"Tree of Life" series 2015

Interview with Paul Blais of "The Potter's Cast"

please listen to the interview on the following link:

http://ThePottersCast.com/79

The next generation..

the Bulol sculptures have become modern, as i make a change to something new.

Inspiration

"Earth and Fire" at Linda's home

"Earth and Fire"  installed at Linda's home, thank you!   2 of 8 panels visualizing the destruction of the Earth from the effects of natural disasters..

"Skin and Stone" how to skin a ceramic drum

Thank you Louis Katz for these photos of how to skin a ceramic drum, with the help of Kim at The Workhouse Arts Center

Tatooed Bulols

my new works explore coil built Bulol figures in a position of offering.  balance, peacefulness, and belief are expressed in these works.   they are then carved with designs inspired by ali bata script.

Balance

i've been working with 'balance'  in my latest works.   how to make a piece stand despite movement in different directions.  testing the limits of the clay.  kim has also been working, she recently made a bust of 'Roja' as a ballerina..

Turtle Shell Vases

my inspiration, the turtle.. 

for ikebana

Skinned Udu

the "udu" originates from the Igbo of Nigeria.  'udu' means 'vessel,'  it was originally used as a water jar, and played by the women.  a modern take adds a drum on the side, which creates a deep bass sound that resonates in the chamber.

The Philippine Sun

a pleasant surprise on the back side of this udu, an image of the Philippine sun :)

A little twist

after making over 800 "Bulol" heads using the closed form, ive decided to attach them to each other and create ikebana vases.  its a balancing act in an attempt to defy the pull of gravity on the piece.  the results:  a lot of movement and swaying from left to right.  some have said they are reminiscent of worms, buddah bamboo, and even sampaloc (tamarinds).. 

Musical Instruments

i've always been fascinated with music and admired how musicians create songs with such ease.  With this medium, i am able to explore sound in a new way..  i can create and adjust sizes and shapes to yield different pitches.  my recent experiments include a circular bell xylophone and a triple headed drum.  waiting to be fired

"The Green Room"

this room is brought back to life with some tints of green and a few rings..

Laos

i was fortunate enough to travel to Laos, and meet the dean of Fine Arts.   we travelled on red dirt roads, met the first ceramics teacher at Laos Fine Arts University, saw beautiful pottery, and even saw the traditional school uniform.  The tenmoku glazed sculpture is titled "A Farmer, Tired After a Days Work,"  their version of the Philippine "Bulol"

Myanmar

a visit to Dala, Myanmar's  Twante Pottery Village :)

throwing a vase on a hand wheel, he is using a circular sliced bamboo as a tool

stacking the wood fire kiln

these 2 pots were made by these ladies, to be exhibited at SEA III in Virginia