Shadow May studios

Just keep showin up!

2011-10-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

I met a couple sculptors doin shows. They're a father son duo. They make these awsome bronze/stone sculptors. Most are life size and take your breathe away and leave you wondering how the hell they created this work. They both stand about 6'7, nice as can be and travel around the country loadin in and loadin out their work. Sellin to those who are sophisticated enough to understand the work as well as have the money to purchase it. Jon the father walked into my booth awhile back at a show and said "you walk through these shows, booth after booth and go 'thats nice, thats nice, thats nice,' and then you get to a booth and say, 'thats real fuckin work,'" and he said you have to use the word "fuckin." My quotations suck but those words in the eyes of an artist really shot through me. Just keep showin up. That seems to have been my motto for most anything but has really come into focus not only with my life but especially my work. Its funny cause I write this with sometimes a no look up mentality and then I come back and go" did I say that". Sometimes its hard to tell it like it is. It's not usually comfortable to people. I've told myself as well as others that If you can figure out a way to somehow intergrate my daily life into my work then I would no longer have a product that I'm trying to sell but a way of life for others to take with them. I dont know...I havent figured it out yet. I sometimes cant figure out a way to make work that is safe and sellable for a little artistic and financial security. I can say that I have never felt stronger about where my family, my work, myself are going. This has probably been my worst start to a fall show season, yet I'm super stoked bout whats happenin. For those of you who have kept up with my progression with my work, you've seen me build my foundation as a studio potter. Celebrating a decade of putting my work out in shows has let me alot about craft, fine craft, art and a huge fraction of the difference between them. I've changed opinions through the years as my work progressed. I took my work more serious the more my skills built to the point where i could confidently feel that I could do anything with the clay. I wanted to be the humble woodfired potter that I think I still want to be someday to wanting more from the clay than being put behind a cupboard door. I've seen artists/craftsman who are burnt out from making the same thing over and over and not seeing a return to young aspiring artists that come on the show scene with motivation and new breathe. People making a living making and selling their art is confusing and inspiring. I've learned through sticking my own kneck out with my work, for criticism, that the people I admire the most in this life are the ones who put it on the line. The ones who are willing to take a risk and keep showin up, even when the direction is scary. I have a great little family who supports me and lets me lead with love and most of the time i seem them leading me. When I talk about my life my work goes hand in hand. Its funny to even call it work when its so damn fun. I head to the Southern Highland Guild Show in Ashville NC next week. This will be my second show as a new member. I go to greater gulf coast show in Pensacola FL after that. I gave up doin a well deserved, well put on, awsome potters fest in dillsboro NC to do the Pensacola show so i hope its good. I did land my week long workshop at Arrowmont School of arts and crafts for next year. I have been sending workshop packets out like crazy hoping to teach at these facilities and share a lil bit with others. I love teaching. This experience at UTC has been great for me. To have the view of academia at my side while making a livin as an artist has opened my eyes to the two worlds. Anyway, as far as shows go i am shootin for Chicago, Colorado, New York, and Philly for the spring. Galleries have been on my radar and i'm slowly intergrating the right ones in. I know there's more for my mouth to babble off but Shadow is getting horizontal. Till the next ramblin.

Make more work, Make more Pots, Make more Art

2011-09-20T13:57:00.001-07:00

The show season has started and off to a good start. I head to nashville next weekend with alot of new work and hopefully some eager buyers and collectors. The new work is more challenging my physical capabilities rather than my mental. I am still almost over my stubborness to hire an assitant. I really have a hard time liftin the work that I'm creating. I have to be a little cautious though because I really need another strong person in the studio to help me. That can tend to rule out most clay artists that would be a huge attribute to the studio but the workload and lifting can be an issue. We have been applying to new and more prestigous shows rather than the ones that we have been doin. Hopefully the work will be accepted. Teachin has been goin really well and my students are full of ideas and creativeness for the arts. Actually havin to pull the reigns on them inorder to teach the basics has been a little tough. Trying to teach walk before run with art majors is a lesson for myself to learn as well. Makework grant sessions have been goin really well. Just having a few hours to bounce ideas off other artists strugllin/sucessin and all the in between has been more beneficial for me than the logistics that we're learning about, promotion, marketing, etc. I have on a side note really been into homemade raviolli and experimenting with the fillin and sauces. It's like little Italy round my house right now. Studio is full of work and shows are lined up. So much of this artist life is risk. How calculated those risks are is really up to each individual artist. I think I'm on the right track for where I wanna go with my work. The hard part is trustin those intuitions and runnin with them.

Hot summer work

2011-08-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

Another month gone and more new work comin out. Lots of stuff happenin right now. I will be gettin started with my second makework grant sesssion this wed. Lookin forward to seeing how everyone has progressed and sharin ideas about future projects. I get so wrapped up in makin work and shows and everything that goes into being a self sustaining/professional artist that finding time to get out and interact with local piers can be tough. I'm probably out of town most of the time settin up for a show, givin a workshop or who knows these days. One day runs into the next. I like the spontaneous schedule vs a regimented 40-50 hr work week. I've been battiling with my yard equipment on top of other things that keep me busy throughout the yard and house. i've been trying to integrate a 3-4 hr work interval with my studio work rather than a full 8-10 hr work day. My theory is that it will help me focus on specific tasks throughout the day rather than having one big project or task starin me in the face. I can be more efficient and creative giving ample time to each project or piece with little breaks here and there to break up the monotiny. As the work gets bigger and more dramatic I'm finding that focusing on 3-4 pieces rather than 10-12 pieces gives a better result in the level of artistry and craftmanship that I'm lookin for and want to present. The work really has to move me inorder for it to survive. I cant settle for the "That'll work" kinda work. I think you end up slowly finding yourself lookin like the next guy with the same kinda work. My summer process has been just to continue to make work and let it dry for firing. This takes awhile to see completion but seems to be the best way for me to work. The heat has been crazy hot and has been testin my commitment levels....just kiddin. It has been hot though. I try to roll out of bed around 5am which is like gettin a kick in the balls sometimes. I have this philosphy that if its super hard to do or really challenges your motivation than it will probably be the best thing for your work or life. I literally sit up on the bed, early morn, still dark and say to myself" if you really want this shadow, than this is what its gonna take. now get your ass up and go create." Same goes for late in the evening when its time to chill and drink a couple beers. You figure out what works for you. If you really want it most of the time burnin the midnite oil is what it takes. Theres 24hrs in the day and you figure out how to get it done. If it was easy than everyone would be doin it. I dont have ac out in the studio so early morns beat the heat and get the day goin early with more time to do more stuff. Go, go ,go. My good friends and neighbors just had there second beutiful lil baby girl. Her name is Poppy. New and young folks with kids are startin to move into the redbank neighborhood. pretty exciting to see community grow. Shows kick off in about a month with Atlanta Arts Festival in piedmont park Sept. 17th-18th. I had three altercations in choosin shows this year. One was deciding not to do artclectic this year in Nashville. I will be doin the oct. Southern Highland Guild Show instead. Second, I will not attend "the Festival Of the Masters" show in orlando this year. Third with alot of persistance I will be attending the Greater Gulf Coast arts Festival in Pensacola FL in Nov. instead of doin the Western NC potters festival. The evolution of the work is dictating alot of the show decisions. Gettin ready to start up at UTC helpin Maggie out. Lookin forward to that. Just keep showin up, whatever it is is my work and life attitude. Keep pluggin away at what you love and wait for things to come full circle.

