Motivation

Staying motivated in the studio can be a challenge. Take yesterday for example, all I wanted to do was sit by the fire. It was warmer in Juneau Alaska yesterday than where I live in Novelty Ohio. Novelty is just east of Cleveland. Luckily, the library is just down the street from me and I often get movies or books on tape to help lure me into the studio when the call of the clay is not strong enough and life's many distractions are interfearing. The movies play and I mostly listen or the books on tape play and I am transported to some other world. Of course there is music and I have recently been listening to 88.7 which is the college radio station at John Carroll University. I can never answer what my favorite color, movie, music or visual artist is as there is so much information I receive from so many sources that influence me and my work. This is why I leave my profile page on my blog blank.

Stay warm!

Theresa Yondo

Concept to Creation

There are two more AMAZING shows I will be participating in this weekend.

One is Terra Vista studios 10th Annual Holiday Sale. You can check out their website at http://www.terravistastudios.com/ and you can stop by the show which is at 1400 East 30th St. Cleveland Ohio 44114, 216.523.1387. The dates and hours of the show are Friday Dec. 4th 11-4, Saturday Dec. 5th Noon-7 and Sunday Dec. 6th Noon 4.

And……………The other show is the
HOLIDAY SALE!!!! at Yost Pottery and Tile 1643 Massillon Road Akron, OH 44312, 330.734.0763 www.yostpottery.com/
Saturday Dec. 5th 10-5 and Sunday Dec. 6th 1- 5.
Please stop by and enjoy the friendship and the art.

It is late. I am tired. I hope the information above makes sense. Support your local artist!

Theresa Yondo
Concept to Creation

Charm the Heart

This is such a busy time of year. Last weekend I had a show at Temple- Tifereth Israel in Beachwood in support of learning through the arts and this weekend I have two shows.

One is Friday evening in support of Elizabeth Klonowski Gadus who needs a lung transplant. The benefit is at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church 20401 Hilliard Boulevard, Rocky River, Ohio 44116 and the date and hours are November 20, 2009, 7:00 - 11:00 PM. The price of tickets at the door for this fundraiser are $12.00.

On Saturday and Sunday it is the fabulous and always the best, Charm the Heart. Every year April opens her heart and house to us artists and we show our talent to friends and patrons. This Saturday November 21st 1:00 – 8:00 and Sunday November 22nd Noon – 4:00 at 3124 Corydon Road in Cleveland Heights Ohio 44110 (Corydon and Lee Road by the Library)

Theresa Yondo
Concept to Creation

Heights Arts Holiday Store

I lived in Cleveland Heights Ohio for thirteen years. Those years encompass some of my most fond memories. The circle of friends and contacts I made during those years continue to make me feel alive and a vibrant part of the Cleveland Art Community.

So, a few years ago when I was invited to participate in the annual Holiday Store sale and exhibit at Heights Arts I was thrilled.

Everything by Local Artists Friday November 6, 2009 6-9 PM Members only preview
Open:

Tuesday - Saturday 1:30 - 9:30 PM

Monday 6:30-9:30 pm

Closed Sunday

Sunday December 24: 12-4 pm

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

Post-holiday hours:

Saturday, December 26, 1:30-9:30 pm

Sunday, December 27, 1:30-4:30 pm

Monday, December 28-Wednesday, December 30, 3:00-9:30 pm

2173 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118
216.371.3457

http://www.heightsarts.org/exhibits#Nov-Dec

Please stop by and support Heights Arts and local artrists by buying handmade.

Theresa Yondo

Concept to Creation

Organic Line

Working with organic line was a theme I was exploring in my last firing. There are never ending possibilities of line combinations. Thick, thin, organic, inorganic, broken line and no line. Today I have started prep work for glazing a new batch of work which included cleaning the studio and sorting, washing and waxing pots.
I will soon begin the process of glazing and in a week or so will hopefully have some very nice results.

Theresa Yondo
Concept to Creation

Happy Halloween

This year I stayed home for Halloween. I live in an area where no one comes to the house for tricks or treats because the houses are just to far apart. I did have a visitor though. I was working out back in the studio assembling teapots when I heard a familiar voice but did not see a familiar face. I was so creeped out. I truly did not recognize my own sister Rita.



Boooooooooooo!

Spaces Gallery, Erie Prom: Enchantment Under the Lake

Spaces Gallery in Cleveland Ohio is once again "throwing a gigantic party full of tons of art made by local artists." Every year there is a theme to the annual benefit and this years theme is Erie Prom: Enchantment Under the Lake. These two mugs have been donated to the benefit so buy a ticket, have some fun and bid on these mugs.

