*You must have Flash enabled to see the mosaic. For a free download, please click here.
February's birthstone is the amethyst, a stone noted for it's violet hue. This week, Boston Handmade says "Happy Birthday" to the month of February, with this gorgeous selection of amethyst colored items.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
An Interview with Arthur Halvorsen
by Arthur of Arthur Halvorsen Ceramics
Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).
My name is Arthur Halvorsen, I live in South Boston with my partner Cary and our two crazy cats Sprocket and Cogswell. I make my work at Mudflat Studios in Somerville. I’m a reality TV addict especially Survivor, Project Runway, The Amazing Race, and Ace of Cakes.
What is your background? (family background, education, former/current day jobs)
I’m originally from Braintree where my Dad and sister still live, I received my BFA from Maine College of Art in Portland Maine in 2007. I currently teach clay at Mudflat to Adults, elementary and High School aged kids. At Mudflat I’m also at tech assistant meaning I’m loading and unloading kilns, mixing glazes and slips, recycling clay, and general studio upkeep. When I’m not at Mudflat I’m working 8 months out of the year at Boston Duck Tours where I am a ticket booth supervisor. In between both jobs I find the time to do my own studio practice.
What first made you want to become an artist?
I was raised in a very creative household. My dad ties his own flies for fly-fishing, makes his own bullets for target practice, and draws well. When my mom was alive she crocheted a lot of the blankets we had. In high school I knew I wanted to go to art school and was drawn to 3D art but didn’t really have the means to do so. I would paint and my paintings would be very sculptural and textured so moving into a medium in 3D came naturally to me. When I got to college I knew I wanted to either major in ceramics or photography, and chose ceramics because of all the layers I can make with the clay. I also like the unpredictability of what can happen in the kiln with clay. If I didn’t like to gamble and I didn’t want to become a pyromaniac then I wouldn’t of chosen clay. I love that clay comes out consistent, but never the same.
Describe your work.
My work is made from earthenware (terra cotta) clay I use bisque molds as a primary means of making. Bisque meaning I make a mold out of clay from an existing piece I find at a second hand shop, yard sale and even the grocery store. A slab (sheet) of clay is put over the piece and put in the kiln for on firing, making it as hard as stone. I then use another sheet of clay and make my pieces. All my pieces start upside down, so I have to think if then in reverse before going forward. I decorate with white slip, which gives the piece a nice texture like cake frosting, the thicker, the better in my opinion. I then decorate the piece further with colorful runny glazes. The last step for some of the pieces is to get decorated with vintage decals. I love watching the composition with the decals develop organically. I don’t like to plan the arrangement of decals out beforehand.
What inspires you?
Victorian silver, cakes, candy, birds, pop culture, drag queens, old glass Christmas ornaments, big bright beautiful flowers like gerber daisies, antiques, history and my collection of ceramic pieces all have a profound impact on me and my work.
What do you love most about what you make?
What I love most about what I make is that someone will actually use it. I make utilitarian objects and I don’t think that a piece is fully complete until the owner uses it for what it was intended for.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years with your art?
I see myself graduated from graduate school with a MFA degree in ceramics, living somewhere where I can make a full time living off my art. I see myself in a community studio, I like having the social contact with peers, and be able to ask for feed back without a big to-do.
Name your top five web sites.
www.kariradasch.com
www.akardesign.com
www.ayumihorie.com
www.redlodgeclaycenter.com
www.20x200.com
Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).
My name is Arthur Halvorsen, I live in South Boston with my partner Cary and our two crazy cats Sprocket and Cogswell. I make my work at Mudflat Studios in Somerville. I’m a reality TV addict especially Survivor, Project Runway, The Amazing Race, and Ace of Cakes.
What is your background? (family background, education, former/current day jobs)
I’m originally from Braintree where my Dad and sister still live, I received my BFA from Maine College of Art in Portland Maine in 2007. I currently teach clay at Mudflat to Adults, elementary and High School aged kids. At Mudflat I’m also at tech assistant meaning I’m loading and unloading kilns, mixing glazes and slips, recycling clay, and general studio upkeep. When I’m not at Mudflat I’m working 8 months out of the year at Boston Duck Tours where I am a ticket booth supervisor. In between both jobs I find the time to do my own studio practice.