Busy Summer

2011-07-19T03:47:00.001-07:00

july has been full with anticipation for my first Southern Highlands Guild Show in Asheville, NC. Believe it or not I've been rejected from the jury process 4 times in the last five years before I was accepted. My work has changed so drasticallyy that I'm not real sure what to expect from this show. I am lookin forwward to seeing ol friends that i havent seen in close to ten years. My studio has been a war zone. Constantly makin more new work and never lettin stay the way it was has pushed my mental and physical capacity. I really think I pulled a pec muscle lifting and glazin one of my pieces. An assistant is needed not to far in the future. I think I've decide that my attitude towards the shows has been that of a sculptor rather than a potter. I went from being able to fit and fire 30-40 pieces in my kiln to 3-4. I cant turn back now. the addiction of making dramatic, large pieces has taken over.I had a really good reception for my Sculpture show at the Front Gallery in Chattanooga. Spent all last week at my friends wood shop building new pedestals for my booth. I have been doin alot of gallery shows and giving away all my old pedestals to that. I really like the new look now. As my work changes the whole process changes, Booth, trailer, bins that I put the work in for traveling. The summer is a good time to make changes or use to be because I never had anything going on till fall. Definetely more fast paced this summer. I've had my first makework grant session and I will recieve 2 of my six grant checks today. I ve spent a little of the first one on clay and glazes to get the work process movin. Each piece takes at least a month to completely dry before it can go through the kiln. I will be purchasing another kiln soon but the timting of work production has been first. My fall show schedule is packed and I'm workin on gettin my new workshop/instructor proposal out. I start my adjunct position at UTC in august and I'm really excited about that. My family is doin great. We celebrated Rockets 2nd birthday. Two years has gone by too damn fast and it aint stoppin. My work/family balance has improved. More walks with my son and wife have been good and we always cook and eat together. Lovin life.

Shadow Makin Moves

2011-06-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd make a quick entry with whats happenin lately. Had my first Makework Grant meeting this past week. Awsome group of artists/ entrepenuers. Actors, producers, glass artist to chattanooga artistic growth promoters. Alot of really cool ideas and ventures. I did notice that almost every grantee had been or had just moved to Chattanooga within the last 6 years. That seems really cool to think that Chattanooga is drawing or extracting unique individuals to this area. I never thought of Chattanooga until my wife introduced the idea of the possibilities. So five years later, workin as an artist/potter/sculptor, one studio fire under my belt, a two year rentee of my good friend Terry "The Loose" Cannon, new homeowner, a beautiful baby boy named Rocket, and a Makework Grantee I have hopefully smudged the surface of being a clay artist on Chattanoogas map. I've recently taken on the position at UTC of Adjunct professor. Actually since I do not hold a degree I fall under the title of Lab Tech. I am super stoked to be workin under Maggie Mcmahon(UTC professor of ceramics) I have a super packed fall show season and will be teachin ceramics I tues and thurs. It is more of a really good opportunity for my next step in clay rather than pay. I am really thankful for the opportunity and cant wait to start classes. I will probably chip away at my undergrad through the years for later, I mean later backup. I really want to be emerged in the art/clay world, in the trenches sorta speak. Where the real art is made. I am gearing up for my first Southern Highlands Guild Show in july. I will have a two piece show up in the guild prior and after the show. The show is July21-24th. I will be corner booth#200 on the bottom floor. Lots of new work comin out for this show. Trying to price kilns and time everything accordingly as far as the grant money goes. I've been alloted six checks equally for the next six months, so I will save a few checks for the new big kiln and make work and get it drying for the next step. My family has been super awsome and supportive through my long work hours. I always make time to play and goof off with them anytime of the day. We're headin to the beach for a few and get some sand in our toes. More later.

Really cool stuff goin on

2011-06-03T18:14:00.000-07:00

Back at the social media. Been away for a little bit busy with shows and all kinds of cool stuff. Spring show season was awsome for us this year. It seems like I've progressively changed the work in a matter of months and wasnt sure how the public art buying crowd would respond. I think anytime you let your work evolve no matter how fast the progression, you leave yourself out there for alot of rejection,contemplation and criticism. The few who get what your doin arwe the ones that keep you going. I'm really happy and motivated more to make work that is dramatic and deliberate. I really think I just got tired of hearing "is this microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe." Its molded alot of how I look at my approach to the clay, even more than a few years ago. I think the spring shows validated the new work and gave me alot of steam to push the limits even more. I got back from giving one of my "Bold Pots" workshop at TN Tech Appalachian center for craft in Smithville,TN. What a great place. I was only there for the weekend but the experience was memorable. My students ranged from beginner to advanced and we all learned alot from eachother. I' really enjoying pluggin in workshops in between shows. Making a living as an artist is lucrative enough. If you can balance out your work and time between shows, galleries and woerkshops you can have a really fun, adventurous and prosperous artist lifestyle. I do wish I had a partime/40hr week job where I can clock in/out then I laugh and get back into the clay. We recently recieved great news that we recieved a makework grant through an organization called Createhere in chattanooga TN. I cant even describe how huge this is for our lil project and family. We are very grateful and plan to expand smartly and progressively with the studio and work. I plan to order clay and glaze material asap and seriously pricing larger kilns. I am super stoked to see how the woek evolves in the coming months.Organizations like createhere that offer grants really do allow people like me to move forward with my art. Money made from being a full time artist usually always goes to paying bills and stuff and leaves little to no room for putting back into the work. This grant allows me to not have to dip into our personal funds to progress as an artist. Dont get me wrong we've gotten this far and wouldve continued even had we not got the grant. This grant allows us to be progressive with our curiosity for clay and explore more possibilties with a little less stress to keep up. These pics are pre grant but the work is getting alot bigger and heavier. I still enjoy keeping a reference or gesture of function but it not be intended for use. They're about 50-75 or more pnds to each piece. I am gearing up for my first SHCG show in Ashville this july. Also I just set up my first sculpture show here in Chattanooga. I have 6 pieces and share the show with two well known sculptors, Issac Duncan III and Andy Light. Their work is awsome. The show is at Front Gallery in the south side of Chattanooga off of main street. It opened june 3rd and will go to the end of July with an artist reception July 15th. Come check it out. Its going to be a great show. I will be delivering 6 more pieces to Swan Coach House Gallery in Atlanta Ga for show as well which opensJune 9th with a 6-8 pm reception. I will be on my blog alot more with new pics of work and updates of how I am managing and spending my grant so stay tuned.Rocket and Ana are doin great and I couldnt imagine life w/o them. Ana is starting her MBA so thats gonna take alot of her time. She has really built the whole media side to Shadow May. I'm just the mule out in the mancave making really heavy stuff, hopefully really inspiring,heavy stuff. Rocket is a handful and a sweet lil boy. Teaching him please and thankyou is setting in and I'm proud of him.The website is nowchanged to www.shadowmay.com but you can still get to it with www.shadowpottery.com More later.

