SES Ceramics now for Sale
I've been asked to sell my products at my studio's shop for this upcoming Mother's Day, so I spent yesterday morning designing the layout with my partner in crime, Marci LeBrun (another amazing ceramacist at Artshack). The shop is open 10-7 daily - come get your momma something special!
- sarah
Studio Update!
Number one, I now have my ceramics work on view and for sale! Shop Studio Art :-)
Two, I've been really busy in studio - not only making art (some commissioned!) but running open clay, leading potion parties and assistant teaching a bunch of rad Brooklyn kids at Artshack!
Three, I've sold some of my ceramics, to strangers even!
Four, I'm excited about the newest collection I started working on in studio today. My groovy Series No.2 but inverted! If you're curious about my process and progress, follow Bijouxxx on Instagram - I post stories regularly!
These puppies have sold! Glad they're in new homes with people who appreciate them <3
And here are a few shots of what I've been up and currently working on - enjoy!
This new collection of work which is a combination of Series No.2 and its inverse, should be out of the kiln by midweek. Party on.
- sarah
Monday Update | Groovy new series
Super groovy. I've been using a metal comb to make tight lines on a series of cups, bowls and vases. I really enjoy the texture in hand and the color contrasting. There's an element of Wabi Sabi, too, which I've been inspired by since I began in ceramics last September. Wabi Sabi is a Japanese view that appreciates the beauty of transience and imperfections in all objects. This is a great read for anyone interested in learning more about the basic understandings of Wabi Sabi.
Custom Orders | The client vision vs The artist vision
I was recently commissioned to create a Mario mug for a good friend and as a good friend, obliged, though I knew it would be a departure from my current aesthetic. I decided it could also be a learning experience in applying my voice while still keep the customer happy. There's always something to learn and I'm all about progressing, so here are some progress photos. Stay tuned for the glazing, which I'm planning to apply in a nonconventional way.
- sarah
Monday Update | Vessels, Utensils and Snakes, Oh my!
This past week I've worked out a few ideas in clay that I'm really excited about. I've been thinking about vessels - for food, for plants, etc. that have a non-traditional or modern spin so I used the Extruder to create thick coils which I wrapped around rectangular and oval containers. Also this week, working with hand built utensils, coffee mugs and filters, bowls, and a new pet snake which I painted with colored slip. I wanted the snake to look as though it were hiding beneath a flowering plant :) So happy with the results!
GF & DF Rosemary Foccacia Bread
I've made this bread for several potlucks lately, pairing it with an olive and balsamic tapenade, and it's been a hit. Definitely satisfies the craving for bread. Make sure to use a good olive oil and coarse sea salt - enjoy :)
Gluten and Dairy Free Focaccia Bread
Dry Ingredients:
3 1/4 cups gf flour
1/4 cup buckwheat flour
1 tsp xanthum gum
1/4 cup dry milk powder, dairy or non-dairy OR almond meal
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp sea salt
2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
Wet Ingredients:
2 large eggs
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp honey
1 3/4 cup room temperature club soda
1 tbsp rapid rise or bread machine yeast
Toppings:
1-2 tbsp chopped, fresh rosemary
1 tbsp coarse sea salt
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 200 – turn off once temp is reached.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. In a large mixing bowl, mix wet ingredients (except yeast)
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet using a mixer. Once incorporated, add the yeast granules and beat well for 2 more minutes.
5. Line a baking pan with a sheet of oiled parchment paper.
6. Spread dough onto prepared pan. Smooth to edges evenly with a rubber spatula, sprinkle with toppings, then cover with another sheet of oiled parchment.
7. Place the pan into the preheated oven and allow to rise for 30 min.
8. Remove the parchment from the raised dough and press into the focaccia every 2 inches or so with your knuckle, to make dimples.
9. Preheat oven to 350.
10. Brush the top of the dough generously with olive oil.
11. Bake for 23 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of the focaccia should come out clean and it should be starting to lightly brown.
12. Remove to a cooling rack for 15 min then slice as desired.
Monday Update | Christmas comes every time I unload the kiln
What an exciting week! I made 7 more vase vessels AND unloaded the glaze kiln from last week's work. Everything came out amazing - I'm psyched with the results. See something you like? Message me for more info :)
- Sarah
Monday Update | Pre holiday work and moving into 2017
Before the holidays I started working on hand building (with the exception of the carafe) some ideas I had from past and present sketches. Tons of ideas and a lot of concentrated hours in the studio, so I feel really accomplished moving into 2017. Today I glazed the bisqued pieces so they're in the final stages - christmas comes soon :-)
From top to bottom --
- braided spoons
- incense burner
- plates w/ illustration (katzeye)
- primary shapes/colors serving set
- sake carafe and cups
- oval tray (for a friend!)
- earrings
- LRC dice game (two sets)
This week I'm making hollowed out vases from some sketches I did on christmas eve - psyched!
- Sarah
Pinterest | Patterns emerging
I use Pinterest regularly to create mood boards for the various projects I'm working on and lately I've noticed that I've been attracted to warm, natural hues and deep cool blues. This photograph, of a 50's inspired lounge, has me swooning. I'm a sucker for midcentury furniture but I also love this color palette. What do you think? Do you also use Pinterest to visualize?
To see more of my inspirations, check out my Pinterest page.
