assistants to help her move the large forms around between studio and kiln. I saw several of Toshiko’s pots at the Kohler Museum. These were small in size for others that I have seen in the past. If you click on the link below, you can watch her working.
Gallery:
There is a lot happening around the Lakeshore. One of our former artists, Lee Brown, has been working on a very special sculpture. He was awarded a location in Muskegon that sits on a rise above the Muskegon Lake Harbor. The public sculpture is titled, “Portal”.
Lee’s inspiration is, in part, the grit and determination of the Muskegon community, which we have experienced so well with the development of this remarkable work of art. “Portal” represents the energy, unity, love, grit, and determination that makes Muskegon what it is today, a city proudly on the rise, creating a new chapter in the life of this great community. It also celebrates our past as well as perhaps symbolizing that new future that is ahead of us through that…portal.
As you look at this, please know that all of the work has been done with the expertise by the people at Versatile Fabrication, Jackson-Merkey, Belasco Electric, R.A.Holmes, Prein and Newhof, and Soils and Structures. Portal is 45 feet across, and about 42.5 foot high. The material is COR-Ten steel which gradually will develop a rich dark patina. The sculpture weighs approximately 25,500 pounds! Muskegon’s industrial heritage is also part of the inspiration for this piece.
The site overlooks not only Muskegon Lake where there were multiple lumber mills, but also is the same neighborhood where Continental Motors started in 1905 and Lakey Foundry in 1914, poster children for Muskegon’s smokestack industries of the first half of the 20th Century. This same area is also where Sealed Power, which began as The Piston Ring Company in 1911, built new headquarters in 1988, and changed the name of the company to SPX. Congratulations to Lee and the city of Muskegon for enhancing our community with art.
35th Regional Contemporary Art Show at the Muskegon Museum of Art
This year’s exhibit at the museum is wonderful. I enjoyed the variety of styles and the caliber of the art. These are just a few pictures from the show. There is a lot of other work that caused me to stop and take a closer look. I have included some eye candy for you:
This Saturday – Art in the Yard at Baker Lumber:
This Saturday, October 5, 5-8pm is a local favorite art event – Art in the Yard. Lakeshore Visual Arts Collective teams up with the Grand Haven Schools Foundation to host a pop-up show with more than 30 artists, live music, beverages and a food truck. This is our 9th year hosting this event at Baker Lumber. The Baker family has been very generous to both organizations in helping with the set up, the facility, and more. For me, one of the best things about this event is that I get to see friends who I haven’t seen in awhile. So, please, come on into town this Saturday!
Life:
I haven’t been doing all that great with working out. For my entire adult life, I have worked out 4 times a week. I am still walking Leo. I think I am still getting settled and figuring out my new life. So, it’s a new month – my birth month. No more breaks for Cyndi. I am back on track – or at least trying. I did work out today. I worked in the studio until 8pm. If you go back to older posts, you will find links for recipes that I enjoy. The food bloggers continue to share great recipes for families and singles. Check them out. Here are some interesting food related articles:
What’s the best fish to order in a restaurant?
Foods that we should try to buy as organic. The list might surprise you and why.
I hope to see you this Saturday at Art in the Yard. It is a fun night. Take care, Cyndi