2011 new work

2011-02-21T06:13:00.000-08:00

Warm morning out in the studio today. The smell of the clay musk was reall nice. Made me think of my first apprenticeship out of highschool and how far I've come with this clay thing. I've definetley simplified alot in my life and complicated a few things but thats how it goes. My lil family is kickin butt. We will be celebrating ten years of doin juried fine art shows on the road this year. Where has it gone? A fine little boy has entered our lives as well as a new house for us all to grow into and together. I am very thankful for being able to walk outside to the shop and work. It's allowed me to be a good dad to my boy, good husband and friend to my wife and keep our house from getting to carried away with the crazy schedule a family has to have in todays economic faster than hell rat race. I set up My show at SAS Gallery "Eat, Sleep, Clay" in Sewannee,TN I will have the reception march 24 and teaching two 90 min highschool classes as well as a sat adult workshop. I am very thankful for the opportunity. Also I will have a show at Mudfire in Decatur, georgia march 12 -april 16th. Look for a show called Firedworks in Macon Georgia. I have a few pieces in that as well. I kick off my show season with 4 bridges here at home in Chattanooga TN. I will give my " Bold Pots" workshop at Tn Tech may 21-22. theres alot more and will be on my events page @ www.shadowpottery.com Alot is happening with this clay thing. i will do the SHCG shows in july and oct. I am really excited to represent and show all those NC potters what Tn has to offer. Here are some new work pics of whats brewing and whats to come.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-29T07:23:00.000-08:00

Finally gettin the chance to blog again after crazy holidays. Alot has happened in a month or since my last blog. Preperation for Christmas was alot of fun except for the procrastinator drive to the mall two days before christmas. The funny things you do for loved ones. Our boy Rocket made out. His second Christmas in this world and the one to remember. He lucked out having a white Christmas. What a cool thing for a kid...hell anyone to see, especially waking up to it on Christmas morning. We had all our food and drink for the weekend. All the toys were about to be wrapped. Good stuff. Christmas enters the picture in a whole new way when you have a child. Rocket is religous about getting up at 5 am so I knew it to be true for Christmas morning. Coffee was prepped with the baileys(Santa left it) right next to the coffee pot. Mugs out and ready for the early morn. We woke up to daddda.....maammmma. Turned on the coffee, Christmas lights, and watched innocence in its true form. I sware the boy is a truck fanatic. All kinds of trucks. He strutted around in his new camoflauge robe and kermit slippers laughin and playin. It was awsome!! Usually this time Ana and I are really stressin about Jan and Feb. Comin off Chritmas with two more months before our show season starts up again is stressful. We had an awsome fall season. My work is rapidly evolving. So much it gets a little scary. One idea just turns to another and another. Watching Rocket play with his new toys and experience his Christmas made me take a seat and be thankful for what is in front of me. I think rockets curiosity to start exploring and growing is rubbing off on my attitude towards my work. Learning how to tap into the courage to explore my own curiosity has stretched me as an artist. I' wont lie, its taken me out of the comfort zone a little. But more than ever because of watching my son grow, my courage to be curious about my work in clay and explore even more has transformed my whole outlook. What it means to be a potter and an artist. Theres alot more to this last month than im puttin in to this blog, but it was all good. Everyones healthy except for the occasional runny nose. Have been lining workshops for the new year and lots of cool shows. Get to go to New York City for one and really excited about that. I still have pots for sale on my website http://www.shadowpottery.com/ and will have most to all events and workshops up to date on the website as well. Thanks to everyone who helped us through this past year. You've catapulted my little family, my work and need to create. we can't do it without you. Another blog coming soon.

2010-11-17T05:16:00.000-08:00

Off the road for awhile! The fall show season definetly went better than I expected. We started off with Atlanta arts festival winning " Best in Clay" award and hangin with my good friends Erik and Luba from Mudfire. TACA in Nashville, to all those who do their fall show..... this was our best year ever there....CRAZY!!! Third show was Pink Palace in Memphis. This has been my best show. Its a 4 day show and 6 and1/2 hours away. Long time to be away from my family. My Best friend Toney came up to see me for a bit and Must have brought the good luck. Thurs, Amy Bethea, an avid Shadow May collector and friend came and grabbed a good amount of the cream of the crop pots and it dominoed from there. 3 of the 4 days still ahead for sellin. Thats exactly what happened. I Left the show on Sun with 3/4 of all my high end show pieces not going back with me. It's nerve racking enough just attempting to be an artist than trying to sell your work to an audience. We got rained out of two spring shows and the last 4 were not responding yet to my evolved work. Bills got paid and alot of stress but we got through still making new work. I really had to reason and go with my gut that this is important, my work is important, but my family is more important. With going into a showless summer to make work for the fall season, the restaurant came into the picture and helps us supplement the small stuff that adds up. This fall after our epic Pink Palace show I had three weeks to give a workshop @Applachian center for arts in Norris TN. and fire the kiln a couple times for the WNC potters Festival in Dillsboro NC and my last two shows of the year "Festival of the Masters" in downtown Disney World and Mudfire's annual holiday christmas show in Decatur, GA. Stayed with very good friends, Kelly and Joe Frank from Treehouse pottery in Dillsboro,NC for the potters fest. The Clay olympics were fri and I Participated but came in last this year floppin every pot that I put on the wheel. Not surprising because I'm much better at takin clay away then actually doin it right on the wheel. It was a good time. Sat was the show and we all woke up to snow and cold weather. For me, I hadn't seen snow in awhile and was pretty happy to be back in the mountains of north carolina selling more pots and seeing ol friends. Alot of thinking when your on the road. We had knocked out 4 shows so far, and I was headin back home for a few days before goin down to Florida. I had just got both our vehicles brakes, oil changes, new winshield and an axle on the car. Was able to fix some things on the house and get more supplies for the buisness(clay,glazes,tools.) Most importantly good shows allow me to spend more time at home with my son and wife for longer periods of time. I was still nervous gettin ready to head down to Orlando, Fl for the show. 9 hours away, four nites in a hotel and enough 7 eleven chicken tenders to gag you. I was conserving on money? This show was unique, being that all the artists have had to won a best of show or first place in another high ranking juried fine art show to even apply. The caliber of work was pretty incredible. It was the first show I had been to where no clay artist or potter had or put out mugs, cups or utilitarian items. Anyway I got selected two pieces on Fri for the judging on sun at the awards ceremony. I t really mattered to me for a min about the awards. Everyone likes gettin awards. Until I brought the work to where the judging was to be held. The other clay artists blew me away. I felt that I didnt even have a chance because the work was so good. Fri and Sat were a little slow. Sold a few pieces and had to pull out some mugs on sat just to make a few more sales. I had to remind myself that people actually lived here. With all the entertainment who comes and buys art at disney world? Sun morn..7:30, in the house of blues the award ceremony starts.They had a killer breakfast buffet for the artists an a professional presentation. There are twelve catergories for awards. I was in the "clay" catergory. There were about 40 clay artists in the show functional, semi-functional and non functional all lumped into one clay catergory. Clay was first for announcing and I'm not gonna lie...I was maybe hoping for a merit award. No merit award. By the time they had gotten to third place I knew there was no way, This is my first time at the show and There where clay sculptors that had more dramatic work so i started to head out so i could open up the tent and get ready for the last day of sales. Last sip of my coffee and one foot out the door i kid you not they announced "Shadow May" First place for his Lg Flanged Bowl of all pieces. I about pooped my pants. I really couldnt believe it. There was a man standing at a pedestal on stage describing my piece and the description I had wrote, Two of the directors and Mickey Mouse and a big ribbon with a big check. Back stage they gave me directions," Your gonna go out greet Mickey,get your ribbon, smile and take two pictures and then come back" The funny thing was that the speaker must have not seen me coming down the aisle cause he kept calling me a she until I came from back stage to recieve my award. He quickly said," excuse me...He" It was pretty surreal. A deer in headlights. There is a 2,3,and 1st place in every catergory and only 1 Best in Show award. I automatically get to come back next year without the jurying process. I have 10 diney passes from the show so It's gonna be a nice family trip next year. Rocket will have a blast. On my way home believe it or not I had some nice work to drop off for the holiday christmas show @mudfire in Decatur ,georgia. The show starts Nov.26 and goes till Dec.23 with an artist reception and holiday party Dec.4, 5-9 pm. So there it is I had made a 6 month plan to put it all out there, make stick your kneck out there work and supplement funds by working at the restaurant. I think I exceeded my expectations and got enough mental fuel and encouragment to keep pushin my work despite a bad spring. My recent acceptance into the southern highlands craft guild was huge also. I hope to be in the July show in Asheville and possibly doin a little wholesale with arrowmont gallery in Gatlinburg soon. If you want to make exceptional work, the kinda stuff that not everyone is gonna like theres gonna be a lot of rejection but what you do get back is extrordinary. By the way, This year I sold about 25-30 mugs and cups between 5 big shows....the rest were all show pieces, thats crazy to me and exciting. Maybe in a year i will have weeded out anything functional...maybe not but i am starting to see something big happening. Thanks everyone who came to the shows and supported me and everyone who took my workshops this year, hope to see you again. You really helped me and my little family more than you can imagine.With what we saved and a couple days at the restaurant a week I'll be making new work and applying to more shows for the spring. I now have a " for sale" page on my website www.shadowpottery.com I'll be putting pics up on it this week so check it out.

