New work from the studio.

Some new mugs. Lots of curves and assymmetry along the bottom with some sprigging for design. All of the handles have been textured. 2 have thumb rests. Playing with ideas. There are 16 of these. I want to glaze them in a matte black along the bottom half with aqua or bright purple on the remainder of the exterior and the interior. With a slight overlap I will get a nice third shade. The black and aqua creates a metallic green. The black and purple creates a ultramarine blue. I will post more soon. I hope to bisque these this weekend along with the trays.

Soup of the Week: Pasta Fagioli. Mmmmm.

I wanted to try a new soup this week. I didn't use the crockpot for this one. Its a yummy tomato based bean soup in case you were wondering. Sorry for a lack of measurements. I don't measure when I cook. I just go for it. My ingredients:
Orzo
Can of diced tomatoes (slightly pureed)
Chicken bouillon
Turkey bacon (the original recipe called for a fancy Italian ham or bacon. I opted for something more healthy)
Carrots
Celery
Onion
Escarole
White beans. I used 4 cans. 
Pepper, Garlic, Oregano, Basil
Olive Oil

Saute the bacon in a separate pan. Then remove and dice. This eliminates some of the greasiness from affecting the soup. Then in the soup pot add the bacon and the onion and olive oil. After a minute or two add the carrots and celery.
Next add water and the remaining ingredients. Cover and bring to a boil. Then lower heat and cook for one hour. I used too much water for the broth but it turned out yummy nevertheless.

Project for the week: photographing artwork. Kill me now.

I am working with a friend to create a shop on my website. I love Etsy but I get so many hits on my site I feel like I'm missing out on a lot of potential customers. I also feel like maybe my work is getting lost in the shuffle. Somehow the whole does not know about Etsy. Seems impossible at this point but working with that point of view I think 2 online shops is the way to go.

All of this means I get to do my least favorite chore of all, photographing my work. I hate it. Its boring, some of my glazes don't like the same lighting as others, and some glazes are so shiny the glare is horrendous. I've tried all the tricks, etc. Lightbox, natural light, whatever. I don't care what anyone says because I will never like this chore. I rather take care of my accounting and that says a lot.

After taking photos comes the joy of cropping and editing on Photoshop. I also have to measure each piece. Another tedious task. Then shipping costs must be worked out. I have this down now thanks to my Etsy site but still I sometimes misjudge. I like to pack things with excess amounts of bubble wrap. I've only have 2 orders break in 3 years. Still more than I would like.

So as I begin this chore wish me luck. In my head I hope to have this whole shop thing live by the end of February. I think its a realistic goal but I'm in no rush. However the potential of selling online and dealing with less shows makes it all worth while.

 

 

New Work, Round 2.

I am the proud owner of a new slab roller. While shopping on Bailey Pottery Supply I found a great table top model. Perfect for what I need and have room for in the studio. I started making these little trays. It had been a long time since I played with the ideas of trays. For my thesis show I made all tray sets so I think I burnt myself out. 

This round has a geometric design on what I will describe as a leaf shaped tray. I made 7 for the first batch. Each one is different. My old tray sets were rectangular or square so these are definitely more organic. Not sure how to glaze them yet. I'm going to make some more with different stampings so perhaps I'll chose a color for each series.

New work. Round 1.

I have been trying to work on wall pieces for 3 years now. I have had little time to experiment. Lately I have felt like I am making work to sell, not making work to create. Therefore one of my goals for 2010 is to experiment and not worry if I have enough to sell or anything to sell. Come what may.

The first set of wall pieces were more like canvas. I constructed the boxes but the edges seemed so harsh. Then I tried using a foam mold. Again the shape was not quite right. Then of course holiday shows came and I abandoned my wall tiles.

The current piece above is essentially 2 tiles pressed together. There is a slight pillow quality to them so that they do not sit flat against the wall. There is a bit of a sculptural quality about them. Right now in my head I want these to be glazed in the gunmetal black/grey. I'm not sure how this will evolve but for the meantime I'm happy with the first round. I have made 6 and the construction is the best since the previous trials. I'll keep you posted on the progress. And in case you are wondering this one measures 5 inches square but it will shrink a bit.

