Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery
A Chicago potter’s somewhat slanted view of clay & play
Categories: art fair, artists, friends, My Talented Friends, pottery

Last night I stopped by the “Ceramics Showcase” at McGaw YMCA in Evanston.
A couple of “My Talented Friends” were showing there, so I wanted to swing by before
heading back to Lillstreet for our annual Holiday Opening Party. All of the work in the
Showcase was quite nice, but of course, I’m just a little partial to my friends Cory McCrory,
Roberta Polfus & Delores Fortuna! So I just “had to” add to my collection…

First a couple new things from Cory. An adorable red hat kid which is actually a jar.
The hat comes off to reveal a bright orange interior! And you know how I love orange!

Speaking of orange… I also got another mug from Cory while I was there. I’ve always been
drawn to her sense of color & whimsy. Plus the textures & patterns ain’t too shabby either!

And then, as if I don’t already have too many ornaments on my Christmas tree, I needed to
get another one from Cory. The white bird will get added tot he tree. The black bird will
take up year-round residence elsewhere! You’ll need to come find it!

And another textured, porcelain vessel by Roberta. Such fine detail and carving! Love it.

And a groovy plate by Delores! Great pattern & design… plus a really cool “lip” or rim
of the late that curls over slightly. To help get all of those peas onto your fork!

It was another busy night of art. This Ceramics Showcase and the Lillstreet Holiday Opening.
Of you have a chance, stop by either one, or both, today or tomorrow!

Ceramics Showcase is at the McGaw YMCA at 1000 Grove Street, Evanston, Illinois
Lillstreet Art Center is at 4401 North Ravenswood (at Montrose), Chicago, Illinois

Categories: art fair, artists

Tonight I played with my friend Nancy at the opening of the “One Of A Kind Show”
in Chicago! The fun continues through the weekend at the Merchandise Mart.
Great art & great friends. Stop by and say hello to some of “My Talented Friends”…

Sarah Chapman – metalsmith – booth 2118
Karla Wheeler – metalsmith – booth 3077
Brad Pogatetz – photography – booth 1104
Melissa Banks – chain maille – booth 2107
Rebecca Zemans – metalsmith – booth 7087
Rebeca Mojica – chain maille – booth 3030A
Dobrila Pintar – glass beads – booth 6EP

Plus, a few other “new favorites” that you need to check out while you’re there!

Jim & Victoria Mullen – mixed media bird sculptures – booth 5095
Vintage Sculpture – found object sculptures – booth 3056C
Joe Christensen Pottery – large stoneware vessels – booth 5113
Anne Gary – crystaline porcelain pottery – booth 1068
Kevin Lahvic – whimsical paintings – booth 1086
Timber Green Woods – modern woodwork – booth 2110

A lot of beautiful work. Plan on spending a good bit of time browsing!

Categories: art fair, holiday

Thanks again to everyone who came to “My Home For The Holidays” Home Show.
And if you were one of the ones who missed it… you’re going to get another chance!
Plus, it’s perfect timing just to finish off your holiday gift list!!!

“Mud & Metal” : Another Holiday Home Show
Saturday, December 10th from 10:00am-6:00pm

And joining me again this year… as the “metal” part of the title… is my friend and
master metalsmith Sarah Chapman. My place will be filled with pottery in most of the rooms,
and Sarah will take over the dining room with her work.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 10thjust two weeks before Christmas!!!
More details to come…

Categories: art fair

For those of you who couldn’t quite make it over this weekend,
here’s a quick glimpse at what you missed…

Categories: art fair, friends

Here’s a HUGE thank you to all of my loyal friends & customers who stopped by
this weekend at my Holiday Home Show. Whether shopping for everyone on your list,
or just hanging out on my sofa, it was so great to see all of you at my place!
So many friendly faces. So many happy shoppers.

Thank you all for always being there, and being so supportive every time!
I couldn’t continue this adventure without your support & encouragement.

Categories: art fair

With my Holiday Home Show almost ready to go…
here’s one last reminder before the sow kicks off tomorrow morning!
There are HUNDREDS of reasons to come shopping this weekend.

I have over a HUNDRED mugs ready for the choosing.
I have over a HUNDRED ornaments ready to decorate your holidays.
And you can SAVE HUNDREDS with the bargains & discounted items on my back porch
at the “Tired Of Shlepping” Sale.”

HUNDREDS of reasons why you should kick-off your holiday shopping at my place
this weekend at my Holiday Home Show.

Categories: art fair, holiday, special events

Don’t forget that this weekend is “My Home For The Holidays” Home Show!
Both Saturday 11/19 and Sunday 11/20 from 10:00am-6:00pm.
Whether you’re starting your holiday gift shopping, splurging on yourself
or just hanging out on my sofa, I’d love to see you this weekend!

If you need my home address, just send me a quick e-mail to
gary@firewhenreadypottery.com

Categories: art fair, process

So last night my new postcards arrived… as well as my chocolate cake!
So this morning I’ve been labeling & stamping postcards, and eating cake…
with the hopes of getting them into today’s mail. Then it’s back to the studio
to make more pots. Looking at the calendar, I think today is going to be the last day
to throw wet new work if I hope to stamp, trim & dry them in time for next Tuesday’s
bisque kiln. Which then leaves me just a couple nights to glaze & wad for Friday night’s
soda kiln loading. The holidays are coming quick… and I’m already running out of days!

Categories: art fair, artists, My Talented Friends

I just found out from one of my faithful blog readers that my friend Sarah Chapman
is featured prominently in the new SOFA CHICAGO 2012 catalog.
Apparently, an image of her work is in the full page ad for Lillstreet Art Center on
page 254. Click below and check it out. Her work is incredible, and it’s great that she’s
getting exposure such as this. Well deserved Sarah!!!

SOFA CHICAGO 2012 Exhibition Catalog online – search for page 254

Also, as a quick heads-up… Sarah will also be having a Trunk Show at Lillstreet just in time
to kick-off the holiday shopping season. The show opening will be on Thursday,
November 17th and run through the following week with beauties like these…

Categories: art fair, process

With November right around the corner…
I’m becoming a little overwhelmed with the idea that my Holiday Home Show
is now less than three weeks away. So I’m in the studio trying to crank out as much
work as I can to fill another soda kiln before then. At least now I’m one step closer…
I just designed my postcards and sent them to the printer!

Sure, I’m running a little behind schedule on these… but with expedited shipping,
these will get out into the mail just in time! But until then, mark your calendars now!

“My Home For The Holidays” Home Show 2011
Saturday, November 19th – 10:00am-6:00pm
Sunday, November 20th – 10:00am-6:00pm

More details to come…