What first made you want to become an artist?
I was raised in a very creative household. My dad ties his own flies for fly-fishing, makes his own bullets for target practice, and draws well. When my mom was alive she crocheted a lot of the blankets we had. In high school I knew I wanted to go to art school and was drawn to 3D art but didn’t really have the means to do so. I would paint and my paintings would be very sculptural and textured so moving into a medium in 3D came naturally to me. When I got to college I knew I wanted to either major in ceramics or photography, and chose ceramics because of all the layers I can make with the clay. I also like the unpredictability of what can happen in the kiln with clay. If I didn’t like to gamble and I didn’t want to become a pyromaniac then I wouldn’t of chosen clay. I love that clay comes out consistent, but never the same.
Describe your work.
My work is made from earthenware (terra cotta) clay I use bisque molds as a primary means of making. Bisque meaning I make a mold out of clay from an existing piece I find at a second hand shop, yard sale and even the grocery store. A slab (sheet) of clay is put over the piece and put in the kiln for on firing, making it as hard as stone. I then use another sheet of clay and make my pieces. All my pieces start upside down, so I have to think if then in reverse before going forward. I decorate with white slip, which gives the piece a nice texture like cake frosting, the thicker, the better in my opinion. I then decorate the piece further with colorful runny glazes. The last step for some of the pieces is to get decorated with vintage decals. I love watching the composition with the decals develop organically. I don’t like to plan the arrangement of decals out beforehand.
What inspires you?
Victorian silver, cakes, candy, birds, pop culture, drag queens, old glass Christmas ornaments, big bright beautiful flowers like gerber daisies, antiques, history and my collection of ceramic pieces all have a profound impact on me and my work.
What do you love most about what you make?
What I love most about what I make is that someone will actually use it. I make utilitarian objects and I don’t think that a piece is fully complete until the owner uses it for what it was intended for.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years with your art?
I see myself graduated from graduate school with a MFA degree in ceramics, living somewhere where I can make a full time living off my art. I see myself in a community studio, I like having the social contact with peers, and be able to ask for feed back without a big to-do.
Name your top five web sites.
www.kariradasch.com
www.akardesign.com
www.ayumihorie.com
www.redlodgeclaycenter.com
www.20x200.com
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Boston Handmade members' favorite blogs (part 3 of 3)
By Allison of Fraske Designs
The third and final in a series of blog posts about blogs that Boston Handmade members follow, here are some favorites from the photographers in the group:
Lucie of Lucie Wicker Photography enjoys...
Modish Biz Tips: This blog is just a wealth of information for indie artists/crafters. Jena is very enthusiastic and helpful, she makes it feel like readers are a part of a sort of entrepreneur club.
Creature Comforts: Lucie loves her "inspiration daily" pictures and the overall look of the blog
Pikaland: For Lucie's daily dose of illustrated life
Creative Thursday: Marisa work is super cute but Lucie also loves the positivity Marisa exudes on her blog. Lucie also enjoys her podcasts and more recently her video podcasts
WishStudio: Again, beautiful photography and inspiring writings from multiple contributors. The editor is Boston-based too.
They all tie in because they have a lot of pretty pictures and inspiration/positive writing. The tips are great too!
Kerry of Kerry Hawkins Photography, a self-proclaimed photo geek, follows...
A Beautiful Mess
Robert Torres Photography
My Funny Eye
Sandra Juto
It is easy to see what Kerry likes about these blogs... check out the beautiful imagery!
Lastly, I enjoy following a variety of blogs such as...
Superbomba (Ok, this is a flickr photostream, not an official blog, but I subscribe to the feed, so it counts).
Missed Connections: Illustrations of the funny, sad, beautiful, hopeful, hopeless, poetic posts on Missed Connections websites like craigslist.
ffffound.com: This is a simple image bookmarking website... it is image overload and I can never ever look at everything that is posted, but the chunks I do get to see are really inspiring.
I hope some of these blogs become your favorites, too!
The third and final in a series of blog posts about blogs that Boston Handmade members follow, here are some favorites from the photographers in the group:
Lucie of Lucie Wicker Photography enjoys...