Better late than never?
Here are some pics from the Bazaar Bizarre westside show. Why did it take me so long to post them? One word: vacation. Anyways, enjoy. You won't see me at a show till April. Until then I'll be hiding in my studio.

I'm trying to be a good blogger. And with the nice set up of scheduling blogs I can write them and then set a time for them to post. So when I'm snug under a blanket with my loyal space heater by my side on Sundays I can get a lot done. Sunday is usually cooking day for the week. I've been trying to make a soup a week. Its healthy and keeps me eating that way throughout the week when I often don't have time to cook. I also got a crockpot for Christmas which I'm very excited about. I've decided to start posting some of my food creations. Eating is something I love. And since I make dishes it kinda goes hand and hand. Below is my first crockpot creation: southwest stuffed peppers. I needed something vegetarian after a week of meat for Christmas. Please excuse the blurry picture. I'm trying to not be OCD about this.

The recipe called for:
4 large green peppers
1 cup rice
1 can black beans
1 can corn
1/2 cup green onions
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Mix together ingredients and stuff peppers. Cook on high for 4 hours. 

All and all a good recipe however I made a few alterations. I tried using a yellow pepper along with the green and I think that was a better choice. I added more cumin then the recipe called for along with some taco seasoning, fresh ground pepper and garlic powder. I also served them with fresh avocado slices. I'm not a cheese eater (and cheese was called for in the original recipe). So creamy avocado-ness was perfect.

After trying this recipe I think the time I will use less corn, more beans and salsa and cilantro. It was definitely missing something and I think the cilantro was it.

I think my next recipe will be turkey chili. I really want some chili but again I'm meated out from the holiday season. We'll see how that turns out.

52 Weeks 52 Works

A great way to start off the New Year! I am once again featured in the calendar put out by AGC: The Creative Advantage. Every year they have a call for artists and feature some amazing regional talent. My teapot below is included.

The focus this year is working on some new ideas. I did a lot of shows last year. I'm going to do less this year. I have wanted to make wall pieces for years now but I have never had the time. Due to my inventory I am at a place where I can experiment. I plan to take full advantage of it.

Please check back often and I will try to be a good pottery blogger.

Cheers to a fabulous 2010!

Hand Building Class with Gina DeSantis

 

This class will focus on creating hand built clay vessels (both functional and sculptural). We will also integrate texture and pattern to create one of a kind pieces. Topics will include carving, sprigging, stamping, inlaying, stencils, and sgraffito. This class is designed for all levels of ceramics artists from beginners to more seasoned students.

Dates: Mon evenings 7-9pm, Jan 4th - Jan 25th (4 weeks) 2 SPOTS LEFT!

***just added OR Thurs evenings 7-9pm, Jan 7th - Jan 28th (4 weeks) 3 SPOTS LEFT!
Fee: $105 (The class fee includes one 25lb bag of clay, all glazes and firings.)
Payment is due upon registration.
 
(Sign up soon. Class size is limited. Maximum 6 students.)

Location: Lake Erie Building at the Templar Industrial Park
13000 Athens Ave
Lakewood, OH 44107

Contact Gina DeSantis at artzy_grl@yahoo.com for more information and to register.

The last installment of my life in list form for 2009!

1. Today is my last show of 2009. Please visit my hot mess of a studio for sales. Please bring me baileys.
2. As I enjoy the first Christmas in 3 years because the last 3 years I worked in retail hell. I am reminded that:
-I loved being a merchandiser. But I hated when the managers undid all of my hardwork thus sending me into a meltdown.
-I hated leaving work covered in sweat and glitter. I think perhaps this is how strippers feel.
-I hated ungrateful customers who seemed to think that you get paid to deal with their holiday craziness. Guess what, we didn't.
-I am happy I got laid off because if I didn't I would probably still be trapped in retail purgatory forever.
-There is nothing like working at a "lifestyle center" aka faketown when you have a Masters degree.
-There is nothing like being treated like a moron because customers equate working in retail with stupidity. Again, MFA so bite me.
-I hated that people thought posters that were framed (badly) were made my local artists.
3. Next week commences the making of yummy holiday foods: manicotti style crepes, wedding soup, stuffed olives, and pizelles.
4. Next week commences 2 weeks off. Not only do I not work in faketown anymore, I have 2 weeks off.
5. With these 2 weeks off I will sleep a lot, work out, eat, drink, be merry, and clean the hot mess of a studio. Can I fill 2 weeks with these things? Oh, yes. Yes I can.
Merry Christmas!

