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

Next weekend is the NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR… and I will be one of the Guest Potters at my friend Cory McCrory’s studio in Sandwich, Illinois. I’ve been enamored by her whimsical pieces ever since we met MANY years ago at an art fair. Her textures, patterns, colors & whimsy! Make sure you mark your calendar & set your GPS for Sandwich… make it your first stop of the Pottery Tour!

More details at www.northernilpotterytour.com

Categories: art fair, artists, friends, My Talented Friends

Looks like my uber-talented buddy Cory McCrory has been extra busy in her studio getting ready for the NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR! Some adorable critters scurrying around to find a spicy S&P tray! Can’t wait to share her studio location as one of her guests for the tour. We would love to see you on June 11th & 12th. Kick off your tour in Sandwich, Illinois and work your way back to the Aurora, Villa Park and finally Chicago tour locations.


For more information, check out www.northernilpotterytour.com

Categories: artists, friends, My Talented Friends

Spent the day with My Talented Friend & master metalsmith Sarah Chapman today down at the ONE OF A KIND SHOW. So much fun to surround yourself with such talent & beautiful jewelry! I love having talented friends!!!

Check out more of her work online at www.chapmanmetals.com
or follow her on Instagram : @chapmanmetals

Categories: artists, My Talented Friends, sculpture

Also part of the sculpture show in Evanston this weekend, was another one of My Talented Friends Darlys Ewoldt… who makes these crazy cool metal sculptures!!! Swirling dimensional sculptures with great patina colors that are simply amazing. I have no idea how she makes them!!! Crazy, right?!

Categories: art fair, artists, friends, My Talented Friends

So much fun hanging with my friend & master metalsmith Sarah Chapman this afternoon… after her pop-up gallery show in Evanston this weekend. She makes such cool stuff… so talented, so creative. You should definitely check out her work… and then come see her this spring at the One-Of-A-Kind Show in Chicago!!! www.chapmanmetals.com

Categories: artists, lillstreet, mugs, My Talented Friends, porcelain, soda-fired

So fun to have my potter-friend Mike Stumbras stop by my little Mug Sale today with some of his family! They got a quick tour of Lillstreet… and a couple new mugs… and I got a beautiful porcelain cup from Mikey! Lots of twists, slip trailing & gold lustre! If you’re not following Mike on Instagram… you definitely should be!!!

Beautiful pottery, incredible craftsmanship, historical references & plenty of videos & tutorials. Be sure to check him out. … @mikestumbras

Categories: artists, collaborations, My Talented Friends

Just dropped off two new soda-fired frames with my friend & painter Mary Foster… just finishing up one last Christmas collaboration commission before the holidays! We’ve done several “pottery & painting” collaboration pieces this year… and already discussing next year!

Considering some new options… and not to give anything away,
but I’ll give you two words… WOOD… CUT…. fingers crossed…

Categories: animals, creativity, friends, holiday, My Talented Friends, ornaments

So excited to add two new Cory McCrory ornaments to my Christmas tree this year! Such an adorable addition to my handmade ornament collection! Cory makes amazing pieces handbuilt with paper clay, great textures, fun colors… and always a dash of whimsy!!! I mean… who doesn’t need a chicken and a bunny on their tree?!

And they’re BELLS too!!! That Cory McCrory thinks of everything!!!

Categories: art fair, artists, friends, My Talented Friends

And here’s a little of “the metal” from MUD & METAL.
Some of Amy Taylor’s beautiful hinged silver jewelry with cool gemstones. We’ve got plenty of pottery & jewelry for everyone on your holiday shopping list today… including yourself!!! We’re open until 6:00pm… and bring a friend!

Categories: art fair, artists, friends, My Talented Friends, pottery

Tomorrow’s the big day! The kick-off of this weekend’s MUD & METAL Holiday Home Show! We’re open Saturday & Sunday from 10:00am-6:00pm with plenty of pottery & jewelry for everyone on your holiday gift list. Swing by to do a little holiday shopping, to enjoy some holiday cheer… or to just sit on my comfy sofa to hang out with us for awhile! Remember, we’re staying safe with face masks & social-distancing even if you’re vaccinated!