Modish Biz Tips: This blog is just a wealth of information for indie artists/crafters. Jena is very enthusiastic and helpful, she makes it feel like readers are a part of a sort of entrepreneur club.
Creature Comforts: Lucie loves her "inspiration daily" pictures and the overall look of the blog
Pikaland: For Lucie's daily dose of illustrated life
Creative Thursday: Marisa work is super cute but Lucie also loves the positivity Marisa exudes on her blog. Lucie also enjoys her podcasts and more recently her video podcasts
WishStudio: Again, beautiful photography and inspiring writings from multiple contributors. The editor is Boston-based too.
They all tie in because they have a lot of pretty pictures and inspiration/positive writing. The tips are great too!
Kerry of Kerry Hawkins Photography, a self-proclaimed photo geek, follows...
A Beautiful Mess
Robert Torres Photography
My Funny Eye
Sandra Juto
It is easy to see what Kerry likes about these blogs... check out the beautiful imagery!
Lastly, I enjoy following a variety of blogs such as...
Superbomba (Ok, this is a flickr photostream, not an official blog, but I subscribe to the feed, so it counts).
Missed Connections: Illustrations of the funny, sad, beautiful, hopeful, hopeless, poetic posts on Missed Connections websites like craigslist.
ffffound.com: This is a simple image bookmarking website... it is image overload and I can never ever look at everything that is posted, but the chunks I do get to see are really inspiring.
I hope some of these blogs become your favorites, too!
Friday, February 5, 2010
New Work: Sea Glass Wreaths and Tabletop Decor
by Marla Kunselman of Sea Glass Things
Last summer I started to create wreaths and tabletop decor items using sea glass, shells and other beach found objects. Though beautiful, these take many hours to complete and a lot of sea glass, therefore, I only make them once in a while now. They are fun to do and I love the end result!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Altered Art Books
By Nancy of nancyrosetta
As I am cleaning out my studio (major undertaking) I came across this altered book I made years ago.
As I am cleaning out my studio (major undertaking) I came across this altered book I made years ago.
.jpg)
And here are some pages I have done in other peoples books from all across the country and Canada.
These are really fun to make, and a fantastic creative outlet.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
For Your Valentine
by Jessica Burko of Reclaimed To You
Since I expanded my Etsy shop to include paper and knit items created from reclaimed materials, I was able to add some valentine treats for you and your sweetie.
I am delighted to create a variety of art, paper goods, and wearables made from found materials in an effort to reduce my own carbon footprint, and that of my customers. When I knit with yarn discovered at a tag sale or collage a small gift card with papers found in a discard pile, it keeps what some might consider waste, out of landfills, and creates something useful and beautiful instead.
When purchasing for your loved ones this valentine month consider shopping reclaimed and give something to your sweetie and to the earth.
Since I expanded my Etsy shop to include paper and knit items created from reclaimed materials, I was able to add some valentine treats for you and your sweetie.I am delighted to create a variety of art, paper goods, and wearables made from found materials in an effort to reduce my own carbon footprint, and that of my customers. When I knit with yarn discovered at a tag sale or collage a small gift card with papers found in a discard pile, it keeps what some might consider waste, out of landfills, and creates something useful and beautiful instead.When purchasing for your loved ones this valentine month consider shopping reclaimed and give something to your sweetie and to the earth.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Mothers Who Create
Many of the members of Boston Handmade are seasoned, new, or soon-to-be moms. With that distinction comes the challenge of finding time to create and maintain a professional identity, along with parenting. Oftentimes it is a struggle.Jocelyn Almy-Testa, director of The Little Art Gallery Under the Stairs, understands the struggle and has for the second year in a row curated an exhibit showcasing art work created by mothers who are also professional artists. Two BHers have been juried into its upcoming exhibit "Voices: Mothers Who Create II" at The Little Gallery Under the Stairs in Lynn, MA. An opening reception will be held February 6, 2010 from 2pm to 5pm, and the exhibit runs through April 10, 2010.
Barbed Wire Escape (above), by BH member Christine O'Brien, and Dissolve (left), by BH member Jessica Burko, are two of the artists featured in the exhibit.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Subscribe to:
Comments
(
Atom
)