2010-10-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

So far a good show season. Just got back from Pink palace craft fair in Memphis and had epic "one of kind" show pieces sell. In the past I've sold more mugs , cups, bowls and a few show pieces. The other way around this time in Memphis. Was able to put new brakes on both our vehicles, get clay to make more work, and take mama out to eat and see some good music. I have two more shows, "The Potters Festival" in Dillsboro, North Carolina. The clay Olympics for the festival are held on Fri, the day before the show. Its a fun time and you'll definetely see me collapsing some pots or throwin them at my friend chris. The other one is " Festival Of The Masters" in Orlando, Florida. I've left Dec. open for a possible home show and to make more work for possible galleries. I was recently accepted into the Southern Highlands Guild which will be another great avenue for my work.To be Honest I am really just trying to keep up and stay afloat. I can B.S. all day long on a blog but real life is always there when I wake up and all I wanna do is just be with my family. Doin these shows and selling your art is a lucrative buisness. The sky is the limit if you are willing to stick your neck out there and accept rejection along with the glory and recognition. I am probably just babbling and need to go to bed. On another note the restaurant is goin well. I have have been splittin my time with cookin and makin pots and have intertwined them both to the point where I now need them both. My love for cooking has been a good thing to fall back on in times of need. Never know what where life will take or what you might be doin. My little boy Rocket is the joy of my life and I never thought i would say that but he is. He is running and climbing which scares the hell out of me but his personality is comin out everyday. Right now doin the shows circuit is allowing me to spend more time with him and Ana. a good show can take care of alot along with a workshop and a little wholesale. Enough for now. I have flipped bowls ready to trim and spending time with my bro while he's in town. Nigh Nigh

2010-09-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

Finally I'm doin shows again. Working in the studio makin work and not alot of input gets me rialed up. We had a good weekend in Atlanta at the atlanta arts festival. Stayed with good friends Erik and Luba at Mudfire gallery in Decatur GA. We recieved the "Best in Clay" award again for the second year. I'm always happy to recieve awards even though it's the vain side of being an artist....But the hard work, early mornins are all the way for tryin to take care of my family. I definetely feel like I've stuck my neck out there this year with my work and approach to sellin it. I did get into the Southern Highlands Guild a few weeks ago. I am lookin forward to the potential possibilities that being in the guild will offer. Everything changes the more your work evolves and so do situations. I will be attending the fall TACA show in Nashville, TN this coming weekend(Booth A02)Centennial Park. I'm giving two workshops in October. The Appalachian Center for craft in Norris TN will host my " Bold Pots" workshop the first weekend as well as EppleTree Pottery in Chattanooga, TN the last weekend. My little boy Rocket has skipped walkin and went right to runnin. He's 14 months and already has had 3 stitches from the coffee Table. He's a little bulldozer. Workin at the restaurant" The Urban Spoon" Has been alot of fun and Sparked the love for cookin in me again. Not sure how everything with being a fulltime artist and helpin grow a great restaurant will surface, but jugglin the both of them has helped my family and my work in the studio. Immediate projects are to insulte our floors and Hopefully plum in my studio sink before it gets cold. Really lookin forward to the fall colors and warmer clothes. Might be another cold winter. I will update the events page on http://www.shadowpottery.com/ In the next couple days so be lookin. Thanks for all the support.

