It’s possible that today’s post will be the first in a regular feature. Due to the slow nature of my process, there isn’t something coming out of my studio daily, or even each several days, that is post-ready. So, today I’ll share some objects (and a person) I’m inspired by. Potter Christy Wert and I have been friends for over 30 years, and she has been a professional potter for almost that long. She came out of the “Mingei-sota” ceramics tradition, as it is often called, and studied with Warren MacKenzie at the University of Minnesota as well as others in that tradition. Her work is a joy to behold and use. In fact, I am enjoying my morning espresso in one of her cups as I write this. She tells me a website is coming, however until that time you can find out a bit more on her Facebook page, and purchase her pots at Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis. Christy lives and works in Glendive Montana.
New Pots by Christy Wert, 2009
She works with a porcelain clay. Her work is wheel thrown and hand-built. The designs are created with a sgraffito technique after the first glaze is applied.
Mikoshika vista
Mikoshika State Park is a 5 minute drive from Glendive, Montana. The name is Lakota for “land of bad spirits.”
Christy and dogs
Christy hamming it up with her beloved dogs, Rocco (lab) and Louis (poodle mix).
I lkie the designs on her pots – they are a bit like lino prints – something I am itching to try.
honey, I just saw this. You are SO SO sweet to do that. I am humbled by your comments. What a friend you are. Thank you so much for honoring me this way.
I better get busy on that website, eh?
Her pottery has a similar feel to your textile work, Kit-that beautiful simplicity of line and rich colour. I thought the floral design around the borders of the plate (bottom, centre ) were very like the fritillaries I photographed.
I agree with Clare and Judith – lino prints sprung to mind – the sgraffito i guess (thanks for the link), and the similarity to your textile work. lovely. I particularly like the leaf plates.