Ceramics

Kirk Niehouse

Marshalltown, IA

2023 Booth #82

I create wheel thrown and hand built pottery that are functional stoneware or Raku fired ceramics. The functional pottery is made with stoneware clay. My Raku pieces are either traditional American Raku and Horse Hair Raku. The Raku pieces are made from a white Raku clay that after being fired once is then glazed and refired then at 1800 degrees removed from the kiln place in barrels full of leaves. Once the leaves are on fire, lids are placed on the can smothering the fire burning up the air in the can creating coppers and other colors on the surface of the pots.
The horse hair pots are made from a mix of porcelain and Raku clay. After being fired once the pieces are fired again to 1400 degrees, at that point they are removed hot from the kiln. The hair from the horses tail is laid on the pots. The hair burns on the hot pottery creating a black design of lines on the surface of the pot.

 

 

© Kirk Niehouse

Chris and Sue Holmquist

Holmquist Pottery

Northfield, MN

holmquistpots.com

2022 Booth #132

Holmquist pottery is a husband/wife collaboration between Sue and Chris Holmquist. They create pottery with original whimsical imagery. The pots are made by Chris and the images are painted in ceramic underglazes by Sue. Both Sue and Chris draw up the designs that are painted. Their goal is to create well designed pots that make you smile!

Creator of the Loring Park Art Festival 2016 Postcard 

 

© Chris Holmquist

© Chris Holmquist

© Chris Holmquist

Chad Jerzak

© Chad Jerzak

© Chad Jerzak

Nowthen, MN
www.chadjerzakpottery.com
2021 Booth #91

My mission as a ceramic artist is to continually explore alternative firing techniques. The processes of Raku and Barrel firing allow for much experimentation and create a sense of adventure in firing pottery. My focus is to create graceful ceramic forms where I allow the power of the flames to produce their spontaneous effects. These firing techniques tend to create pottery that is left to chance and can yield fantastic and exciting results. Many of my greatest influences in design come from the natural world, and assert the idea of a pottery surface that is meant to create a “Mysterious Presence”.

 

Bruce Kaupanger

© Bruce Kaupanger

© Bruce Kaupanger

Spring Creek Clay,Etc
Rice Lake, WI
BruceKaupanger.com
2019 booth #92

I do Raku pottery and add horsehair to each piece- Underglazes are added to the pot before it is bisque fired-A clear glaze is used on the pot so the underglaze colors will come through- After the hot pot comes out of the glaze kiln horsehair is added creating a carbon trail design.  When my Raku pots dry I spray them with colored underglazes.  After bisque firing, I paint a clear glaze on the pot; this allows the  underglaze color to come through,  When the hot pot comes out of the glaze kiln I put it in a bucket of sawdust then apply horsehair.

Born and raised in Stoughton Wisconsin.  I graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a BA in 1969 and from UW-Superior with a MA in 1975.  Taught art in the Rice Lake Wisconsin School District for 33 years.   Retired in 2002 and have been making lots of pots ever since.  I am blessed with a wonderful understanding family.  Life is GOOD !!                                                                                                                                             

© Bruce Kaupanger

© Bruce Kaupanger

© Bruce Kaupanger

© Bruce Kaupanger

© Bruce Kaupanger

© Bruce Kaupanger

Nicholas Kosack

Minneapolis, MN
2017 booth #

My sculptural work begins as wheel thrown forms and are then manipulated before drying to create their distinct flowing curves and various textures. This work is an exploration of tensions, finding a point between intentionality and spontaneity, structure and fluidity. While also wheel thrown, my functional work aims for a more humble elegance which preserves the shapes and textures formed by fingers in clay. I like to think of it as a gift from my fingers to yours.

 

© Nicholas Kosack

© Nicholas Kosack

Bridget Donahue

Excelsior, MN
www.bridgetdonahue.com
2018 booth #127

Red earthenware, thrown, hand-built, and tiles. The piece is first decorated with bright colored slip, carved and or textured, then fired the first time. Slip is then applied again and rubbed off to enhance the textured area. The piece is then glaze and fired again. Tiles are mounted on canvas-covered plywood, painted to highlight the colors of the tiles, and then framed in painted wood frames.

donahuepress.jpg
© Bridget Donahue

© Bridget Donahue

Donahueworkingweb.jpg