2010-08-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

Watching and learning these past months. I've been 4 days a week cookin fine southern food for some friends at their restaurant " The Urban Spoon" for supplemental money. I might be hittin a wall with the shows. I've always loved cookin so it was a moderate to difficult transition pullin a little bit of my time away from the clay. I've been so full time with my work in the studio prepping for this show or sending off this wholesale that I never have had the opportunity to concentrate on a true body of work. Shufflin my time between the restaurant and the studio has really made me look and evaluate my work, even more so then when I was submerged in it 6 -7 days a week. Although my fall is packed full and somehow I've managed to get out some strong pieces that have been evolving for the past year. The pressure of makin money at your the expense of your craft, carreer can definetley stifle your growth if you let it. I'm not gonna lie....the side job has freed up some time for me to focus on some exhibitions that I've been wanting to do as well as dive into giving as many workshops as I can. It will hopefully allow me to cherry pick a couple key shows through the year to stay in the circuit. I will be at the atlanta arts festival http://www.atlantaartsfestival.com/ sept.18-19,TACA fall festival in Nashville sept.24-26, I will host my "Bold Pots" workshop at the applachian center for arts in Norris TN Oct 2-3, Pink Palace Craft Fair in Memphis, TN Oct7-10 Give a workshop at Eppletreepottery in Chattanooga,TNhttp://www.eppletreepottery.com/ I will have a show at Columbia State Community College the month of Nov. in the gallery www.columbiastate.edu/pryor-gallery Ilook forward to the wnc potters festival Nov.6 in dillsboro NC. http://www.wncpotteryfestival.com/ I turned down the By Hand artisian guild show in cleveland Ohio because we got into hopefully a really cool show. The festival of the masters at disney world. Nov12-13. We havent accepted the invitation but thought it would be a fun family trip with the boy and all. I will be submitting special pieces to some exhibitions as well and if I have enough pots I will have a studio/home sale in dec. I also have been asked to give a weekend workshop at the appalachian center for craft in smithville Tn May 21-22 2011. Pretty excited about that. I will be posting this schedule and updates on my website events page http://www.shadowpottery.com/ Alot going on and not enough sleep or time in the day. During this busy fall I will stay on at the restaurant to keep the paycheck comin with hopefully some good show/workshop money to stack on top of it. My little boy Rocket has started to walk. It's on now. His beginner walk reminds me of clyde the arangitang with clint eastwoods any which way but loose. Alot of times I can't see one step in front of me with all thats going on but I got a great family worth workin my ass off for.

2010-07-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

I've been working and playing in the studio with ideas this summer. Trying to balance out the pottery with the more sculptural, or just trying to blend the two. Being taught from potters and being a potter for awhile now and thinking like an artist has been a difficult blend as well. I can't seem to shake the idea of making nothing round. But the public likes round cause its a comfortable shape. The wheel now has become a means to get a shape or an idea rather than a production tool. It's funny to think it plays no more of a role than the rib or tool i use on a daily basis. Our fall is quickly filling up with shows and hopefully some workshops in between. I take work to the southern highlands guild object jury in august. I'm excited for the possibilities but we'll see. My son Rocket turns 1 year old today. He slept in today till 7;30 which is a rarity due to teething heavily so that was nice. He got his favorite breakfast, strawberries and bananas. That little boy has really changed my oulook on life, pots, everything. I think one of the most awsome gifts of having him is being able to see innocence again. It's helped me see my work differently and my approach to it, my reactions to things, to people. It's humbling and exciting. Our T.V. went out on us last nite. Makes me wonder if I want one for awhile. hmmmmmm. I also think I solved my s craking problem since the new change to the bottom of my cups and mugs. I should be updating my events page on my website soon so stay tuned http://www.shadowpottery.com/

Back home from being an artist on the road

2010-06-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

I am finally home with my family. Five consecutive weekends of giving workshops and fine art shows. What a great summer its been already. I visited Mountain View Arkansas and gave one of my "soft pots" workshop at the Arkanasas Craft School. Thank you you to everyone who attended the workshop. I wouldn't be there if it wasnt for you. Terri Van Orman, The director of the school was awsome. When I got to the school she explained to me that I was the first clay workshop at the school. Terri had wrote grants and recived funding for the school and brand new wheels were being opened as I walked in for the first time. To even sweeten the deal I was able to cristen the first wheel ever opened at the school. Pretty cool! I really had some talented students attend. David and Becki Dahlstedt attended who are very accomplished potters and artists. They opened there home to the class sat nite for a party. Very inspiring couple. The workshop got on the way sat morn and I introduced myself and got right into it. The split jar was demontrated as well as hollow lip bowls, throwuing out a slab vs the slab roller, and last but not least demoing the handle pull and handle placement on the mug. We talked philosophy and life throughout the day. I was persistent in my philosophy of living life full of trials and triumphs makes the pots we are today. Letting it ride when you are making and selling your work. We are already crazy for even attempting to make and sell art we might as well indulge in what we want to make rather than something that "just sells!" "Break the rules" I would mention from time to time and my creedo " NO BLENDING!" Any handle attachment or spout or anything do not blend lines. I was trying to equate this to showing your work in grade school. I wanted them to expose there applications, there score marks. Reveal the inperfections and let them take front stage. Mountain view is about 9 hrs away from here in Chattanooga. The drive was pretty once I got past West Memphis. I left Mon morning and got home to load a kiln. Turned around thurs to drive to Columbus Ohio to attend the columbus art festival. Got a half a day of rain but turned out a good show. I am trying to invest more into my city of Chattanooga but its a slow process. Having to travel so much can be nice but will eventually come to a halt someday. As my baby boy gets bigger I am realizing how short time is and I dont want to miss out. Here are some pics of the Arkansas workshop. I will give one more this summer. Coreclay in Cinncinatti Ohio has invited me and I'm excited to be there. I get a cuople months at home to make new work, pick veggies from the garden and be with my family and friends. My fall is quickly filling up so better get to it. Check out more of Shadow@www.shadowpttery.com Take care

2010-05-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Just got back from Mighty mud studios in Knoxville. This was the third workshop this year and it was a good one. My students were stoked on clay and very responsive to new ideas and my philosophy of lettin it all ride when it comes to creating and selling your work. I demonstrated some of my stacackable items as well as pullin handles. Of course I had to throw a little philosophy in there with the clay and talk about the lifestyle that we potters and clay artists choose to live. "Break the rules" I said. Clay can have so many possibilities if you lend yourself to abstract and out of the box thinking and then apply that to clay. We talked about school vs self taught and the advantages of both as well as doin juried shows and what all that entails. How to deal with those who say" that looks like alot of work" or just how to ignore them all together. I've really grown to love giving workshops and talking with students. I learn so much from their ideas and walks of life. I leave fri morning to give another one at The Arkanasas craft school and I can't wait. Then the following weekend I will be at Colombus art festival in Ohio. Alot of traveling but I love it aside from being away from the family. Theres those who do what they gotta do to make the bills paid and then theres those who make it happen and live doin what they love to do. I'm about right there in the middle. My fall is almost lined up with more wrkshops and shows and I will update on my website soon http://www.shadowpottery.com/ The garden is growing like crazy. My potatoes are almost ready and we're eating greens and spinach practically every nite. What is it with potters and gardening? It's like they're linked together.

2010-04-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

Sittin around the house takin care of my sick little boy. He is experincing his first allergy bomb in his nine months on this earth. Although it does suck and even more for him, I think this is the very best for his little immune system. I think thats why my generation and all those after are always sick. We kept our kids in the ac instead of letting them play in ther dirt and get exposed to the first pollen of each year. This will be good for him in the long run. Even though hes got a runny nose and sneeze he still trucks around like nothing phases him. Rocket can crawl now and sees everything in a new light. Everyday he becomes more and more addictive. Hes really a trip to watch and hang out with. We love em like nothin else. 4 bridges art festival was a little slow on sat but sun turned out to be great. What a great show and great people. I had more friends at this show then I have ever been at. We have some really great artists here in chattanooga and a strong a talented clay movement here and ready to bust wide open. If you havent met Stephanie Stueffer or TJ than you really need to. They were the emerging artists at 4 bridges this year and their work is off the hook. Very cool couple. Now local potter Anderson Bailey who is in my old studio over at loose cannons. His work is incredible and soon to explode chattanooga. Over all the show was great. I was glad to be there representing Chattanooga and my work. I will be in Birmingham AL for the Magic City Art Connection April 23-25. I did finally get my tomatoes in the garden. Theres a nice cool shady place where Rocket chews on his toothbrush and shares with sandy the next door neighbors pug. They love each other and their hygiene.

