Here’s a link to my other “blog.”  It’s more of a personal journal to myself.  It’s also documenting my River to River hike starting on May 17 – I’m backpacking from the Ohio to the Mississippi river.  The trail is ‘officially’ 170 miles long, but after trips/hitches into towns and whatnot, I figure I’m going to walk 200+ miles in 18ish days.  I’m super stoked.  I’ve needed a trip like this since my Utah adventure.   www.tylerbrandon.tumblr.com

Speaking of that….

(tumblr is way easier to load pictures to)

Hopefully some glazing pictures tomorrow…

I’m firing next Monday then off to NCECA in Phoenix on Wednesday. I’ve gotten into a good groove lately and have been producing some stuff I’m actually happy with. I’m working on building a light box so I shall have some good picture up of the new firing!

Here’s some new stuff that will be off to be bisque fired tomorrow.  The jar in the top right is exciting!

Pitcher – 7” x 7.5” Cup – 4” x 4”

Pitcher - 6.5” x 7”

Tumbler - 6.5” x 4”

I primarily use a process called soda firing to achieve my final product. This process entails the introduction of soda (household baking soda) into a kiln of approximately 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. This process creates not only number of different colors and textures but helps my glazes become more fluid, thus creating the runny and glassy areas. I thrive on the unpredictability of the results as well as the excitement of the process.

Introduction of soda

Introduction of soda

            Ceramics is a unique artistic medium in that it’s not only meant to be viewed, but it can also serve a utilitarian purpose.  I believe that this is what draws me to the medium of clay.  With every piece I throw on the wheel I strive to create a personal connection with the person that will someday be using that piece of art in their daily life.  I work towards creating an experience for the user that is as unique as they are.

            I’m very inspired by both classical and traditional forms and the purpose the pieces served in everyday life.  I strive bring these traditional forms back to life and push them in a more modern direction with a more contemporary glazing process and subtle distortions to remind the user that this piece was created from my hands.

            I would like to personally invite anyone viewing my pieces to handle them.  Understand how the piece fits into their hands, how water may flow out of the spout or even just feel the surface texture.  The final step in my creative process is the connection created when a piece of my art is used. 

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