These pieces were created specifically for the spring art show, Camille Leone

I have been super busy in my studio creating new work for the upcoming Camille Leone show presented by Square One taking place on Saturday, April 17th at the Ritz in Ybor.

Let me tell you, Square One puts on more than just an mixed media art show, it’s an EVENT…yes in capitals. With over 80 local artist showing their work, a fashion show by Disco Dolls and Lauren Kroeger along with another dance performance by Bella Danza this will be a party for sure! Oh and the other best part is that is it free to the public (2$ donations accepted).

Notice the texture on the pot.

Each show put on by Square One is themed, which makes it even more fun to be envolved with. I plan on creating a mask since this theme is based on CAMILLE LEONE, the name of an imaginary woman who will come to life through the artistic expressions of participating artists and performers.  It is a play on the word “chameleon” since this woman will have various identities. And to add to the theme the colors are red, gold & green, a nod to the Culture Club song “Karma Chameleon.” (I’m a BIG fan of Culture Club)

I hope to see everyone there. I will be staying all night from 7 – midnight, close to my space in hopes to meet new people and answer any questions about my new work.

These photos are a sneak peak at my work created just for this show..before they are glazed. You like?

Laura Irmis at Cakewalk

March Reception at Cakewalk Artists’ Co-op

Don’t you ever want to be part of something? To feel pride in your life? To give back , help or support something bigger than you? I do.

Time is my biggest obstacle these days. With my baby boy walking and requiring most of my attention it is a challenge to continue to create my work as much as I would like to, but I’m getting use to it. Located in downtown St. Pete are several beautiful galleries but Cakewalk is more than a art gallery. They are managed by Creative Clay a wonderful art center with a wonderful mission: Creative Clay’s mission is to make the arts accessible for every interested member of the Tampa Bay community regardless of age, gender, ability and/or race. Since 1995, Creative Clay has been providing local artists with developmental, physical and/or emotional disabilities an opportunity to pursue their passion for art making. Our arts programs consist of studio and community based activities for exploring unique personal realities in an inventive, professional environment.

I was already familiar with Creative Clay since I spend time volunteering there in 2005, so I was delighted to join Calkwalk Artists’ Co-op and be part of something great.

Saturday was the first gallery walk I was involved with and it was packed!

Enjoy the St Pete downtown gallery walk this weekend (it’s the second saturday of every month) and see my new work. I just joined Calkwalk Artists’ Co-op on March 1st and am proud to be with such a group of talented artists! Cakewalk Artists’ Co-op is a cooperative studio and artist gallery featuring the work of over 20 local artists. Cakewalk is managed by Creative Clay Cultural Arts Center, another organization I am very proud to be part of.

Cakewalk is part of the Downtown Arts Association. The DAA sponsors a monthly event called the Second Saturday Gallery Walk. Participating Galleries open their doors for extended hours on the second Saturday evening of every month. Oftentimes, there is a special theme to the Walk or galleries may have a special opening of new work featuring the artists on-site to meet and greet the public and answer questions about their work. The Walks are always open to the public and free of charge.

Our doors open early for a graduation party and then on to celebrate even more! Stop by and say HI!

(Cakewalk is on the map for the trolley stops too! More to come…)

What a great idea! I mean most of us potters don’t even know infamous potters ourselves. We work alone in our studio and reference CM or the very cool magazine Studio Potter, which has been a resource for ideas and deeper discussion among us potters for years.   It is a beautifully crafted magazine with wonderful rich writing and each issue is a work of art in and of itself.

These baseball style cards are for the Studio Potter fundraiser. This is done in a totally toungue-in-cheek way as who ever heard of a famous potter anyway.

The lesser unknown potters included in the cards are, Josh DeWeese, Silvie Granatelli, Pete Pinnell, Linda Christianson, Linda Arbuckle and others.   They have all agreed to help put the fun back in fund-raising.