SPACES 2220 Superior Viaduct Cleveland, OH 44113 216.621.2314
Gallery Hours: Tu - Sa: 11 - 5:30 Fr: open until 7 Su: 1 - 5 Free admission during normal hours.
http://www.spacesgallery.org/2009/benefit/index.html

Theresa Yondo
Concept to Creation

Teapot and Wabi Sabi

I recently visited Donna Iona Drozda's blog. Donna was blogging about a workshop she was teaching on Wabi Sabi. Wabi Sabi is a Japanese view of finding the beauty in imperfection. This is a reoccurring topic in the life of many artists. Recently, I revisited this topic with Mark Reibstein’s childrens' book Wabi Sabi, illustrated by the fabulous Ed Young. I used the book to teach collage and Haiku to a group of young ones. The young group easily understood the message in the lesson and the collage assignment of creating a house or area of refuge was easily understood in the context of a secret garden. Many young ones struggle constantly as their minds are often to advanced for the little bodies that they inhabit. It is a good thing for them to understand the beauty in imperfection. In some way, there is a connection between a small child understanding the beauty in imperfection and an artist continuing their work to advance their skills.

Years ago, as a young clay artist, I did find this same analogy to be true. My ideas were way to advanced for the skills I had with the clay. Thank goodness for passion, vision and dedication. I am currently working with this idea in a new series of teapots. By the way, thanks Jeanne for letting me know about Mark Reibstein's book Wabi Sabi, illustrated by Ed Young.

Theresa Yondo

Concept to Creation

Kent State University, Greetings from Kent

Greetings from Kent continued-see last post.

The other postcard reflects the time I spent with John Gill and Andrea Gill. Below are the words of remembrance on this postcard.

It might have been 1981 when I signed up for ceramic classes with John Gill. What a great year that was. John’s knowledge and playfulness that he shared in the studio generated explosions of ideas. Thanks John and Andrea for a great year.

Best Always,
Theresa Yondo

Kent State University, Greetings From Kent

I did my graduate work at K.S.U.

My time there was very challenging as I was working nearly full time and had some health issues going on. I felt like a zombie but did make it through the program.

Kent State University is preparing for a 100 year anniversary celebration and there is a call for artists to submit work for possible inclusion in shows.

One of those shows is titled Greetings from Kent.
"Artists may submit up to two works for inclusion in the exhibition. Works must be 4 inch x 6 inch postcards."

I submitted two postcards one in remembrance of the time I spent with Kirk Mangus and Eva Kwong and the other card reflects the time I spent with John Gill and Andrea Gill. Below are the words of remembrance on this postcard.

Starting graduate school in 1994 with Kirk Mangus was no easy task. Working my way through the program was exhausting. Sometimes Kirk would walk through the studio at midnight. I would take a break and Kirk and I would sit on the couch. Kirk would chat and I would listen. Too exhausted to every reply! Thanks Kirk Mangus and Eva Kwong for helping me make it through the program.

Best Always,
Theresa Yondo

Ceramic Designs

My electric Cress kiln now reaches cone cone 10 in nine hours since John has replaced the elements.

This image shows a new design which was in the first firing. It is very rewarding when a new design works for me. How many people get to design a bowl or a mug that they think the world could use.

I threw three bowls, trimmed a round bottom on the bowls and then attached the three together. Then I made a bowl for salsa or dip to sit in the middle. I did send this work off to Indigenous Gallery in Cincinnati.

I get to spend the whole day in the studio today.

What a treat.

Theresa Yondo

Concept to Creation

Indigenous Gallery in Cincinnati

The next show my clay work will be participating in is titled North South and will feature "a diverse group of emerging and established Cleveland artists". The show will take place at Indigenous Gallery in Cincinnati. The show dates are September 28-November 2 and gallery owner Diane Christian Budd will continue to carry many of the artists work in her gallery after the show dates. The gallery is located at 2110 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45208. For more information, check out the website at
www.indigenouscraft.com

Theresa Yondo
Concept to Creation

Glen Lake Sunset

Our last night at the Lake was last Sunday and Bruce and I went out at sunset in the Kayaks. I snapped this image at sunset.





Bruce and Theresa on the Sunfish







Michael and Wendy


It is always difficult to leave the lake and we are so fortunate to have Wendy and Michael as friends. They invite us up to the lake every year and we spend a charmed week with them at the lake. Bruce and I headed out of Glen Arbor on Monday afternoon. This much needed vacation did have some work involved. I spent some of the time on some new clay designs and talked with Ruth Conklin about carrying my clay work in her gallery.