Super Duper Sale of Awesome-ness

Here is the deal...The Last Minute Market is my last holiday show of the season. I have some new ideas in my crazy little head and I need to clear out some older work. Stop by my studio (on the 3rd floor) or my table on the 2nd floor to get some deals on cups, bowls and ornaments!

See you this Saturday from 10-6pm.

The 3/50 Project

Did you wonder where your money goes when you shop at a big box store? How much of it goes back to the community vs. how much money goes back when you buy from a local, independent business?
Visit the 3/50 Project page to learn more about sustaining your local economy.

A few Cleveland area stores I recommend:
Local Girl Gallery, Lakewood, OH.
Bay Arts, Bay Village, OH.
Banyan Tree, Tremont, OH.

Also search on etsy for "clevelandteam" to find the Cleveland Handmade Team's work. A wide variety of work from a group of very talented artists.

Last Minute Market Love

Check out a great article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer by Evelyn Theiss about the Last Minute Market and Open Studio events. Read it here.

Open Studio Press

In case you didn't get to check this out here is a nice article about the Lake Erie building. Read it here.

Some of the artists in the building will have their spaces open during the Last Minute Market on Saturday, December 19th from 10-6pm. If you missed the first open studio event this is a good opportunity to check it out.

Remember the Last Minute Market is this Sat, Dec 19th. Valerie Tyler, one of the Cleveland Handmade artists has been doing a great job showcasing artists from the group. Check out her blog to see what Cleveland Handmade has to offer. That is one of her foxy necklaces pictured above. Check out her etsy site for more!

The Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland is this weekend!

Visit me this Saturday and Sunday (Dec 12th & 13th) at 1300 w.78th St. in Cleveland.

Noon - 9 pm Sat

Noon - 6 pm Sun

Support local artists and DIY. Shop handmade this holiday season!

For all the eastsiders be sure to check out Animals in Art at the Orange Art Center

(also on the 12th & 13th)

10am - 4pm Sat

noon - 4pm Sun

located at 31500 Chagrin Blvd, Pepper Pike.

Happy Holidays!

As most of you know I have my studio in the Lake Erie Building (aka the Screw Factory). When I moved to Lakewood I never knew it existed. I am from Lorain, a city with nothing to offer artists. My first studio post grad school was supposed to be this great space. I was lucky to have a place right outside of school to work and I found a used kiln. But I was in the hood of Cleveland. Don't get me wrong, I love Cleveland but I can't say I was somewhere I felt safe.

After a series of issues in this space I decided to leave and start shopping around. My friend Ruth told me about the Screw Factory open house she had attended. I checked out the space and decided to call it my new studio home. Because I had to get the hell out of dodge I had to move before my studio was actually built. The landlord was kind enough to let me store my equipment and supplies for free. The tenants were few at that time but my stuff was left untouched and safe during its stay. I could already tell I was going to love the place.

Once I finally settled into the studio I quickly got to work. It was nice for the first time since school and the last studio nightmare to have a space to call my own. No distractions, no one else to deal with. It was my bubble. Often there is nothing I would rather do than spend a Friday night in my studio with some beer and some clay.

After being there for a year I proposed to my neighbors that we do an open studio. The response I got was tremendous. It quickly snowballed and everyone chipped in time, energy and money to help. The amount of tenants has tripled since I first rented a space. The last open studio event tripled in size as well. I feel like I am right where I am supposed to be. I am surrounded by a group of talented and diverse artists. They are some of the best neighbors I could ever ask for. The energy is amazing and I can say that these events are truly a collaboration. The community has been kind enough to give us support and I'm happy to call Lakewood my home.

