New Website

We have a new website. This site should redirect automatically, but if it doesn't, you can find us at Madpursuitpottery.com

Cheers,
Brendan

Local Brew

We've been busy lately making a series of mugs and cups for Sarnia's local brewery, Refined Fool Brewing Company.

The large mugs in the picture below hold about 750ml, which is a whole bomber bottle from the brewery - or a whole bottle of wine, if that is more your taste.

These are only for sale through their retail shop, at 137 Davis st, Sarnia.

Cheers.

Fall is Coming

To the right you will find an updated list of our Fall shows.

I now have work available at the London Potters' Guild Store, in London, Ontario, and at Bonnie Doone Glass, in Forest, Ontario.

Also in the works is a new website - more to come as that develops.

Cheers,
Brendan

Artwalk

Come see us at Artwalk this weekend in downtown Sarnia, 10-5 today and tomorrow. 

Whoops

Well, not everything survives the bisque kiln. 

In this case, two large chip-and-dips were apparently still too wet. Or, the top one was, and it burst into its neighbour below, as they were nestled rim to rim. Casualties of the pre-Artwalk rush. 

Now I'm just feeling green. 

On a more cheerful note, our new cards designed by our talented friend Danielle have arrived. 

Slick. At least my marketing materials won't make me look so wet-behind-the-ears.

The Internet Demands Cats

It's always a good sign when other potters are willing to buy your work, so I was tickled pink (or perhaps, pleased, glad, chuffed, elated) when a local potter named Lori bought one of my large bowls at the recent Empty Bowls event.

And, it seems she owns cats of fine taste - it has become the bed of choice.

 And, of course, the internet demands cats: we must heed the call. In addition, the internet now knows she has a substantial collection of spices and a handsome spice rack: the internet never forgets, so the cat is out of the bag (see what I did there? You lucky readers you).

She also picked up one of my favorite teapots at the recent Guild Sale:

Please don't try to fit your cats in that one, however.
Hope you enjoy it, Lori, and thanks for the support.

Brendan

Art Walk 2013

Great day today! The weather held out and downtown was filled with people.
Here's our booth before all the action started.

Studio 176

Emily and I have a place to show our work on a more regular basis now - a new store opening downtown called Studio 176 Art (located, appropriately, at 176 Christina st.). We were just down to setup some of our ware and I snapped a few pictures.

Their grand opening will be during the First Friday event this month - and I'll be on display throwing demos in the window! I'll try my best to make any mistakes seems like artistic inspiration...

Brendan

Looking at Bottoms

I'm told you can spot a potter when you see them look at the bottom of a pot first - and it is a bit of an obsession. Playing with how to sign, how to trim, and if to glaze, all creates a different aesthetic, but for my money it's hard to beat a footed and glazed bottom, unless perhaps it is a bare-footed high fire reduction bottom. Life's decisions.

These cone 6 oxidation mugs just came out of the little electric kiln at home. Don't forget to check out the bottoms.

-Brendan

Owl mugs

I recently tried out making owl mugs, a variant on face mugs, since I like owls so much lately. I think most of them are pretty cute ;)

Owls

They made it!

Visitors

We have had many visitors to our studio this summer. Family members enjoyed trying pottery, many for the first time. A few of the creations appear below, others missed getting their pictures taken.

Ines' dish

Sam and Chris'

Peter's first attempt

Owls

Two owls that I made come out of the kiln later tonight! I hope they turn out! Here they are before being fired.

Mad Cat

Our cat Ava has found a use for one of my big pots that cracked - a playroom.

The pot is too unstable for the regular high-fire, but I might try to sagger fire it in a fire pit. Unless the cat gets too attached...

Fusion aftermath

You can find Deb Schwartzkopf's work at www.debspottery.com and Fong Choo's work at www.fongchoo.com

Great potters, and a great conference.

More Fusion

Here's a few of Deb's workshop pieces. Her blending of hand building and throwing make some funky forms - lots of ideas to play with.

Fong Fusion

Some non-functional teapots made today at fusion by visiting artist Fong Choo.

Fusion

We are all ready for Fusion! I am so excited!
~Emily

New Sign

We made a sign for our pottery today!

Thinking Big

These are a few sectional pots I've been working on at the college. Unfortunately the one I cut holes in started to collapse as I left, but I left it with a plastic belt to hold the weight, so we'll see how it looks in the morning.

If they survive this stage, they get some lug handles next week.