On the left is an example of just such a card, of Kentucky potter Davie Reneau.  Below are her “Stats”

These were sold at NCECA where all proceeds go to Studio Potter Magazine.

To help fund the printing costs they are pre-selling a limited amount of cards on Simon Levin’s website store.woodfire.com.Click here for your own set now….They are printed on good cardstock so folded they make an excellent shim to level that rocky bar table.

Since the holidays are right around the corner and my baby boy will be 14 months old, I am really excited for Christmas this year. I have gotten in touch with my kids side that’s for sure. With that in mind, I created some fun plates for Christmas eve, “Santa’s Cookies”. They have a diameter of about 10″ and are glazed in a bright red and white. They are made from white earthenware, thrown on my wheel and fired in my electric kiln to cone 04.

I signed Merry Christmas on the back and hope they will bring a smile to each child on Christmas Eve, I know it would’ve for me!

In 2007 I did an interview about my branding and concepts on Saltwater Ceramics. Check it out:  http://vimeo.com/5492017

Every holiday season i get so excited about giving gifts. And as you have guessed, it’s usually a personalized ceramic piece. The response i received is heartwarming. I love all the hugs and kisses!

Personalizing any gift really speaks volumes about how well the gift will be remembered and kept. Maybe it will have a favorite color, design or name on it……It can really show your loved one how much you care.

This post is to open your eyes to the value of handcrafted art made with thought and care not machine made imposters…just something to think about during this holiday season.

Happy Holidays to Everyone

So as you know, or can tell, the environment is very inspiring to me as a person and an artist. Saltwater Ceramics has evolved as my promise to myself to always stay connected with the enviroment. Being an only child, I have always loved to be outdoors, nature is my friend. My work is organic and feeds from the experiences I have had in life. Growing up in St. Petersburg Florida, we frequented the beaches. I loved our beach trips. The waves, the salty air and the sand in my toes all made me feel so good.

I still frequent the beaches to wakeboard, surf or just enjoy the wonderful sunsets. I posted an image below from St. Augustine, Florida to show the beauty of my favorite time of day.

I think awarness is a vital role we should all play in our “causes”. The more and more I get involved with the internet I see there are alot we can do as individuals. I have listed a blog I found to help create more awareness for a particular environmental situation. What are you going today to help your cause?

http://www.surfrider.org/savetrestles/blog/

On this Saturday, Saltwater Ceramics is part of a very cool event!  And the best part is it will be at the former Masquerades, my favorite club I use to visit on a regular. Back then, this was the place to be! Ah…. those were the days…tall black boots, great music a packed dance floor. I can’t wait to see how it looks now so i can reminisce and pretend to be a teenager again. Either way it will be an event to remember. Come by and say hello! I look forward to meeting other artists and art lovers. It will be on February 9th at 7 p.m., titled the “Square One Art Exhibit” at the former Masquerades on 7th Avenue in Ybor City. Square One will showcase the works of local artists and creative minds seeking to gain more exposure and sell their artwork. The event is free to attend, but open donations will be accepted. A proceed of all donations from Gary Randall, the host, will benefit the Salvation Army, while a proceed of profits from Masquerades will benefit a yet undetermined local charity.

With the huge success of last year’s Sweatshop show, and the upcoming onslaught of Czar’s Dirty But Sophisticated 4 along with the opening of Nova 535… artists must keep the momentum going. Square One is the perfect place for artists to share their passion with others while giving something back to the community.

WHAT: Square One Art Exhibit, helping to benefit the Salvation Army

WHEN: Saturday, February 9th at 7 p.m to 11 p.m.Adrian Rand’s Taking Flight Fashion Show by Gary Randall at 9 p.m.

WHERE: former Masquerades (in Ybor City), 1503 E 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605-3713URL: http://www.myspace.com/square1art

Keep the local arts movement in motion!

Here is one of the many pieces that will be displayed, ”Underwater Vessel” .