I love Cleveland but I recognize that there are always going to be people checking in on me to see if I've failed. And I will fail at things. But that's the only way I'll get any better. I'm happy to be right where I am at. I only hope you can say the same.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and my artwork throughout the years. And thank you to everyone who has supported these open studio events. Your kindness will never go unappreciated.

Yesterday was the Cleveland Handmade Market at Wooltex Gallery. I was scarf sitting for Shannon Okey. It was a good day despite the cold. You have one more chance to check out the Cleveland Handmade crew on Dec 19th at the Lake Erie Building (home to the Screw Factory Artists). It will be a big show. Join us from 10am-6pm.

Snowflakes have been filling the studio. As well as stars, trees, and christmas bulbs. Enjoy.

Things you can buy me for Christmas to make me happy. (Or things I will buy myself with Christmas show earnings!) Enjoy the work below. Remember to buy handmade this holiday season.

This Saturday, December 5th from 10-6 you can find me and my work at the Cleveland Handmade Market. This event will be held at the Wooltex Gallery located at 1900 Superior Ave, Cleveland, 44114. Its in the same building as Artefino.

It should be a great day of holiday art shopping in Cleveland. Terravista Studios located at 1400 E. 30th St. will be open. And Bridget Ginley who is located on the same floor will be selling her awesome cards, prints, paintings and ceramics as well. In addition the ArtCraft building is holding their annual holiday sale.

The Cleveland Handmade Show includes work by LazyTcrochet, Silver Made Studio, Susan K Jewelry, smashing, urbanartifaks, Les Trois Fleurs, mtmarge7, deglass, jenuin, pvialewis, Sara Riley, Lise Anderson, knitgrrl, Cherubs Blanket, Bread and Roses 2, Ms. Kitty's Closet, Simple Elements Design, snollygosters, Gina DeSantis

Great shopping all around! Hope to see you there.

Find me and my dog dishes and cat bowls tomorrow evening at the Animals in Art Exhibit. The Patron Party is Thursday, December 3rd from 6-9pm. Tickets are $30 in advance or at the door. Call 216.831.5130 to purchase tickets. This event benefits both the Orange Art Center and the Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village. The exhibition will be up all week during normal business hours (Mon-Thurs, 9:30-4). Then on December 12th & 13th stop by the OAC for a craft sale which is free and open to the public. The show is 10-4pm on Sat and 12-4pm on Sunday. I hope to see you there!

Holiday Calendar for the Month of December!

Sat, Dec 5th:

Cleveland Handmade Market at the Wooltex Gallery.

Sat, Dec 12th & 13th:

I'm pulling double duty. Find my work at the Orange Art Center's Animals in Art Craft Sale which is in conjunction with the Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village. A portion of the sales benefit both organizations.

Also find me at the Bazaar Bizarre at the 1300 Building on w. 78th St. I'll be there later in the day. Be kind to Becca and Kate who are manning the table for me.

Fri, Dec 18th:

TBA in Little Italy. When I know details, you will know details.

Sat, Dec 19th:

Cleveland Handmade's Last Minute Market at the Lake Erie Building. I will have a table on the 2nd floor with the lovely Ruth Sholtis-Furyes in charge. And I'll be in my studio on the 3rd floor as well. Bridget Ginley is also joining us!

As of December 1st:

4 shows down, 5 to go. some great. some not.

30 more soap dishes made for the next 5 shows. so not enough.

then i broke 1. 29 soap dishes.

125 new ornaments made. lots of snowflakes. and new christmas bulbs which are hopefully nice to look at.

1 bad elf beer in the fridge. saving it for an evening at home which probably won't be till saturday.

3 kiln firings in 4 days.

i just want my bed....

Just in time for the holidays!

Check out this great article in the NY Times about buying handmade...click here to read more.

And don't forget to check out the Bazaar Bizarre Eastside edition on Larchmere Blvd this Fri and Sat from 10-8pm during the holiday stroll. Black Friday is much more fun when you can shop local and avoid the malls. Hope to see you there! Happy Turkey Day. Gobble gobble.

