Subterranean

Here is a image of the freeze dried mole we have had 3-D scanned, I hope to have this thing rapid prototyped to gremlin like proportions quite soon. Moles, amongst the most subterranean of mammals have enormously enlarged clawed forefeet enabling the critter to virtually swim through porous soil at about a foot per minute. The grainless fur allows for easy movement backward or forward in tight burrows. A narrow pelvis helps facilitate an easy change in direction while underground, often by somersaulting withing its tunnels. I am really digging the detail of those claws seen on the left.

More from Country Club

Shown here is a fraction of the projects Katie and I produced for Country Club in Cincinnati. This collection is being shown parallel to the work of Aaron Morse (background paintings). In this image the porcelain centerpiece and the chandelier are nicely complemented by both Aaron's work and the bright Orange Saarinen table. Look here form more images of the exhibition.

progress on the hanging dead squirrel

Here is some progress showing the 3-d scan of the squirrel I mounted/stuffed last spring. There is plenty of work to be done to flesh out the form, but it is coming along quite nicely. For the history click here and here.

Preview for Country Club Projects

Just an update on the installation Katie and I are doing for Country Club Projects,
More to come...

FB's, Cincinnati

My collaborative work with Katie Parker has been pretty intense the last couple months so here is one of the projects and you can see more here.

Move over Daniel Boone

So much for the coon skin cap, how about a royal rat hat to top off some western porcelain. This is another piece to complement one our upcoming gigs.

vermin, near completion

Leading the procession, a royal runt of rats, riding pillowback, complete with golden bells and crown.

Procession of the vermin- incomplete

For one of a couple top secret project's coming up this September. Remember this?

Just like the old days

I decided to belly up to the old potters wheel recently. I had a dream where no one believed that I could throw, so I had to prove it to myself. These pieces, with a bit more work will be the beginning of Future Retrieval's slow service line of hand made, hand made, and hand made, porcelain ware.

gearing up

Alright, were are getting ready for a very busy year! Visits from gallery directors, curators, local entrepreneurs"more than I should list", as well as project with a designer from New York. Katie Parker and I have more than enough creative work to shake a stick at. Above is a collection of my work of accumulated from the last nine months,which is a sample for whats to come.

something new, sneak preview, kind of

Look here to find out...????

recent prototypes

I just completed (whatever that means ) this rock like base project that has been developing since last October. Now, what to do? One of my favorite things is sketching with objects, arranging and re-arranging, until something makes sense conceptually and visually. Left, a vase or sprouts for porcelain branches. Next, mops head on a pillow, new forms carrying their material history. Right of center, rat on rat action. Far right, Katie and I found these thick porcelain tiles used in science labs at Mendelssons, in Dayton.

ICFF+NFDC+AMNH=

About a week ago Non Fiction Design Collective traveled to NYC to exhibit some selected projects at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair. The Rat Chandelier was a hit and while taking a break from the booth I wondered up to the natural history museum to take a look at one of the rats natural predators.

Small Favors IV

For the last few of years I have been partipating in the small favors show at the clay studio in Philly. Here is my contribution to this years exhibition. 3-D Scanned, rapid prototyped, freeze dried Rat, transformed to porcelain, with gold luster. ( White Gold ) within a 3 x 3/4 " plexi cube.

tree of evol finds home in San Francisco

A couple of folks in San Fran decided to adorn their newly remodeled home with a portion of my porcelain bird and branch piece. The growth project has found the perfect setting , mounted within a stairwell between floors. The over head installation is exactly what I have done in my own home. Thanks to Kimberly Fullerton and Stephen Johnson for their vision and support.

Another Dual Rat Dilemma, or just a fine piece of pottery

Spring break was a relief but we now fully involved in teaching skill and craftsmanship within ceramics area. I managed to put together a few new projects, playing with some of the new forms I have been making, as well as pulling a couple out from the vault to add to the mix. Like the snake below I sometimes work for weeks on making a mold of something only to cast a few. Months, or years later I realize that I had not been creative with the form, I will dust it off and find a refreshing new uses for these molds.

Scaley Encounter/Dont Tread On Me

Beware of what dwells within the impenetrable rock. The Timber Rattler will not strike unless stepped upon. Click on image for details.

Working with students at the Depart of Art Architecture and Planning here at UC

A showcase of student work from the ceramic mold making class I designed this last winter. Stay tuned to ceramicobjectlesson.blogspot.com for more student work coming this spring.

lame rat revisited

Finishing the quarter, I have been telling the students to re-visit their work. I realize I should practice what I teach and have dusted off pieces made last fall to re-examine. Here is the lame rat, now with daffodils. I replaced the skeletal porcelain branches with one of the earliest blooming plants. The sculpture now works as a vase, hinting towards mourning, and rebirth. Click here to see the previous version.

Follow up on the Sung Dynasty style vase project

One of the completed vase forms I have been working with alongside with the moldmaking class I am teaching at UC. Based on the image on the left I carved, molded, and cast the vases on the right. Click here to see the step by step process.

