Last week in our LILLSTREET THROWDOWN class, I challenged my students to throw their most “perfect” mug-shaped cylinder. After they had shaped, grooved & “perfected” them… they brought them all to the table thinking they were done!

Only THEN did they find out that the REAL challenge was that they had to throw as many “matching” cylinders as they could… at HALF THE SIZE!!! Yep, smaller versions thrown off-the-hump. So those who made their original cylinders more shapely or decorated, now had to make them smaller too! Some people had never thrown-off-the hump, so I did a quick demo… and then the challenge started!!! At the end, they only got points for the cylinders that were deemed “matching” at half the size by the group!

Celebrating NATIONAL OREO COOKIE DAY with two of the best! Original & mint flavored… sure, the crazy flavors are fun… but sometimes you just want a plain yummy cookie!!!

Today’s the last day for “4×4 : FOUR MAKERS.” And what would a gallery show be without some treats for our guests?… water, wine, grapes, chocolate, pretzels & more! And once again, the mint OREOs are ready to go!!! No “yellow towel” required! … HA!!!

So many people love the gingko… so I’ve got some gingko leaves in one of my stamped & soda-fired bowls! Ceramic gingko leaves you can enjoy forever. Still hanging out the the “4×4 : FOUR MAKERS” show… waiting for that special someone to give the gingko bowl some loving!

Okay… picture this! This is the amazing fused glass work by Robin Kittleson. Every polka dot is an individual cane of hand-pulled millefiori glass cut into small nuggets that are like a 1/4″ long. Some of the canes of glass have several layers of colors within them. Then they’re all stacked tightly together sidce-by-side, packing together different colors & making patterns. So many individual pieces of different diameters packed so tight that there are no gaps or spaces. There is no filler – just canes of glass. Once all filled & packed together, it is all slowly melted together in a kiln… and slumped over a mold to create the smooth platter shapes. Incredible process & beautiful results… and if you hold them up to the light so it shines through… BREATHTAKING!!!

Next up… close-up details of the metal sculptural work of Darlys Ewoldt. All handmade, all fabricated from flat sheets of metal. “Somehow” formed by hand to make these amazing… I don’t really understand how any of this is done. It’s all metasmithing magic to me. But the forms are amazing… and the patina’d colors even cooler! All of these sculptures can be seen at the “4×4 : FOUR MAKERS” gallery show in Evanston!

Crazy cool close-up details of Sarah Chapman’s contributions to the Four Seasons collaboration project. Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter… interpreted through metal, stones, gems & patina colors! Amazing work for the “4×4 : FOUR MAKERS” gallery show! Today is the final day… c’mon by 12:00noon-4:00pm.

SPRING

SUMMER

FALL

WINTER

With a late start to today’s gallery show at Space 900, I had some extra time to enjoy the morning sunrise. Not the most stunning… I prefer more dramatic clouds… but still the best way to start the day.

Spring. Summer. Fall. Winter. As seen through the eyes of the “4×4 : FOUR MAKERS.” So much fun to work on a large collaboration project with your Talented Friends! Each interpreting the theme in their own way using their own mediums & talents. Always exciting when a good plan comes together!

Today was the opening of “4×4 : FOUR MAKERS” in Evanston. Thanks to everyone who stopped by today to chat & buy some art. We always love seeing art enthusiasts, collectors, hobbyists, students, friends & more! We’re looking forward to two more days of fun… hoping you can stop by! I’ll be there with my talented friends Sarah, Darlys & Robin! What could be better than hanging out with friends all day surrounded by great art & good snacks?! C’mon by…