The ever-growing page of things worth mentioning.

Artists:

Matt Harris is a ceramic artist that I met through Lillstreet. He’s a really nice guy currently doing some really interesting sculptural work that deals with changing Chinese culture.

Meredith Brickell Meredith is a ceramic artist based in Raleigh, NC. I was fortunate enough to attend a wonderful workshop that she led at Lillstreet in September. She handbuilds beautiful functional/sculptural work in earthenware, of molded slabs and coils.

Circa Ceramics Nancy and Andy are a cool pair. They’re ceramic artists working in the Ravenswood area, near me! They’re encouraging and fun to talk with. And they make some really nifty stuff with Print Gocco, a cousin to traditional screenprinting - check out their online shop here.

Corinne Peterson is a Lillstreeter who came to ceramics a little later in life and has built an impressive resume of private art and public art projects. I enjoy her approach to art as the expression of concepts and exploration of ideas.

Erica Jane Huntzinger is a painter that I met through Lillstreet. She does abstract work with layered color, texture and writing. Makes some lovely clay things too.

Anne Leuck Feldhaus is another painter that I met through Lillstreet (along with Erica and Corinne). I like her graphic style, and it’s fun to see how that transfers into clay. You can also read her blog here.

Jayson Lawfer I met Jayson at Lill Street in early 2007 during his term as resident artist. After completing his residency at Lillstreet, he started The Nevica Project, and online gallery and art consulting business aiming to collect artists, art, and art aficionados.

David Trost Dave’s an artist and faculty member at Lill Street that I’m glad to know. He’s got a wonderfully playful approach to his work in ceramic sculpture. I envy his construction ability; the guy works relatively quickly, which is a tremendous advantage when one’s mind is brimming with ideas.

More Artists Online:

Support Your Local Potter is Brandon Phillips’ blog, and a good read.

Potter’s Journal is Ron Philbeck’s blog, another good read, with lots of photos and commentary.

Salt and Soda Firing is a ning.com group started after NCECA 2008 in Pittsburgh, to let salt and soda firers connect with each other.

Wobwobwob is the site of William John O’Brien. Bill and I participated in a couple of Dave Trost’s handbuilding classes at Lillstreet. His site features two- and three-dimensional artwork and graphic design in a broad collection.

One Black Bird is ceramic artist Diana Fayt’s blog. I’ve enjoyed reading her commentary and viewing her work through a few months of archived posts.

Pottery Blog is fellow Lillstreeter Emily Murphy’s blog. She highlights goings-on in the world of ceramics, does tool reviews and demonstrations, and other fun and thoughtful posts. I admire how much her work has evolved in the years I’ve known her.

Ayumi Horie is a ceramic artist whose work has been shown at Lill Street. I enjoy the looseness of her work and have a piece that I love. Her commentary is also interesting and thoughtful.

Simon Levin I enjoy the softness and flashing of Simon’s woodfired work, and own a few pieces by him.

Places:

Lill Street Art Center I was first a student at Lill Street in summer 2002, before the move to the Ravenswood neighborhood, and have been working there ever since, though finishing architecture school did keep me away for a couple of sessions. The facilities are outstanding, and there are a lot of knowledgeable and friendly people around.

Sushi Para For the food and the money, my favorite sushi place.

Resources:

Ceramic-materials.com has a technical ceramic articles database, including in-depth information on materials. It’s a treasure trove.

Ceramics Monthly is a very good ceramics magazine. Older issues feature lots of recipes, which provide inspiration and hints at direction.

Potters.org is the Clayart listserve archive, with lots of information from experienced ceramicists. Google results from the site tend to be worth the read.

Ceramics Today is another magazine with online offerings.