New form for the repertoire

Here we go, 2-a.m. and finished with the hanging dead squirrel mount. I learned how to skin and flesh a critter; as well as, sew with the faithful American baseball stitch. I'll let this sucker dry for a couple weeks and then take it to the 3-D scanner for some good ol' laser rotate laser action.

Non Fiction Design Collective presents the new website

Katie just couldn't stop working on the new website, but now it is live. Newer and Better images, combined with purchase options, makes us very happy. Check it out and bag some stuff at the new and improved www.nonfictiondesigncollective.com

The Current Ceramics Monthly Issue

Featured in the latest issue of Ceramics Monthly is an article by Steve Thurston explaining our research into the many prototyping avenues. Steve explains how we achieved my rat form, through 3-d scanning and rapid prototyping taxidermy. The best part is the full page print of the "Ratster", the rat and rooster above, which is one of my pieces from our Dresden Porcelain residency.

Rock and Roll, Cockscomb, Mops

A final mini misfit mops, on the rocks, with the cockscomb sail in the wind. Its really just about the material, folks.

mold making course at the University of Cincinnati

During these winter and fall quarters, I am instructing a mold making for ceramics course here at the University of Cincinnati. I have here my demo pieces, a plaster carved replica of this amazing Sung Dynasty vase, of which I will demonstrate the molding process.

Misfit Pug

I just finished making molds (20 pieces) of a mini sized pug as well as a rooster comb, they seem like a good fit. Imaged above is the prototype misfit done with the Dresden version of Mops.

Future Project, Hanging Dead - not an instant dance club hit

We got this gray squirrel from a pest control specialist, someone was tired of feeding the neighborhood critters with their prized garden. I figure, as soon as I get paid I will buy one of the forms on the left to ... well I think you can picture the rest. I just cant wait!

NFDC in Philly

The hard work has paid off and now , Non Fiction Design Collective, have executed our first solo exhibition. Find you'r way to nonfictiongroup.blogspot.com to focus on our project.

Winter Break in Oklahoma

Going back to the old home town always feeds my studio practice in one way or another. Here is my brothers parrot, Buddy, who has been hanging around for the last twenty years or so.

Lame Rat

A lame rat can be an unpleasant guest, but not with this diorama. There is a new rat king of the mountain in this scene. I have added even more of the branch forms in this second appearance of the "dual rat dilemma". Check out the tree ornaments on the right.

Head of the Holiday Table

Tried and true, the turkey salt and peppers shakers are favorite holiday table ornaments. This new porcelain collectible cast from a real turkey head, will surely be a hit at any feast. Click this to see more here..

Monuettes- Topsy Turvy Rat Pack Attack and Rat King of The Mountain

This is an example of some of the things I have been working on since I moved to Cincinnati. Obviously inspired by the work that I had seen at the Zwinger, in Dresden, I have re-used the modular branch parts from my MFA growth installation. The geological form was carved from a block of plaster while the rats have been rapid prototyped at different sizes, of course everything has been transformed to porcelain.

Good Things From Richard Carter Studio

I cant explain , within this context, the energy that evolves around Richard Carter and his studio. I have had the opportunity to work there, and I highly value the experience. There is a deeply rooted aesthetic there, that instills high standards in craft and design. I have been invited to participate in the exhibition " Richard Carter Studio- past and present"
at, The Quick silver Mine Co., n Forest ville, CA. Check out this press release with the Bohemian here

University of Cincinnati Faculty Exhibition

With the faculty show at UC , Katie and I decided to make sure that Non Fiction is well represented.

Mold and Interior

Here I want to show the positive and the negative views of the mold making process. To grasp the concept of parts and undercuts it helps to be able to see the space around the object. On the left is my minilith form carved from a solid block, and on the right the interior of the completed mold, I wish I could walk into a cavern like this.

Minilith for Monuettes

For the last couple weeks I have been carving this block of plaster in-between other projects. I think it is turning into a coral encrusted berg of stone, moss, and crystal emerging from below, or maybe just a base for some other forms to play on.

Rattus Norvegicus Rex

One of our latest accomplishments at the Non Fiction Design Collective is this chandelier using our collaborative efforts. Rapid prototyped porcelain rats hang by their tails clustered within acorns. Glass beads adorn the light, while also held by the little rodent teeth. Non Fiction knows rat kings..

Oldy Moldy

The molds at Dresden porcelain vary from my own designs. Above are all of the molds that are used to assemble the swan. To create such complex pieces in porcelain, the sculpture must be assembled from multiple parts in order to build the whole form. From the body to the grass details, there is a considerable amount of labor and skill involved to put on of these figures together. My own rat is probably the first piece that I have applied similar methods to, when the form is fully constructed, there are no holes or pouring gates exposed .

The New Porcelain

We are back from the Dresden, and have documented a few of the pieces that we were able to immediately bring back. These are a few of my favorites, from left to right, temporarily titled, Swan Ride, The Ratster, and The Old Rat and Chain. The kiln burning turned out successful, with little to no error. Some of the pieces are still to be selectively over-glazed with colored enamels. The residency at Dresden Porcelain was an event that will influence my practice for some time, and has opened my mind new concepts as well as strategies for production.