Theresa Yondo
Concept to Creation

Glen Lake

Bruce and I are at the cottage at Glen Lake in Michigan with Wendy and Michael.
Wish you were here!
Thanks Jeanne for taking care of Marie and Togher T back home.
I will post a sunset when I get back.
Theresa Yondo
Concept to Creation

The Electric Studio

A few postings ago I talked about my kiln needing new elements. Last night John finished working on my Cress kiln and I could not resist snapping an image of John peeking out of the kiln while he was pinning in the new elements. The Cress kiln I have does not have rings that separate thus you need to climb inside the kiln for any repairs. I will be bisque firing tonight in my beautiful refurbished kiln. The name of John's kiln repair business is The Electric Studio.

Concept to Creation

Theresa Yondo

Artseen Gallery in Vermilion

This has been a very busy week.

Today two narrative vessels, one teapot, four small plates and three small bowls are on their way to Artseen Gallery in Vermilion. The show titled

noc members exhibition 2009

will be on view from September 5th - 20th. I will fortunately or unfortunately be missing the opening as I will be taking a wee vacation next week.

Artseen Gallery: September 5-20, 2009. 5591 Liberty Ave, Vermilion,OH. 44089. An exhibition showcasing the ceramic artwork of Northern Ohio Clay artists. Opening reception date: Saturday September 5, 4-8 pm. http://theartseengallery.com/

Concept to Creation

Theresa Yondo

Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago

The Second Lillstreet International Drink: Functional forms for Every Libation at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago opens September 14 and closes October 11, 2009. The opening reception is Saturday, September 19 2009 3-6pm. This jar and pitcher with tray was juried into the exhibition and has been shipped and is on its way to the Art Center. Lillstreet is a wonderful Art Center that offers a wide range of classes in Chicago, IL.

Check it out if you can.

Concept to Creation

Theresa Yondo

Ohio Designer Craftsmen in Columbus

Ohio Designer Craftsmen is such a great organization. When I first started marketing my clay work in the 80's, A Show of Hands stores were there to guide my way. The stores have since closed but the organization is still working hard for craftsmen. O.D.C. also founded and still runs the Ohio Craft Museum.

This work will soon be on it's way to the Craft Museum's gift shop which was founded in 1993. Every year there is an annual member's juried exhibition. I had the great fortune to have a pitcher juried into the Best of 1995 exhibition which won a purchase award for the Museum's permanent collection. The museum is located at 1665 West Fifth Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43212
614/486-4402. Free parking is available on the east side of the Museum.

Concept to Creation
Theresa Yondo

Positive and Negative Space

We all see line differently. Kind of like looking at the clouds with a friend and pointing out what you see in the shape of the cloud. Line is like that too. Especially when people have such things as dyslexia. I avoid doctors mostly because I don't like labels. I never have been diagnosed as having dyslexia, but some days my brain just fires backwards. You know like when I turn left when driving when I should turn right. I think that is why I gravitated toward working with wax resist on the surface of clay. When applying the wax, you are working with line in reverse. You are imagining what the glaze will look like around the line. Definitely a different approach to the surface of an object.

Concept to Creation

Theresa Yondo

Small Bowls

I had so much fun with the plates (see last post) that I thought I would try a similar series of pattern, dot and line with these small bowls. Most of the bowls are only about three inches wide and two inches tall. This size bowl is so versatile. I am constantly using this size for spices when cooking or filling with trail mix for a snack. I am getting ready to stock another gallery so I am busy making and glazing.

My last cone 10 electric firing took 20 hours. Would you say it is time for new elements! The kiln was drawing 48 amps when it should have been drawing 60 amps. I am surprised the kiln even made it to temperature.

Concept to Creation,

Theresa Yondo

Ginko Gallery in Oberlin

Last Friday, I drove out to Ginko Studio and Gallery in Oberlin.

Ginko Gallery is a working fiberart studio and contemporary craft gallery.

Owner Liz Burgess is always such a delight to work with. She is kind, compassionate and such a lover of the arts and crafts. Over the years, she has given me total freedom to explore new work for her gallery and has always greeted my clay work with enthusiasm. Ginko Gallery and Studio is located in downtown Oberlin at 19 South Main Street, Oberlin, Ohio 44074. The phone number is 440-774-3117.

I love pattern and often use the dot and line together to create pattern. I very seldom use image on my work as pattern has always been a bit more meditative than secular images. These small three inch plates are a sampling of some of the clay work I brought to Ginko.

Concept to Creation,

Theresa Yondo

Belgiam Tervuren

I decided I would dedicate this blog to clay and the creative process but occasionally I do need to interject something a little personal.

Yes, today was full of clay delicacies. Ron Meyers was in town and had a show with Bill Brouillard and dinner after the show was very pleasant and most stimulating. I had a few breakthroughs in my studio this morning. I wanted to upload images from the kiln that was just unloaded.

