|
On September 7th I moved into my new home at the Brockway Center for Arts and Technoligy (BCAT) in Brockway, PA. The facility's goal is to educate the youth in the surrounding areas through the arts. More info can be found here. http://www.brockwaycat.org The facility is about 2 hours north east of Pittsburgh in a quaint little town. I've had the pleasure of meeting a lot of great people so far through the work we do and I can only imagine it will keep getting better. For the first week we (my boss, and my fellow resident) have been going to all the local high schools and presenting what BCAT has to offer. We have also been working on getting the studio ready for the kids to start their after school program, as well as the adult students. In the next week or two. I'm my downtime I've been plugging away in the studio getting back in the swing of things. I feel like I've been away from clay for a long time and it good to be back. I've also been venturing out in the town and surrounding areas to explore the new surroundings. 
First thing as you walk into our studio.
Nice slab roller and wedging tables in the middle.
Work tables for various workings.
The wonderfully stocked materials room.
Bisque and glazing room.
Opposite view of the same room.
"Hello, darkness my old friend" Mixing clay in this gem.
The main entrance into BCAT that leads into the gallery.
Student show that's up right now.
More of the show.
The whole gallery space. I'll be attempting to fill this within the next year. Wish me luck!! Hahaha
0 Comments
This past month has been some great times. I've seen a lot and been to some great places. First stop was taking my nephew back to his home in Massachusetts. It was a long drive for a 12 year old, but he endured like a pro. While in MA, I had to pleasure of going to a few galleries and over to Boston to see the wonderful collection in the Boston MFA(museum of fine arts). If you go make it a two day visit. There is so much art and so many different wings that it just is to much for one day. They even give you a two day pass with your regular ticket price. Students save a few bucks. So don't forget your I.D. While in Boston I had the pleasure of seeing a very unique and one of my favorite bands, The Knife. Check them out. But don't ever pass up a live performance by them. It was mind blowing. I then drove back to Pittsburgh, hung out for a day, and flew off to visit family in Ft. Collins, CO. Let's just say it was breathtaking from start to finish. We did some hiking, and saw some pretty cool sights. I'll be sure to keep the drooling views to a minimum. The food was almost unmatchable as well so be sure to explore all parts. Not just the mountains. 
Hand made glass blown octopus in Northampton, MA.
Washington collection in the MFA, Boston.
That baby. I don't know what it was about it, but it creeped me out. MFA collection, Boston.
Early 19th century american sculptures. MFA collection
There was a floral exhibit going on in the MFA as well, and they were inspired by the works you see behind them. This was one of my favorites.
This goes with the previous photo
As you can see, they had a huge Degas selection. One of many people's favorites.
Why not. Here's a mirror that shows you the amazing ceiling of the MFA in one section of them museum.
I'm not sure how to feel about this. But I suppose that's part of the world we are in.
They have a great section dedicated to the preservation and education of historical musical instruments. This was the the wall next to the entrance.
That evening at the House of Blues to seeThe Knife!!
The group taking it's last amount of bows before the end of the show. 'Twas amazing.
All ready for Colorado.
First day
First bit of wildlife. An elks butt. I was to slow.
Heading into the canyons.
About 11k feet up. It was glorious.
Not the best image, but it's called "Sleeping Elephant" and it's worth the hike to see in person.
Found a cool little place to post up for a bit.
On the way back from the top. It's no read wood but still sweet to drive through.
Coming back down from a little hike.
The art of rock stacking
A close friend of mind is a lover of sea creatures. Had to stop at the aquarium in Denver.
Sea turtles, mate.
So majestic...
They had a few.
This cat was a monster. The pic does it no justice.
Back to Ft. Collins
That's better
This dude was legit. I commend him on his protection of our national treasures. The Rockies.
In our sights
Hiked up a mile and down into a steam with a view.
Ft. Collins from above
This is art, right? Happy Cinco de Mayo.
About to land in Pittsburgh again. Miss it already. Thanks for stopping and checking out my updates.
This week, I have started a commission for a wedding. The bride and groom to be have asked for a order of just over 200 pieces. It's a great opratunity that I'm both excited for, and honored to have of been asked to do. I'll be updating this post as they come along. So far I've started throwing the pieces, and hope to have half of them done by tomorrow. I'll then trim them over the weekend, and start the second half on Monday. 
One of the prototypes that we agreed on. There will be a variety of glaze colors, but the shape will be the same.
One of the racks I've filled up. I try to do a few of these a day to keep it spread out.
Trimming
Trimming in action.
Finished the rack up. Time to dry, and then fire them.
On the drying rack. The rack allows for a even dry.
Unloading the big batch so far.
Starting the prep for wax and then glaze. Coming along.
Second batch of about 75 coming out of the kiln. Almost done.
I visited my former undergrad yesterday (Edinboro University) to see the wonderful, and crazy talented Sergei Isupov. His work is recognized and exhibited around the world. Not to mention, a personal favorite of mine. So to have him come to such a close place, I had to take the opportunity and go. If you're not familure with his work, his website is http://sergeiisupov.com, and here's some more info, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergei_Isupov Enjoy. 
Sergei starting with slabs to build the form.
His figure starting to take shape.
Sergei attaching the head.
Cleaning up the slipped parts.
Front shot
Back shot.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of going to this year’s annual NCECA conference (http://nceca.net) and It was an amazing time. If you're a ceramics artist, 3D artist, or a fan of anything In-between this would be a great time for you and your friends. The conference is 3-4 days long, and is in a different city each year in the U.S. This year took us to Milwaukee, which turned out to be such a great city. It is mapped out wonderfully, the food was amazing, And easy to to walk, bike, or take public transportation in. Some food places worth checking out were, The King and I(Thai food), Miller Time Pub (you've got to get the Wisconsin Cheese Curds) and for breakfast, The Broken Yolk (deliciously huge portions and low cost). And for the nightlife, there is plenty to be had, but my all time favorite was finding "The Safe House". The Safe House is an amazing, not so hidden gem of the city. Ask around town about it, and you might just find your way there. But be warned, If you don't know the passcode, it will be tricky to get in… ;-) But enough about the food and crazy fun nightlife, we had a chance to see some amazing ceramics and other works of art while in town. One of my favorites is Beth Cavener's "Tangled Up In You" in the Milwaukee Art Museum, which held the NCECA invitational “flow” show. The museums amazing architecture allows for the building to open and close giant wing like blinds around the main section of the building at noon each day. If you have a chance, look it up or go see it. The student show was hosted in the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. MIAD had a wonderful gallery, and was a great looking school. Here are some photos of some of my favorite pieces of work. All photos taken by me. More can be seen at http://instagram.com/cp0945 **I would like to thank Edinboro University and Clay Club/SGA for assisting with the trip and making some great memories.  Work by Joe Page  Beth Cavener's "Tangled Up In You"  Detail shot of Beth Cavener's "Tangled Up In You"  Work by Giselle Hicks  Work by Linda Cordell  Work by Alanna DeRocchi  Work by Amber Smith  Done by Ed Eberle  OUtside the Milwaukee Art Museum.  At Miller Time with the cheese curds that are to die for.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
October 2014
Categories |
RSS Feed