Cheers,
- sarah
Ceramic Wall Sculpture
I've been taking a few ceramics classes at Artshack and using the additional studio time to experiment and explore ideas. This is one that I'm planning to turn into a ceramic wall sculpture. I was inspired by a drawing from the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens that I did earlier this Fall and wanted to turn it into something physical. I changed the scale, the material, and the orientation. I'm pretty excited about it...still unsure if I want to use metal or a natural fiber to hang the pieces. Check back to see what it looks like finished!
- sarah
In a letter to a good friend recently
"I've been very good. Loving life. Feeling solid and secure in myself - sharing my profits and time with friends alike. I enjoy being a caregiver, generous. Been thinking about art and community, teaching children art."
Leaf Art | Post Election Day 2016 Distraction
It's a really somber, grey day in Brooklyn. People are withdrawn and I'm feeling the mood, so instead of diving into a hole of fascinated horrors of the next 4 years, I made art with leaves I gathered from my neighborhood. Yes, I was that weird girl, alone, with headphones, dancing and picking up leaves.
I don't like to discuss politics much, but I will say that this election doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't continue carefully and beautifully crafting the world you live in. Trump may not uphold your values, beliefs and goals and he will shape and impact our life in broader terms, possibly negatively, but on a day to day basis, we're creating the small world we live and love in so let's focus on what's around us and just keep making shit fucking beautiful.
Create art. Build community. Love your life.
- sarah
One Line Drawings
I've been challenging my mind by drawing with a single line and using my left hand (or left and right hand simultaneously). I really enioy creating art that involves critical thinking and process. Here are some of the best from my latest session - what do you think?
The Hudson River Valley and Dia:Beacon
This Memorial Day weekend my man and I went upstate with plans to camp, hike, and visit Dia:Beacon. We did it all, even ending the trip on a high with a little late afternoon skinny dipping. Get out of town for not too much! Below is the itinerary we came up with on the fly and my favorite works at Dia:Beacon this Spring.
- sarah
3 Days & 2 Nights in the Hudson River Valley | Nature, Art, & Small Town Living
| F R I D A Y
3pm - Drive from Brooklyn to Pollace's Family Resort (clean, basic room, hot tub!)
10pm - Drinks and dinner at Back Bar
| S A T U R D A Y
12pm - Lunch at The Cascades (outdoor seating! cat sculptures)
1pm - Browse the shops on Main St.
2pm - Visit the home and grounds at Olana
3pm - Look at Haines Falls from the car
4pm - Swim and chill at Colgate Lake (lots of families here, but plenty of space to stretch out and explore away from the chatter)
8pm - Drinks and dinner at American Glory BBQ (live country music <3)
10pm - Fireside at the Blue Mountain Campgrounds (busy with younger groups and RV families, but quiet at night)
| S U N D A Y
11am - Brunch at Love Bites (outdoor seating!)
1pm - Swim and chill at Little Deep (clothing optional! and there's a man-made waterfall)
4pm - Arrive at Dia:Beacon
6pm - Head back to Brooklyn
After the camping, creek baths and gas station pit stops we eventually made it to Dia:Beacon late Sunday afternoon, not too busy inside but parking was to capacity, so we hiked it from the train station lot. After an iced coffee and a double chocolate cookie, we entered the musuem and it was everything I had hoped for. On view were some of my favorite artists (Richard Serra and Sol Lewitt in particular) and they weren't showing what we've typically seen from them, so it was an exciting visit. Amongst the well-knowns was also a class of sculpture and light artists that made an impression as well.
The 2 hour drive from Brooklyn was definitely worth the trip for the museum alone, but as we discovered, the surrounding area has some great natureways, parks, swimming holes, lunch spots and classic diners worth checking out as well. Not to mention there's also a Beer World, Beer Universe and a Beer Planet if you're thirsty :)
4 month sketchbook
I dedicated 1 ink pen to all of the illustrations in this Moleksin sketchbook - loved working in black and white and keeping it simple. Hope you enjoy the first and last post sketches below. Cheers!
- sarah
Facebook for nonprofits
For the last few months I've been working on designing a new site for Facebook that will cater to nonprofits using Facebook tools to grow their community. I love working with wireframes and developers to create ux designs that make the user feel supported and interested, while making everything look beautiful at the same time.
After several months choosing a photographer, designing icons, working on page layouts and content buckets, and working in house with Facebook (at their Menlo Park headquarters!) it's finally live! Take a look at the brand new Facebook for nonprofits and see more of the project here.
Cheers!
A baby shower invite
One of my best girlfriends and also an amazing designer, Catherine Casalino, is about to have a baby (yay! i'll be an auntie!) so I designed this invitation for the shower, which we themed with her favorite colors - black and white :)
High Museum of Art | Atlanta, GA
I recently traveled to Georgia to see my best friend and spent a day in Atlanta, making the rounds, with a visit to the High Museum of Art for the Iris van Herpen show. We literally saw this one show and bounced for Happy Hour (who needs hanged paintings when the work is SO GOOD??). Iris is a visionair and we'll definitely be seeing more of her work soon. These are some of my favorites from the show (ok, it's a shot of every single piece in her collection) - enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!
- sarah
DREAMCLIQ | DATING for CREATIVES
The new wave of dating apps has brought us Tinder, Thrinder, Happn and Coffee Meets Bagel but this has got to be the coolest one for creatives. More from the creative agency that branded them, here. (btw would love to work w/ DTE Studio - just sayin'.)