Ultimately, Marie won the night. Today, Marie turned one year old. She is our passionate little one who is still exploring life as any young dog would if given the opportunity. Bruce and I were on a rescue list for the Belgiam Tervuren's but eventually did get Marie from a breeder when no rescue dog showed up. We so want to preserve this most unusaual breed.

Concept to Creation,

Theresa Yondo

ANTICIPATION

Waiting for your kiln to cool and your tomatoes to ripen.

Concecpt to Creation,

Theresa Yondo

Geode Gallery in Tremont

The Tremont area of Cleveland is always changing. I was trying to remember the year I lived in Tremont at the corner of Jefferson and Professor in the "City Cabin". Back then, "grandma" was still alive and I would walk across the corner to the bar on Fridays for my lunchtime serving of homemade pierogie. I often was a site as I would work until sometimes 4:00 am in my studio and then roll out of bed around Noon to get my pierogie's before they were sold out.

Not to long ago, a new gallery opened at 755 Starkweather Ave. with the quite clever name of Geode Gallery.

Whose eyes would not sparkle when entranced by a geode.

Upon entering the gallery, I felt the same way as gallery owner Gillian Barnes showed me all the treasures inside. By the way, you can now find a collection of my clay work at Geode Gallery along with many handcrafted gifts from Cleveland and around the world.

Concept to Creation

Theresa Yondo

IN MY ELEMENT

Ceramic artist's hall a lot of stuff. So, choosing a vehicle is no simple task. When Honda started making the Element I was sure I would be able to figure out how to fit everything I needed in the vehicle to set up for an art show.

I purchased a Yakima car rack which is rated to carry 250 lbs. 8 propanel's go on top and are tied down with a double ratchet system. I am always concerned about safety so, if one ratchet fails the other will kick in to secure the panels.
I was able to fit the secure rods for the propanels, tent, hardware, 11 various tubs of clay work, 3 or so additional display shelves and a small cooler. I carry very little additional stock to sell for two reasons. One, the economy is so bad that you just do not sell as much at the shows as days gone by and with the use of the Internet, images can easily be posted of your work and shipped to a collector.

I did figure that I fell under the weight restrictions for hauling in the element but do plan on changing the transmission fluid in the vehicle every 20,000 miles or so to keep the transmission running strong. Only time will tell how everything holds up.


The past four years have been quite a challenge. I am so thankful to all of you out there who so generously share information and ideas to help keep us all sane in these sometimes crazy times.

Concept to Creation
Theresa Yondo

Narrative Vessel - Just out of the kiln

Here are a few more Narrative Vessel's I unloaded from the kiln today. I will have these at Cain Park this weekend (see blog archive June 22). Exposing and staining the clay is so freeing in comparison to the glaze and wax resist I usually use on the surface of the clay.

Theresa Yondo

Concept to Creation

Narrative Vessel

Occasionally, a narrative vessel will find it's way into my clay work. The function of the vessel on the table humbly steps aside to make way for a comment on the function of the psyche. This is one of those occasions.

The form represents the mountains we all climb in life. The smooth indentation represents the caves we all take refuge in from time to time. On this form the spout and handle suggest the social niceties we all engage in although the spout on this form does not have a hole for the tea to flow so the cup can never be filled. The object is thrown, hand built and paddled. Air inside the vessel is used to steady the shape while the pliable clay is paddled and pushed. My hope is that you can enjoy the story as the object talks back.

Theresa Yondo

Concept to Creation

Cain Park Arts Festival 2009

Cain Park Arts Festival is just around the corner. On Friday, July 10, 3-8, Saturday July 11, 10-8 and Sunday, July 12, Noon-5. Saturday and Sunday $2.00 entry, Friday night free.

I have been working hard in the studio getting ready for the Cain Park Arts Festival. Please stop by the festival and see what is new in my clay work.

Cain Park is located at Lee and Superior Roads, Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Theresa Yondo

Concept to Creation

Commitment

Teapot

February 2009

It is hard to believe that it has been nine months since my last post. When I started blogging I was sure that I would blog at least twice a month. I am often questioning my commitments as to where my time goes.

As a clay artist, I am back in the saddle again. After recovering for about three years from the outdoor street fair circuit which I used as venues to show and sell my clay work, I am creating other venues to continue my clay work. It is a long process to figure out what works and what does not work.

I will close with an artist statement I wrote back on February 25, 2009.

I make clay objects. Functional, whimsical and decorative objects, to use enjoy and collect. The fluid clay is shaped pulled and pushed using hands and potters wheel to become the object. Using glaze , brush and liquid wax, the surface of the objects transfer into a sheet of patterned glass when fired. The objects are high fired to cone ten. Porcelain is the clay most used but I do work with other clays and firing ranges from time to time.

Theresa Yondo

Concept to Creation