2010-04-09T04:21:00.000-07:00

Just got back from giving a workshop at John C Campbell Folkschool. What an awsome place. I got to be there when the new leaves were coming in and the days were'nt as hot as they are gonna be. It wasn't as busy as most months there which was really nice. Mike Lalone, the clay resident invited me up after we chatted while ana took photos of his pots. That was about a year and 1/2 ago. I've since gotten the workshop buzz and have booked with a handfull of craftschools. I still do about 10 shows a year and having the workshop supplement in between I can spend a little more time on our house and hopefully a good garden this year. I met some really great artists and craftsmen/women. The food was great. You get to really hear the quick and interesting stories of peoples lives while you eat. Everybody from everywhere. My students were on fire. They really jumped from where they were at with the clay to ideas that inspired me as well as making a frienship in a weeks time. I would like to give another workshop emphazing the wood kiln and more bold and sculptural pots. The cooking classes are where its at though and I will be taking a class soon enough. You could smell the barbeque wafting through the trees if you passed by. Made me crazy. I've been pushing my thrown and slab built pots as well as the slab handles. My pots primarily consist of slab handles except for my mugs which I prefer for know. My next event is the 4 Bridges art festival here in Chattanooga starting april 17 and 18. For upcoming workshops and shows check out my website www.shadowpottery.com Also had a great ester when I got back with my family and family of good friends. Cooked two hams, mamas homemade mustard mac n cheese, twice baked potatoes and alot of hungry friends. Good beer, good food, good friends,good lord.

2010-03-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

We have been enjoying our time together. Being a dad is something else. Especially at this stage of the game. Rocket is cuttin teeth and daddy is going looney sometimes. Ana has been a great mother and gives me the time I need in the studio to prepare for this season. Some ideas have been floatin around the shop. My split vases are still in the works. I have to tape and zip tie them to dry evenly. They have been the most challenging piece so far but I think they'll be nice when they come out. I've also really been refing or changing up my stacked vessels. Surface decoration combined with certain forms have been a huge focus this past couple years. My need to constantly explore handles on certain pieces has been alot of fun. I actually like the fact that the handle is saved for the last because it's the icing on the cake. My favorite application to these pieces. I stand back at the finished greenware and realize that my pots are getting more in depth and architectural, hopefully leaving a permenece impression. I leave to give my "Soft Pots" workshop at John C Campbell folkschool in a couple weeks. This is the begiining to hopefully a full, fun and prosperous spring/summer. You can get all my events(shows/workshops) at my website www.shadowpottery.com I super stoked to be in the 4 bridges art fair in april. It falls on my birthday here where we live, Chattanooga TN. lots of friends and beer will be involved and a diplay of brand new Shadow May pots and sculpture.When the rain finally stops My wife, son and I plan to till the garden and get the veggies growing. I know that our food can be and is so readily available but Rocket will definetley be raised learning how to grow and where it comes from and why. Just good lessons for children that most never get the opportunity to learn or experience. I think a baby waking up. Take care

2010-02-08T07:37:00.000-08:00

Been away from the blog awhile but a little more time in the clay. Show season is coming and still alot of pots to be made. It has been a blast being a dad though. Rocket is a cool kid a forming aan awsome personality before our eyes. Not sure if he's gonna have the red hair like his momma but damn sure he'll have more hair than his daddy. I have no idea where i'm going yet with my pots. So much of the potter thats in me gets confused with the wannabe sculptor in me. I'm havin fun though and keepin the family wheel strong. Here are a couple pics of things goin on round here. Thought I'd reupdate the spring/summer show and workshop scedule for those of you checkin in on me. For me this is a pretty full one. I can't wait to get on the road again and see people and sell pots. I hope I see alot of you down the road. Workshop@John C Campbell folk school (March 28-apr 3 2010)"Soft Pots" http://www.folkschool.org/ 4Bridges art fair(April17-18 2010)Chattanooga, TN, Magic City Art Connection(Apr23-25 2010)Birmingham, AL, TACA(may1-2 2010)Nashville ,TN, Weekend workshop@Mighty Mud clay center, http://www.mightymudclay.com/ (May22-23 2010)Knoxville,TN, mailto:WeekendWorkshop@Arkanasas Craft School, http://www.arkansascraftschool.com(may29-30/ 2010)Mountain View, AR, Columbus Art Festival(June4-6 2010) columbus OH, Weekend workshop@CoreClay (Aug7-8)Cinncinati,OH. I can't forget I will be having a throw down for my sons 1st Birthday(July15th 2010). Take care

Shadow May

2010-01-24T19:22:00.000-08:00

I got back from a trunk show @mudfire gallery and clay center. Had a great time seeing my friends Erik and Luba, Bart Webb and Mark Knott came to see me as well as others who I have made friends with and help me along this road as an artist, ceramist, potter and person. Mudfire is a great place and very welcoming to the public as well as their guest artists. I wondered around looking at all the awsome pots from other artists that I'd looked up to or saw in magazines or books. I stay pretty out of the loop as far as keeping up with others and their art so it was pretty cool to see everyones work. I had some nice pieces go away to some good people and homes which was very good because i was able to pay a mortgage and a few other bills. I always have to smile and thank the good lord that for some reason I have been blessed to be able to work as an artist and pay for the things that my family needs. We don't have alot of extras(little to none) but we are happy and moving forward...baby steps. Good friends have helped us and hard work that we welcome has got us through. Here are some of the pieces that went to good homes this weekend. I am working as I speak creating more pots for the spring and summer so I will definetley keep everyone posted. my first event will be teaching a week long workshop @ John C Campbell folk school March28-Apr3"Soft Pots" and then you can come and see me @ 4 Bridges art show in My home town Chattanooga TN, Apr17-18. This show falls on my birthhday weekend so don't be surprised if I rope you in for a beer and laugh. thers plenty more and I will post more closer to time.

refiners fire for the potter

2010-01-13T05:15:00.000-08:00

I picked a 2 liter coke off the conveinient store shelf and one of them dropped on the floor and exploded. The whole day has gone like that. actually not just from 6pm till I made a cocktail to wind down for the day. What really set the evening off was my electric kiln was programmed to start a hold at 250 degrees and dry out my greenware before going into the bisque firing. Well it didnt and 2 hrs later I walk into the studio and i hear boom...pop and 600 degrees reading on the display screen. I opened the kiln to find the bottles and teacups that are pictured blown up. I have a trunk show at mudfire gallery in decatur georgia on the 23 of this month(jan 2010) and was hoping to add these pieces to my sale. I am pretty sure that I can throw the pieces again and green glaze them on time for the next weekend. It blew me up at the time but now that I've wound down I realize that I can make it happen and in the process learn a few things that might not have come up had this not happened. I have a couple months before show season and workshops start so I might as well Diagnosis the kiln and fix whatever might be wrong. I couldn't help put to preach a small line off my own artist statement to myself which says " I welcome mistakes and struggles, it brings triumph and character." Lookin at my little boy helped me realize also that Everythings fine and will be as long as I keep my head focused on what is important which is my family. So thats that...yesterdays gone and today is here. come check out the trunk show On Jan 23 2-6pm at mudfire gallery in Decatur Georgia. keep pottin and try not to sweat the small stuff.

