mudpuppy's posterous http://mudpuppy.posterous.com Inspirational ceramic art & artists with a dash of my own work thrown in. posterous.com Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:01:00 -0800 Where have you been? http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/where-have-you-been http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/where-have-you-been

Alright, you probably think i've totally abandoned my blog for the past few months but i've actually found a site that seems to be working better for me. I've found that pinterest is a bit more suited to me since most of my posts are visually centered and it allows me to just pin a great piece to my board and be done with it. Please come check out all the fantastic ceramic pieces i've been scouring the web for on my board here http://pinterest.com/mudpuppy/contemporary-ceramics/ you can even follow it to check back and see new additions. See you there! ~Mike

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Sat, 18 Dec 2010 09:54:44 -0800 Feelie Collection Update http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/feelie-collection-update http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/feelie-collection-update I've added a couple feelies by Rose Cabat to my collection over the past months. I'm loving the blue, lavender, green set but the second set needs more color for my taste...i'm thinking maybe a lavender shoulder vase needs to be added? Also thinking maybe I need to display them ALL together on one shelf until I can do a series of shelves and really spread them out. 

Feelie_collection1 Feelie_collection2
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Sat, 27 Nov 2010 10:05:50 -0800 Ceramic Love: Shard Pottery http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/ceramic-love-shard-pottery http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/ceramic-love-shard-pottery A few months ago I came across Frank Matranga's incredible vase (last two images) and was brought back to thinking about it when flipping through a book at the studio to discover the shard vases created by master ceramicist Rick Dillingham (1952-1994). Don't miss this link to the Museum of Art & Design where you can zoom in really close to the piece to examine the detail. From what I understand, Rick would build the piece and then break it into shards, glaze and fire the various pieces and then use his pottery restoration skills to re-assemble the pots adding detail here and there.  Definitely a technique I want to explore this next year. 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:46:59 -0800 Naked Clay Series: Mike Moran http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/naked-clay-series-mike-moran http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/naked-clay-series-mike-moran
I've been working on some new large platters that could double as wall pieces so I thought I would do a web search to see what was already out there thus discovering Artist Mike Moran's incredible sculptural work at A New Leaf Gallery in Sonoma County, Northern California. 

Mikemoran_lovers_md Mikemoran_runningbulls_md Mikemoran_wadingbirds_md
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:31:00 -0700 Lucio Fontana Abstract Ceramic Sculpture http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/lucio-fontana-abstract-ceramic-sculpture http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/lucio-fontana-abstract-ceramic-sculpture

I've been obsessed with Lucio Fontana's abstract ceramic sculpture after being introduced to it by Ready for the House. The uncontrolled energy and minimalist color schemes take my breath away. Even though Mr. Fontana, who was born in Argentina, was known for slashing and puncturing his vividly colored canvases he worked extensively in clay.

Luciofontana_2birds Fontana_2horses Fiori-5---lucio-fontana Lucio_fontanacstazionexi
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:29:00 -0700 Naked Clay Series: Jeanette Crofts http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/naked-clay-series-jeanette-crofts http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/naked-clay-series-jeanette-crofts

I found three gorgeous clays that happened to be displayed next to each other with enticing names like birch, hickory and firethorn so I can start my own naked clay project! Which brings me to the latest post in my Naked Clay Series; the gorgeous wheel thrown mixed stoneware clay forms by Jeanette Crofts at Flux Gallery.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:45:00 -0700 Naked Clay Series: Ban Kajitani http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/naked-clay-series-ban-kajitani http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/naked-clay-series-ban-kajitani

It's weird how things start jumping out at you when you're looking for them. That's what happened with Ban Kajitani's work for me. I was browsing around on ebay and found a Nerikome piece by him and instantly wanted to know everything about his beautifully subtle work.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Mon, 13 Sep 2010 07:46:02 -0700 Naked Clay Series: Jennifer Lee http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/naked-clay-series-jennifer-lee http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/naked-clay-series-jennifer-lee I recently had a happy accident happen in the studio where a piece of lighter clay got trapped in the dark slip I was using to pour my hanging air plant pods which turned out to be a beautiful inclusion and set me off on a month long journey to seek out inspiration and information about mixing colored clay. Over the next week or so I will take you through my journey of discovery so you can see what has been inspiring me. 

Jennifer Lee was one of the first ceramic artists who's exquisite work really jumped out at me. She only makes about 18 pots a year! so you can imagine the time she spends on each one to get them perfect. There is a fantastic video of her describing her work here.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:57:36 -0700 Who do I collect? http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/who-do-i-collect http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/who-do-i-collect
Rose Cabat is the one ceramic artist I passionately collect. Her small vessels are so exquisite, each delicate pieces covered in a silky soft matte glaze of her own making. I really admire her passion and love for her life's work, she is 96 and still working away. I hope my passion is still as intensely important to me when I am her age...and that I can make as much of a contribution through my work as she has. One day I hope to have a collection as large as the last images posted here which is from a gallery in Belgium.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:09:53 -0700 Babaghuri Ceramics http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/babaghuri-ceramics http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/babaghuri-ceramics I'm in love with these simple and gorgeous ceramic forms molded from gourds and coconuts by Tokyo based Jurgen Lehl under the Babaghuri label. The firing process subtly shapes the hand crafted pieces making each one of a kind. What a sculptural element these would add to any table or cabinet display!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Wed, 07 Jul 2010 07:31:00 -0700 Contemporary Ceramics: Who i'de buy right now. http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/contemporary-ceramics-who-ide-buy-right-now http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/contemporary-ceramics-who-ide-buy-right-now

...besides my own work of course!

