Showing posts with label glass. Show all posts
Showing posts with label glass. Show all posts

Monday, May 25, 2009

Featured Etsian Artist~JeffGuerrero



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This is one of those crafts that I would like to try some day, but probably never will. I know mine would never come out anything like this. My mug would be lopsided and uneven, lol. I just know it.
I really delight in these ceramic mugs, something about the texture and thickness. They remind me of Renaissance Festivals, those people are always walking around with beautiful handmade ceramic mugs. (I have a small one with a frog in it)


If I could afford to fill my cupboards with only ceramics like these.... I'd have to invite company over constantly just to show them off. For now though, I will stick to my dishes, they aren't as fantastic as soda-fired ceramics or stoneware, but I won't mind as much when my kids accidentally break them.

I love all of the ceramics that I'm showing off, but I favor the mugs with the tree carvings.
What's your favorite?

JeffGuerrero

I'm an after-school arts teacher in Pittsburgh, PA. I teach digital arts, focusing on music at the moment, but I do graphic design, video production, photography and ceramics. My biggest claim to fame is that I publish a magazine about cycling called "Urban Velo ".














As far as ceramics goes, I've been at it for less than two years. I started working at an art studio with ceramics facilities, and got hooked. Now I spend quite a bit of time there after work. I focus on functional pottery, and my specialty is items for drinking (cups and mugs).














My inspirations come from various sources. On one hand, I'm exposed to some of the highest level ceramics artistry there is. I've worked alongside 14th generation potters from Shigaraki, not to mention American masters who have been plying their trade since the 60's. On the other hand, I'm inspired by the children we teach. They are usually very complimentary and appreciative, but occasionally dole out some serious constructive criticism. As for decoration, I'm a big fan of Asian decoration, especially ink painting. I attribute that influence to my childhood, as both my mom and grandmother were fans of Asian art and antiques.













I think it's interesting that I've developed this interest in ceramics, being that I've been so immersed in the world of digital arts for so long. Learning to let go of absolute control has definitely expanded my horizons and made me a better artist (and art appreciator).

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Featured Etsian Artist~The Quarry Art Studio


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I love this hand painted glass! I am especially impressed by the lit up photos. The hand painted glass candle holders look so calming and inviting.

Which is your favorite?


"I love, love (did I mention *love*?) anything and everything involving art. I grew up doing traditional-type drawings using pen, pencil, or even pastels. When I would get to be a particularly pesky child my mom would send me outside to draw something. Oh, and draw I did. And not just draw, but CREATE. I once tried to make my own tree house using a pile of twigs and pocket knife. Let's just say it didn't go well. Anyway, I digress."















"As I said I've always been more into drawing with pencil or pastels, but recently took a shine in a big way to painting. There's just something about it that seems so polished... finished... professional... I love it! Also, maybe this comes from growing up in the rural-esque life, but I like art that has some kind of practical function. Paintings are fine, I even have a few in my shop, but I like to center around something that also serves a purpose. "













"Where form meets function. Makes me feel all warm and toasty."

Friday, May 8, 2009

Featured Etsian Artist~shepherdcreations















We are a husband-and-wife team that are passionate about glass art from the flame. Nature is our best inspiration...
Glasswork became our passion, then we branched into sculptures.

We love nature, so stop by often for different glass animals.

We started out making our own beaded jewelry, but we always had a hard time finding the right colors of beads.

"I'm Patrice, the primary artisan, and my husband Paul built and maintains our studio and also enjoys working with glass. I began my journey into glass via beadwork, starting in seed beads. It is easy to spend hours in a bead store browsing and choosing your favorites, but it is often difficult to find just the right colors or patterns that suit your individuality. This is why I began melting glass: I wanted truly unique beads to use in my own handcrafted jewelry. However, once I began making my own beads, I realized how exciting sculpture and pendants are to make, so our studio was born of a realized passion for hard glass. "













What's your favorite piece?