For the past few weeks, we have been experiencing the constant whirring of cicadas, as they break through their exoskeletons and emerge in their adult forms to take to the air. For some of us this cacophony is annoying, but it is music to my ears as it signals the availability of cicada sheds - that exoskeleton part that is left…
I was lucky enough to complete the fifth firing of my wood kiln here in Hillsborough before the COVID-19 restrictions were put in place. It included work from five different potters. I’m starting to get the hang of this, my third wood kiln. It’s much easier to fire than my first two as it’s significantly smaller and I’ve now been…
If you are looking for art that is fresh and special this spring, an event will be held soon that includes the work of three fresh OCAG artists: Cathy Kiffney, Luna Lee Ray, and Rebecca Neigher. Cathy Kiffney explains: "Four years ago I approached Luna Lee Ray with the idea of a small spring show. Although I did not know her…
Three OCAG artists are participating in an upcoming show at the Chapel Hill Gallery of Art on Franklin Street. Here at what each says about their particular path while making their art... Eduardo Lapetina notes: "The steps I go through are unpremeditated and unplanned. I might apply two or three layers this way, and then as shapes and forms emerge, a direction…
My studio is located on Dairyland Road, and for the past year I have shared my space with Erick Serritella, who is a nationally recognized sculptor and ceramic artist. It has been a new experience for both of us and we have learned a lot about our work and built a nice friendship. Sharing the studio has worked out just…
Have I learned yet to love uncertainty? Creating work in ceramic is not like painting. When you put a combination of glaze chemicals on clay and subject them to high heat, what you get is almost always surprising, even though you may have run many glaze tests and fired pieces under identical conditions. You do your best to control your outcomes,…
My day started out by catching a field mouse in the house. Thankfully, the animal was unhurt, and I did not need to take it to a place like Triangle Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic. This wildlife hospital that had served the entire Triangle had to shut down. Many have listened to me lament over this heartbreaking loss. Now, prior to spring,…
For a number of years, I have kept my eye on a particularly interesting show for clay artists, the International Cone Box Show. The pieces for this show are small sculptures that are able to fit inside a cone box (3 x 3 x 6 inches). This year I decided to apply. If you are not a potter, the following…
I recently finished a video about a fellow OCAG member who creates magnificent ceramic art pieces. We wanted to record a demonstration of her work in process, as well capture her thoughts about how she uses her minds eye to create pots that are either metaphysical or bio-geometric. (You’ll have to watch the video to find out how she conceptualizes…
Judith's New Studio I can now do it all in my own studio! With a kiln that doubles as an H.G. Wells-style time machine, a large spray booth for glazing, and an air compressor that inspires envy among all the guys in the neighborhood, I’m ready to create bigger-better-more in the ceramic realm. Dubbed “The Judio” by my neighbor, Susie…