2010-01-07T05:06:00.000-08:00

Finished making some new jars. Spring schedule is lookin good. Hosting workshops and doing some good shows. I can see the new road revealing itself and I'm excited. I wasn't able to get off all my workshop packets at once because of cost but I'm filtering them out there and getting good responses. Once again here is the spring schedule: host workshop@John C Campbell folk school("creating soft pots")march 28-Apr3, 4 Bridges art fair(apr 17-18)chattanooga, TN, Magic City Art connection(apr23-25)Birmingham, AL, TACA spring fair first weekend in may,Nashville, TN, Host workshop@Arkansas Craft School(memorial day weekend), Columbus arts festival(june 4-6 columbus,OH), I hopefully will be giving another workshop at Coreclay in cinncinati,OH beginning of august, still waiting to hear back but will keep everyone updated. I think this will be all I can handle this spring. I will get my garden in and cultivating lots of yummy veggies. My son will be walking and soon I will be able to get some child labor out of him, he'll love it cause theres dirt involved. Hope everyone is stayin warm and pots aren't freezing. Take care,
Shadow

2009-12-30T04:46:00.000-08:00

Back form christmas holidays, back into our home and daily life routine. Benjamin Rocket was a hit for his first christmas. Even grandma has a crush on him because he's so damn cute. We were to no one surprise able to give pots for presents this year. Sometimes the value of my work seems to diminish when i look at it all the time. But to the person recieving, it's like a treasure. I was thankful for being able to be with my family and friends another year and for the gift to create things with my hands. looking forward to the new year and what new opportunities arise. Just as a quick reminder for those reading, Our spring show season is not as packed full but we're hoping for a good one. Here it is: "creating soft pots" John C. Campbell folk school,March 28-Apr 3, (4 Bridges Art fair) April 17-18 2010 Chattanooga,Tn, (ONB Magic City Art Connection) Apr 23-25 Birmingham, AL, (TACA Spring fair) May 7,8,9 2010 Nashville, TN, (Columbus Arts Festival) June 4-6 Columbus,OH, in between shows I hope to be making more work, playing with my son and wife and bbquing somethin with my friends.

Focused Ideas, hopeful opportunities

2009-12-18T12:42:00.000-08:00

Pots are evolving, even though I don't get as much time in the studio like I was used to. Working at nite seems to be going well even though I like being up in the morning. My mind and motivation seem to work better in the day but it's more peaceful at nite. Having our son has taken alot of time away from making work for now but my ideas and progression have been more spontaneous and deliberate. I think that time working is more precious to me now than when I was in there everyday all day. I've been developing a new body of work that is really cool to me. Being simple with my work with simple gestures has been a way of working for awhile now. Only now do I feel like I'm making new discoveries in the clay. I'm definetely going for a more caveman look with a strong, permanent presence. I've thought that if Fred Flinstone was japanese and he threw pots they'd be something like this. Not going to do as many shows this year but I'm finally sending out my packets to potentially teach at craftcenters/colleges. That has been a process and really affirmed my hunger for wanting to get out there and share the ideas that i'm working on. I hope for the best. Don't think I'm going to do the Rosen show this year...Just can't afford it right now. Kinda of a bummer but other doors will open. Hoping for a strong start to the year , full of juicy pots and good health for my family and me.

2009-12-08T19:19:00.000-08:00

Pots are progressing and the ideas are startin to come out. The pressure of winterizing my studio is gone and old pots are sold. Had a good nite in the studio. Still debating whether or not to do the rosen show again in feb or put the money to try and do a couple high end, make u, set u up shows. We really depended on those accounts we got from last years rosen. The pots are always evolving and changing so fast that if I dont do it right I will weed my way out of the wholesale market. Even though I develope bodies of work, They still evolve over the course of a month to six months. I'm sure we'll figure it out and go down the best road for us, just always something to think about as an artist. Anyway..goodnite

2009-11-23T11:45:00.001-08:00

I hung out with my son and mama today. So many tasks that are essential just to keep the day running that you find yourself really missin those times with the family. My wife and I are learning everyday the simple ways that keep us grounded. Rocket has been alot of fun. He's so addictive that he easily trumps my time to create for myself. Ana has been a trooper at work. She probably has the hardest job which is having to be away from her son for a majority of the day. It's all about adaptation. I use to work in the studio from 7-5 or 6. Now it's 6-1 in the morn. We have one more show in sewannnee tn before the end of the show season. I'm almost done making my packet to send off for workshop instructor positions. That has been a process. I love doing shows and selling my pots. I would love to break into the workshop avenue and begin teaching others the tricks and ideas that I am pursuing. My studio will be completely insulated tonite after my wife gets home and I will be back into create mode by tuesday. Talk more later

shadow

2009-11-16T15:34:00.000-08:00

We had a good show run so far. Just got back from the foothills craft guild show and it was really surprising. Ana and I stopped doing the show because my work quickly was changing and probably edging my way out from a certain clientel. We hadn't been back in a few years and the respionse was great. I think I might of sold a mug or two and a tumbler but the rest were all show pieces. Alot of my new more riskier work left the shelves and now are with good families. It's all timing. I didn't have the caliber of work that these people were looking for 3 years ago. I would get caught giggiling int the booth because of were I was and the events that led me up to right now. Alot of struggles and growth that was much needed. We got to show off Rocket to our friends who had'nt seen us in awhile. The foothills guild really helped us get back on our feet when we had our studio fire. It was good to give back in a small way and give support. Heres the booth getup.

2009-11-09T19:15:00.000-08:00

We got back from pottersfest last nite. had a great time and sold a bunch of pots. had ana start the kiln as I was heading back. It was really good to be with all clay artists, specially just to see what everyone was doing. Shimpo came and sponsored the clay olympics. Got to hang out with some old friends and sample some nc goodies as well as some homemade bourbon by friend Brant Barnes. It was good to breathe cool north carolina mtn air and sell my pots. It was really good to come home and see my family, rocket had a fun halloween. heres some of the new work that was at the show. Thanks to everyone whos been buying my pots and supportin us through everything.