Another installment of "My Life in List Form". Because that is only way I accomplish anything.
1. This weekend I made 80 ornaments. Today I get to spend my time at the studio prettying them up. I hate this part.
2. New plan. Marry rich. Get full time live in masseuse. This ceramics chick's back hurts.
3. Beer Engine in a few. Starting this week out right.
4. We are a few days away from my favorite meal of the year. I'm a foodie.
5. 3 down. Lots to go. 1 inch down as well. Thats even better.
6. Christmas tree is up. Purple, silver and pink. Its like Jem and frickin holograms.
7. 5 bottles of left over wine. I live alone. That's 5 good nights this week.
8. Mop the kitchen floor again. Tonic water incident last evening. Oops.
9. Soup of the week: vegetable with israeli couscous. mmmm.
10. I'm thankful this year that: I'm in an amazing studio with a lot of supportive artists, I have a day job in the arts, I don't work in retail purgatory (which includes not being covered in glitter, sweat or tears at the end of a work day), That I have 2 weeks at Christmas to spend with my family and relax, and that I have lots of shows coming up so I get to share my artwork with all of you and get out of the studio and be social! Oh yes, and I'm thankful I have amazing friends who will watch my booth for me. You rock!

More work that was displayed during the Nov. 7th Open Studio event. Some of these pieces will be at my holidays shows...others only at the Dec. 19th event. I definitely want to explore making more teapots in 2010.

More work by another visiting artist Elizabeth Emery. She has a show this Friday at SPACES Gallery.

At long last photos from the Lake Erie Building Open House. Here is some of the work by the visiting artists in my space. Enjoy!

Catnip mice by Deborah Pinter.


Sara (of Small Screen Designs) fixing her display and a shopper.


More work by Small Screens.


Kelli of Frank-n-Stuff and Kylee of Kyko.


More Frank-n-Stuff clothing.

Here is my event calendar for the remainder of 2009. Please note that my studio will be open on the Dec. 19th event during the Cleveland Handmade Last Minute Market in the Lake Erie Building.


11.14.09 & 11.15.09 Tiny Canary

10-6 pm both days. Columbus, OH.


11.27.09 & 11.28.09 Eastside Bazaar Bizarre

10-8pm both days

12635 Larchmere Blvd


12.3.09 Cleveland Handmade's Last Minute Market

10-6pm at the Wooltex Gallery

1900 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH.


12.12.09 & 12.13.09 Bazaar Bizarre Westside

noon - 9 pm Saturday, noon - 6 pm Sunday

1300 W. 78th St, Cleveland, OH.


12.19.09 Cleveland Handmade Last Minute Market at the Lake Erie Building

10-6pm, 13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, OH.

The show is on the 2nd floor but I will be in my studio on the 3rd floor.




Check back for regular calendar updates as the holiday season approaches.

I was in a gift guide on etsy! Click here. Hopefully my mug is still there.

And come see me Sat and Sun in Columbus for Tiny Canary!

My pottery classes at Art House are wrapping up shortly but they have some other great class offerings for the remainder of 2009. Visit http://www.arthouseinc.org for more information!

ART HOUSE WINTER CLASSES
FINAL DAY TO REGISTER - NOV. 5
MIXED MEDIA DRAWING
with Melinda Placko
Wednesdays, November 11 - December 12
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Class fee: $70, four student minimum
Expand your definition of drawing as you explore a variety of techniques on a wide range of surfaces. Students will experiment with pencils, pens, charcoal, pastels, acrylics and collage as they refine their skills and discover new means of self-expression.

THE YOUNG ARTIST'S STILL LIFE
with Tim Callaghan
Saturdays, November 7 - November 28
9:30 - 11:00 amAges 9 - 12
Class fee: $55, five student minimum
Working on traditional and non-traditional surfaces, students will learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting while developing his or her own unique style and skills. A perfect start for every young Picasso!