I recently had a client express how difficult it is to find fantastic and innovative ceramic designs, which I hadn't thought much about until I really started paying attention. As a result, I thought I would start a new series of contemporary clay artists that are developing their own unique style within the modern design aesthetic that I would collect right now. 

First up, Karin Eriksson. I love that these hanging planters can be used in multiple ways. You can buy them in her shop here http://www.manos.bigcartel.com/product/hanging-flower-pot-six-horns

Karineriksson

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Sun, 20 Jun 2010 15:46:35 -0700 Ceramic Inspiration with a dash of envy http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/ceramic-inspiration-with-a-dash-of-envy http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/ceramic-inspiration-with-a-dash-of-envy
WOW. I've posted about Stan Bitters' work before but had to include this beautiful find courtesy Ready For the House. I've been moving from all white to black in my glazes so this bit of inspiration is perfect for me right now.

Sbthree Sbtwo
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Mon, 10 May 2010 06:16:00 -0700 Ceramic Inspiration: Clyde Burt http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/ceramic-inspiration-clyde-burt http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/ceramic-inspiration-clyde-burt
::::::::POST UPDATE ::::::::::
You've probably seen my note below where I referred to Clyde Burt's work as employing wax resist, which I had gleaned from another website but I am honored to have been contacted by Clyde's son who let me know that he actually used latex rubber to create the resist work on his pieces and pulled it off before firing. Even more amazing! I hope Clyde's family will forgive my oversight and that this post can help correct the mis-conception about it being wax resist.
::::::::POST UPDATE ::::::::::
 
I am so inspired by the incredible wax resist work by Ceramicist Clyde Burt (1922-1981). I can hardly wait to start experimenting more with this technique.

Clydeburt1 Clydeburt2 Clydeburt3 Clydeburt4 Clydeburtbowl Clyde_burt_studio_ceramic_vase
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Mon, 03 May 2010 16:11:15 -0700 Beau Seul http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/beau-seul http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/beau-seul
Thought this video by Photographer Irwin Barbé deserved it's own post, I keep watching it over and over. Gorgeous.
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Mon, 03 May 2010 15:51:56 -0700 Some of my favorite portraits around the web http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/some-of-my-favorite-portraits-around-the-web http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/some-of-my-favorite-portraits-around-the-web
1st series: Adam from Owl City, Photographer Irwin Barbé, early image of Danish Ceramicist Arne Bang. 2nd Slide: La Metà from Flickr

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:01:00 -0700 Ceramic Love: Derek Davis http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/ceramic-love-derek-davis http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/ceramic-love-derek-davis
I love the gorgeous interplay of colors achieved by British Studio Potter Derek Davis (1926-2008) in this enormous piece. It shouldn't come as a surprise because he was originally trained as a painter. Even the simple black and white bowl in the third image is a testament to his artistic eye. Both of these pieces are available for purchase here.

122109hl 122109h 100809bl
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:14:00 -0700 Ceramic Love: Jane Wheeler http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/ceramic-love-jane-wheeler http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/ceramic-love-jane-wheeler
I've been a fan of Jane Wheeler's work for a long time now and try and check out her site to see what she's been up to every few months. Make sure you browse her whole site, talk about selling a lifestyle through imagery... it's a world I want to be in.

Jwheeler1 Jwheeler6 Jwheeler7 Jwheeler8 Jwheeler10 Jwheeler5 Jwheeler3 Jwheeler2 Jwheeler4
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Sat, 17 Apr 2010 19:10:00 -0700 Latest addition to the hanging air plant pod family! http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/the-latest-addition-to-the-hanging-air-plant http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/the-latest-addition-to-the-hanging-air-plant

Please welcome the latest addition to my hanging air plant pod family! Gorgeous green glaze breaks to brown and gray/green, even a mirror-like finish in areas. I couldn’t be more pleased with the result. Now available in my shop.  

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:22:22 -0700 Ceramic Inspiration: Darcy Badiali http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/ceramic-inspiration-darcy-badiali http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/ceramic-inspiration-darcy-badiali Beautiful (and enormous!) wheel thrown sculptural vessels by Darcy Badiali

Darcybadiali2 Darcybadiali Item_201001203 Item_201001202
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:22:00 -0700 Incredible Product Photography http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/incredible-product-photography http://mudpuppy.posterous.com/incredible-product-photography
Every image on http://www.factory20.com is a carefully composed still life. I've chosen some of my favorites here but even I became overwhelmed by the sheer volume of fantastic finds in their shop. Happy hunting!

I wonder where one would find an oddly posed dead bird? If you know, email me.

1129_marblesolidballsbelgiumvi 1185_1838vintage-barn-block-ta 817_1315shopkeepers-broom-bin- 892_1407primitive-farm-kitchen 1108_1740nyc-cafe-chairs-bentw 382_porcelainpotteryrd--001 1140_1771monumental-dark-hardw
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/798835/mudpuppy_mike_avatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/15ZA5YMW6at Michael McDowell mudpuppy Michael McDowell