2009-11-02T07:01:00.000-08:00

good mornin, had a good productive weekend. finished glazing and startin to load the kiln for potters fest. lookin forward to the crisp smoky mtn air. We had a few trick or treaters also. next year I will be ready to really scare the h'/;.ll out of some kids...just kiddin? Our leaves are really nice right now and we got some good family candid shots just hangin out. I will post them when ana shows me how to download pics. anyway rocket and i are enjoying the monday mornin listening to a little a waylon and sittin in the sun comin through the windows. glad to have the life I have.

happy halloween

2009-10-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

We carved pumpkins last nite. This is our first carvin at our new house in our new neighborhood. mixed glazes also. Real close to seeing new work come out. Hoping for a strong finish to the year with shows. I'm lookin forward to pottersfest. Get to see some good friends and fire a wood kiln. Me and Rocket are hangin out this smornin and watchin a movie. I get to work in the studio all weekend so hopefully alot will get done. I've really been gettin into this new jar form and especially the handles. thats where its at. check out my cool guy shades man.

2009-10-28T05:12:00.000-07:00

firing the kiln the smorning, even though its a electric kiln, its so damn big it fires like a gas kiln, always having to adjust the zone controls to get even heat. Got some new work coming out for the wncpottersfest,www.wncpottersfest.com. I'm starting to see my transition from potter to sculptor happen which is pretty cool. I hope my customers still follow me. anyway my son rocket is waking up, write more later

Monday

2009-10-27T09:14:00.001-07:00

Not much happenin on this mon. Little Rocket is asleep and I'm playing catchup with chores before I get into the studio. Saw my dad and brother this weekend. My brother is going back to hawaii to live and hopefully start a little bit of his life over. I wish him luck and hope he finds what he's lookin for. My dad is doing good livin by norris lake in TN. Ana and i were glad that him and rocket got to hang out. It's rainy out and I'm finishing up some laundry...mr mom I am.

making new work

2009-10-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, Today I finally get into the studio to make new work. I've caught myself up with house stuff from being on the road with shows. I made a nice fish chowder last nite and shared with some friends. My son Rocket is happy and laying down right now. He falls asleep if we take a bath and a bottle. my most productive hours in the day. I've been updating my face book page(Shadow May Pottery), also twittering as much as I can (Shadow_May). I'm still trying to update my website www.shadowpottery.com I'm slowly getting better on the computer because I am fulltime daddy till mama gets home. usually dinner is ready and I can go work in the studio. It's taking some getting use to working at nite, especially after a full day of daddy mode. I feel more productive when I see daylight out but these are the adjustments that we take for our children. I wouldnt turn back even if I could. I came to the conclusion yesterday that I'm not afraid of the world anymore. daily struggles like bills and uncerintintys of just daily living will never go away. This really is a huge breakthrough because most of our struggles seem to take over and leave no room for growth or laughin or loving. Bills and mortgage and struggles will always be there. Thats what brings me the growth I need to be a productive artist, loving father and husband as well as a reliable neighbor and good friend. I guess not being afraid of the world just means that there's always gonna be a new day. A new chance to work and enjoy the gifts we get in life. I'm gonna keep on creating and soakin it up, please do the same.

a lot has happened

2009-10-27T09:12:00.001-07:00

Been awhile since i've blogged but here it goes. I just got back from doing the pink palace craft show in memphis. Really ggod show again but lost sunday to rain. We have recently bought a house in redbank Tn, a suburb of Chattanooga. I have my studio at home again. For those I lost touch with we had a studio fire about 2 years ago losing everything that sustained me as an artist.

studio fire

We had so much help from friends and family and those who have followed me and purchased my pots. We could not have started over without the help of everyone. I have been hard at it doin shows throughout the u.s. Recently recieved a best in clay award at atlanta arts fest which really gave me an extra boost to push out new work.

102 1894

My wife and I had our first child, A baby boy. We named him Benjamin Rocket May.

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He is 2 1/2 months old and keeping us up at those crucial sleeping hours but we love him to death and have adjusted for the most part. I'm getting readuy to do the potters fest in dillsboro,NC, oct 31 and then the foothills craft show in Knoxville TN(nov13-15). Making lots of new work. You can find me on Facebook(shadow may or shadowmay pottery, as well as twitter,www.shadowpottery.com. I was a recipient in the strictly functional pottery national in lancaster PA which was pretty cool.

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and had a article published in the signal mtn mirror in chattanooga tn

First Festival down, lots more to go.....

2009-10-27T09:11:00.002-07:00

Well, got our first show out of the way--Toney and I. Had a couple relly weird experiences. The weather was gorgeous, but very dusty. I had Toney make a deposit on Saturday afternoon. Things went haywire and envelopes went in the wrong slots, but everything turned out fine on Tuesday Mornin'---a long time to wait to fix your mistake. To top it off, we broke ~ $700 worth of bowls and had a couple strong conversations with the customers. Despite all the trouble, Toney and I had the best festival to date over the past two years I've been in business. Had a great Sunday to finish off the four day show and then we were headed off to Mississippi to see mama Sue and Roland--Toney's soon-to-be boy.
Listen, we're on this festival, working men, working potters, travelling, tryring to do the circuit. I do think that you have to have quite a but of nerve andcourage mixed with crazy to be able to take what comes from your hands and heart and sell it.
So, now we're in Gulf Shores, AL and we've set up for the National Shrimp Festival ( a four day show). We've let our hair down a little bit and I asked my beautiful, lovely red-headed Ana to marry me. I'm floatin' around on cloud nine here on the beach. Once we get this festival out of the way, we have eight more. The road has been really good to us, and I really think that this would be a great documentary on life as a crafter/ artist. We've been drinking Toney's famous Pina colodas for the past couple a days. Had some good seafood, made some good love and enjoyed some good company. So here's my thought of the day:
If you see a man walking down the interstate, do you automatically think he's homeless?

Less Than a Week 'til the Road Trip

2009-10-27T09:11:00.001-07:00

Well, with less than a week 'til my best friend and I venture out to sell our wares on the road, I'm still managing to gather all the small things that I need---oil change for the truck, cut business cards, sand pots, load and unload three more kilns, rewire the trailer. These are the things that I'm finding I'd eliminate If I were a wholesale potter vs. the trade off traveling on the road and meeting new people. Over the past year this has been my dilemma of how to make a living as a potter. The excitement of going from state to state has made it pretty easy at times to handle the monotonous chores. Although I work out of my home with my business, I don't know if I'd want to be home all of the time, never getting out. So, I'm beginning to do both--wholesale and retail on the road. Don't get me wrong, the life of a potter exceeds the 40 hour work week that most of us live, but being able to have my cup of coffee or a nice shot of Bourbon at any time I want is definitely better than having someone else telling me what to do. My first show is in Memphis, Tennessee--Pink Palace Fine Arts and Crafts Show. Nine shows later I end my fall stretch with a three day holiday market in Chattanooga, Tennessee. For some reason, I really enjoy that three-in-the-morning pit stop at the gas station for bad coffee and expensive gas daydreaming about the many pots I might sell.

electricty in the studio

2009-10-21T08:44:00.000-07:00

My good friend John Hart came to town today and helped me wire my studio with more power and outlets and lights. We had a good workday and ended it with steak and beer and a good visit. I'm so full and tired though, so goodnite.