Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery
A Chicago potter’s somewhat slanted view of clay & play
Categories: artists, inspiration, pottery

So part of the fun of this weekend is seeing a lot of great pots…
or meeting the artists… being inspired by their talent… their attitude… the pots!
But another great part is being able to buy these great pots by these great potters
and adding them to my already overflowing pottery collection. It’s tough to choose
and limit myself while I’m there. It’s so easy to be swept up in the moment. So easy
to pick up every pot and yearn to take them all home. But I resisted that urge… kinda.

Matthew Metz plate… added to my large Matt Metz collection of mugs, jars & tumblers.

Dinner plates by Jo Severson… because food always tastes better off a real ceramic plate!

An adorable oval vase by Suze Lindsay… love the combination of texture, pattern & design.

A wonderful carved bowl by Ellen Shankin… love the color, and how the glaze pools.

Delores Fortuna finally made it into my “mug collection.”

As did my “new favorite” Ryan Greenheck – whose work is sheer perfection.
Not only is his surface decoration & glazing incredible, but his pieces are so well thrown,
trimmed and he’s paid attention to every detail – even the bottoms!

An I was excited to add Ryan Greenheck to the “mug collection” as well.

Plus… we love supporting potters of all levels… so it’s always a pleasure to stop in a shop
with The Rogue Potters who hang their shingle on the roadside hoping to grab a few shoppers
from the “real tour” to share their wares along the way.

So I added a beautiful, wood-fired shallow bowl by Randal Anderson to my collection…

4 Comments

May 12th, 2011

You hit the lottery of pottery. Beautiful pieces. Having coffee must be difficult…having to choose your mugs!

C. Yalater

May 12th, 2011

Fantastic “coverage” of “Le Tour” as always; I felt like I was right there. Great photos as usual, and nice to see you could add to your collection, particularly Matt Metz, but a surprise was Ryan Greenheck. He doesn’t use any stamps or carving, and I know your attitude about “smooth pots!” Nicely glazed though.
I didn’t know Steven Hill had moved from Sandwich, I was hoping to get down there to see his clay center. Did it not do as well as planned and close, or is it still there, but he is not?
Ah well, always something new in the world of clay. Keep up the great work, and enjoy your new pots.

May 12th, 2011

CHRISTY… Yes, it would be tough to choose a mug… but I don’t drink coffee… or tea!!! But I can tell you that my grape soda tastes extra special in a beautiful mug. Now if I could just hit the “real” lottery too!!!

May 12th, 2011

My new-found Ryan Greenheck addiction comes from the “perfection” in his process. His pieces are thrown so well. Great forms. Trimmed with a keen eye. Handles with delicate details. Slip textures. Small sprig pattern additions. And glazes that fit his pots perfectly… running, blending & accentuating the subtle slip textures fantastically!

As for Steven Hill, he has indeed moved from Sandwich back to Missouri. His departure from Center Street Clay was somewhat traumatic for him personally… as he cut & run. And seems so much happier now. As for Center Street Clay, I think his former partner (and girlfriend) is still trying to run the place without him. She’s not a potter, so I’m intrigued about how that’s going to work?! Needless to say… I’m not getting involved… again! But like I said, Steven seemed much happier now, and his pots still look incredible!!!

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