TO REGISTER FOR ANY WINTER CLASS Contact Stephanie Kluk TODAY at 216.398.8556

another installment of: my life in list form. because without lists i would never get anything done. ever.
1. i'm feeling defeated lately. one medication has ruined my life. its supposed to help. it didn't.
2. i have too much to do and trying to fit a social life into this schedule is difficult. age 29 should be fun, yes?
3. its cold. its dark early. its time to find a winter home. not. in. ohio.
4. i still haven't found a gnome to follow me around and assist me with my work and chores.
5. if this gnome could go to the gym for me that would be even better.
6. this list is depressing.
7. do 10,000 things before the open studio on sat.
8. go to taco night.

I need your help!
Here is the deal. The Orange Art Center and the Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village are hosting the 3rd annual exhibition and craft sale "Animals in Art". Dec 3rd, the opening for the exhibit is a ticketed event. Part of this event includes a wine pull. You buy a ticket and pull a bottle of wine. All of the bottles are valued at $15 or higher. So you could score a swanky bottle for very little cash while helping to great non-profits.
This is how you can help...
On Sat, Nov 7th my studio will be open for the Lake Erie Building Holiday Open Studio. I am going to have a jar out for donations. Even if you only have a $1 to spare you are helping. I am also going to donate a $1 from every transaction that day. This money will go towards purchasing wine for the pull.

If you would like to buy a ticket for the event call 216.831.5130.
(The craft sale portion is free to the public!)

More cherry blossoms. I like painting them. Thankfully. Because they are becoming quite popular. But my new photo set up at the new home is not good. My lighting is all messed up. I hate this part of dealing with my artwork. Some glazes like to blur. My purple likes to look blue. Good times.


I made a lot of these coaster sets. I'm happy with the results but I painted about 70 coasters so that is close to 300+ blossoms????




I have 7 shows coming up. I promise to formally update my show calendar soon when the last 2 shows are confirmed. In the meantime I'm going to continue the cleaning process for the open studio in almost a week. Its fun trying to make a clay studio look clean.

Last week I decided to update my etsy site. This was delayed by my laptop battery biting the dust. I just received the new battery and my computer is no longer hibernating. So hopefully this week I can continue to add new things to my site. I will add more after the Lake Erie Building Open Studio on Sat, Nov 7th. Hope to see you there.

Buy me these things...

Lake Erie Building in the Best of Scene Issue for "Best Re-Use of an Industrial Building".

Here is the write up...
"The former home of the Lake Erie Screw Corporation in Lakewood's Bird Town was left empty when the company moved to Indiana. But building manager Ralph Lukich wasn't going to let the concrete behemoth just sit there. Starting with printmaker Phyllis Fannin and a few other noted Cleveland artists, Lukich constructed artisan studios in the building and, in the process, built an active community of more than 20 people creating everything from custom cabinetry to messenger bags. The artists not only work there, they also invite visitors to frequent open houses, so you can see them in action. (The next one takes place from 3-9 p.m. on November 7.) (13000 Athens Ave., Lakewood, 216.521.0088, screwfactoryartists.com) "— Gill

And my studio neighbors Arabella Proffer and Shannon Okey got a nod for Best Dynamic Duo. They left out delightful, hilarious, and loud. Congrats ladies!

Find me this Saturday, October 17th in Columbus for the Craftin' Outlaws Show. It is held at the Lodge Bar located at 165 Vine St. Hope to see you there!

Find Gina DeSantis Ceramics this year at Tiny Canary!


I am proud to be part of another awesome Columbus show. I will also be at Craftin' Outlaws one week from today! I'm very excited and have spent the weekend finishing a glaze firing and selecting work to take with me. I'll have functional work, jewelry and ornaments. Please stop by the Lodge Bar from noon to 6 and check out my booth.

The great thing about etsy is all of the cool handmade stuff. The bad thing about etsy is I don't have money to buy all of the cool handmade stuff. Here are my 2 most recent purchases...

A lovely ring from Smashing. Not the exact ring but I pulled a similar one from her etsy site. She is so kind to make me custom orders. I will definitely be back for more. And as long as she keeps breaking my sugar containers I'll be busy with commissions for her too!

I also scored this awesome tunic on sale from MissFragola. She is in Canada and ships her items very quickly. I highly recommend buying from her shop. Her clothing is definitely well made. Again, I will be back for more!