FEBRUARY 2008 ONLINE EDITORIALS
Art Trek: Potters with a Cause and Passion
By Maggie Kunze
I have to admit that I have always wanted to be sitting at a potter’s wheel with Patrick Swayze sitting behind me while I made some sexy, amazing work of art and “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers was blaring in the background! Ok, I know this reference is giving away my age AGAIN… but this clip from “Ghost” is one hot scene - I don’t care how old you are! To me there is something sensual, organic and very cool about being able to take a hunk of mud and form it into something functional and get a piece of art to boot! Yes, I admire artists who can sculpt, throw or hand-build fabulous art from clay; and around town you can find such unique pottery - not just your everyday dinnerware.
For example, we have a wonderful consortium of talented clay artists producing some very exciting pottery: The Northern Colorado Potters Guild. Several artists, who had belonged to a studio that closed, did not want the idea of a community promoting ceramic arts in our city fade away and created the Guild - a non-profit establishment designed to foster creativity as well as philanthropic endeavors. Their goals are to support their guild through membership fees, classes and workshops and to support local charities through art donations and work with children in local schools.
Jan and Hideharu Igaki are two of the wonderful ceramic artists who have found a home at the Potters Guild. What an interesting couple these two are, and their talent blows me away! Jan was a science geek who spent years in graduate school and in a high-tech science job. While in California she was fortunate enough to meet the love of her life, Hidehara Igaki and to get a transfer to Colorado for work. About 10 years ago she realized that she really wanted to explore her artistic calling. She worked in different mediums until she played with clay and the light bulb went off. She has not looked back since.
Hidehara was also experimenting with clay and the couple found a great working partnership. She hand-builds and he helps with the glazing of her amazing plates and platters. He throws great big beautiful vessels that she finishes with finials. You have to see their work to believe me: Jan’s bright irregular shaped functional serving ware and Hidehara’s arty big beautiful vessels are a tribute to a wonderful working relationship. Even their business name is a hoot: Ferally Normal Clayworks (www.igakipottery.com). Jan once saw a sign in a friend’s living room that said “Warning: Ferally Human.” Jan loved the pun and more than that the sentiment: “I hate being domesticated.” Pottery gives them the freedom to express themselves in a way that they did not find in any other art medium. They both teach at the Guild and have had great success selling their wares locally and nationally. You can see their work here in the Fort at Trimble Court Artisans and Wadoo Furniture Company.
I work with another great talented gal at our mutual “day job” who is also a very good budding artist and member of the Potters Guild. Christine Ginnity makes really fun, funky bird feeders and hanging tea lights that are so unique and delightful. The best thing that Christine gets from the Guild is the feeling of community and, as she says, “It is so great to be around people that have a passion and love the same things you do!”
I am also very taken by the whole group’s dedication to giving back to the community. As an artist I know that we are asked to donate to every non-profit. Most artists I know give an amazing amount of their time and artistry to very worthy groups. But this group has philanthropic giving built into their whole concept. Paula Mann is in charge of Potters with a Purpose. It is their way of helping many fund-raising efforts by giving an extraordinary amount of time and energy, which results in BIG dollars for local groups. They have produced bowls for Empty Bowls, a major fundraiser for the food bank of Larimer County, for several years.
Go on to their website at www.coloradopottery.org and check out artist members, classes they offer, supplies and tools available for sale, and Potters with a Purpose. If you know of any organization that could benefit from donations of pottery or other assistance, please let them know. This group is making a difference in our community and some mighty fine pottery.
Just one thing, don’t expect Patrick Swayze to stop by and help you at the wheel!