Forging a New Path
Our studio in Oakland had no windows, ample electricity, wifi and was generally room temperature - all year long. We were inches from the restroom, kitchen and running water. We ran an electric kiln, with commercial glazes bought at the ceramics supply shop nearby. We learned a lot there - during the pandemic - making ware and trying out styles - to see what fits. We also had a lot of time for deep thinking on the way we were living our life. The fast pace of the Bay Area could only be escaped momentarily in the pottery studio. It didn't take much to pierce the veil of peace in the studio. We knew we wanted to find a slower pace of life. So much needed to change. Not just our zip code - but also our approach to life, art and our own wellbeing.
Being on the mountain in Oregon is so peaceful. You can feel your blood pressure lowering when you turn onto our dirt road. There is nothing convenient about mountain life. There are no utilities connected to our 6 acres. That's ok! We love the hard work involved in creating our life there. We look forward to being off-grid - solar power, propane and cisterns (big tanks) for our water supply that we truck in. A simple way of life - filled with purpose.
Our pottery style is also going through a metamorphosis. We sold our electric kiln and purchased a propane powered gas kiln. This means different clay that can be heated to 2350 degrees and homemade glaze recipes made from powdered clays, minerals, pigments and water.
This new frontier is an adventure worth exploring. It harkens back to a simpler time. A slower pace, when crafting functional items with care and creativity was something to behold. The Arts and Crafts movement appeals to us greatly.
"The core characteristics of the Arts and Crafts movement are a belief in craftsmanship which stresses the inherent beauty of the material, the importance of nature as inspiration, and the value of simplicity, utility, and beauty." - University of Maryland Libraries
Learning new processes, materials and equipment takes time. We are learning as we go. Reading all we can in our free hours, about the micro adjustments of our gas kiln - oxygen and fuel mixing for optimum outcomes. Measuring the specific gravity of our homemade glazes. Learning all about the function of each ingredient in our glaze recipes. New tricks equates to keeping our brains active and happy.
Throughout all of this learning - the process of trial and error brings joyful moments of amazing ware - pretty glazes and gorgeous textures. It also brings opportunities to learn through epic fails, little flaws and - not exactly what I had hoped for - moments. You can buy a perfectly made mug at Target, but that's not our jam. It is in this spirit that we bring you our first mini update from Oregon - the Klamath Collection.
The inherent beauty of the materials we are utilizing to create artful ware, the grog in the clay, the earthy feel of it in our hands. Each piece - quirky and interesting, born of the idea that slow, purposeful joy can be poured into a piece of earth - transforming it into a thing of practical beauty that someone will love. It is our aim to create your favorite cereal bowl, the coffee mug that NO ONE can use but you, that vase that you love to fill with fresh cut flowers from your garden every summer and so much more.
We are just getting started. The flaws and beauty marks found in our ware are created by earth, air, fire and water.
Thank you for coming along on this journey with us!
Our first mini update to the shop inventory will be Wednesday, March 10th at 7pm eastern / 4pm pacific.