Zwinger Greats

These two pieces are among my favorite of the Zwingers exhibited collection. I had the chance to see many more sculptures like this in the basement including the last piece by J.J Kaendler, the great Meissen modeler, as well as the only piece he had ever signed. Elements of this work will undoubtedly filter into my own.

Zwinger

Our contact Olaf Stoy, is friends with Heike Ulbricht who does porcelain restoration, and gave us an incredible tour of the Zwinger along with the collection that is not exhibited at the museum. This piece shown here was originally conceived to be 10 meters high, which would be a major accomplishment for porcelain. Olaf is working on some pieces for this monument for restoration purposes also. The works at the Zwinger are probably the most complex and dynamic objects I have ever seen in porcelain and have opened up my mind to grand concepts with this material.

Working and Burning Dresden Style

On top: I could have spent days detailing, and cleaning up my work.
Above: Marcello stacked the kiln for us and did not want any help, in fact we had to leave because we were making him nervous. I was feeling a little nervous as well, so it was better I left the kiln room after all. I will show the results soon.

Rare Glimpse

I dont think that I have ever posted " things I like" on this blog, in fact I have been specifically trying to keep this purely a record of my studio practice and development. Now I am allowing my sources and experiences in, to exhibit a wider perspective of my work, as well as some context. Here are a few things that stand out as favorites and influences while at the residency here in Dresden. On top are the objects that caught my eye while visiting the Meissen, porcelain museum, and above, the Procession of The Princes. This Mural is made of porcelain tiles made in Meissen, the detail is of Agustus II the Strong.

Grotesque Swan

We have pretty much finished up with the building of our projects here in Dresden. Another one of the forms we were able to work with was this swan, which was modeled after Meissens swan service collection. Olaf, our guide here at the manufactory told me today that when this form was modeled, there was an interest in grotesque representations of nature. The way that the bird seems to be thrashing around inspired me to place the rat on its back with the tail wrapping around the neck.

Mops in the history of porcelain in Europe

We have had the chance to work with Mops, a Pug mold that we have seen in numerous places. Dresden Porcelain opened in the late 1800's and began production with the figures that were popular and selling at that time. The original " Mops " was designed by Johaan Joachim Kaendler who was a modeler for Meissen Porcelain in the 1700's, [ I will add that he was the the best that Meissen has had ] and has been copied by many manufactories in Germany since. Here are images of the Original version(center), the Dresden porcelain version(left), and my on take on this form, with mops chained with flowers to my rat head. My objective here was to combine my new forms within the historical setting of porcelain in Europe.

Round One With dresden Porcelain

The material here is amazing, it casts well and is also more plastic than I am used to. I brought my rat mold here to cast and combine with the factories molds to combine the old and the new, while also immersing myself with the German culture and aesthetic.

Dresden Porcelain

Now after a week at the Dresden residency, I am able to start with the blogging. These two images are of the Dresden Porcelain Manufactory, the white building where we are working, and the Zwinger, one of palaces of Agustus the Strong.The architecture is beautiful, and the history of porcelain here is inspiring. We are making work like there is no tomorrow, and I will be posting images of the progress next.

A voyage to Dresden and 300 years of Porcelain

In a few days we will embark on a journey to experience the region where the discovery of porcelain in the west came forth. Katie Parker, Meredith Host, Steven Thurston, and Myself have been invited to work at, and re-examine the Dresden Porcelain Manufacture.We will be exchanging ideas about the past and present relevance of porcelain, while representing the artistic developments of the material in the United States.

Solo Show At The Clay Studio, Philadelphia

Just getting back from the sprint to Philly to set up this show. Click here for more images of the white branch forms. I flew in, arriving at 8 a.m., and got right to work with the installation of the Lithonomy Projects, and crashed with some old friends, Ryan Kelley and Amy Santoferraro, who helped me hang the work, then returned to Columbus the following morning.I am excited to debut my new rat form that is already getting attention.

Norway Rat Porcelain Style

These new porcelain Norway rats are already multiplying at an alarming rate, immediately spreading from Ohio to Pennsylvania. You can spot them at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia starting July 3rd, with a special reception on July 10th, and running through the month.

The most subterranian of all mammals

These clawed hands help the mole to swim through porous soil, forming hills when surfacing, but lets not make a mountain over it.

Publication is okay

A couple of books have been released featuring my work , " Nature , Inspiration for art and design" from Monsa, in Barcelona, and In " Fragiles" from Die Gestalten, Germany, featuring Katie and one of our collaborations.

Just what I have been waiting for

I was amazed to see how the 3-D scanner interpreted the freeze dried rat. The rendition of the fur is the best I have seen. From the z-corp printer, a machine that makes fine models, I have printed this scaled up Norway Rat from an actual specimen. This may be a turning point in understanding the capabilities of this process. This one is . . pretty . . pretty . pretty, good.

creatures on base

I have been waiting around for the fabrication lab to deliver the new proto-rat, so until then I will just play around, arranging the parts I have on hand. I am seeing some potential with this oval base.

shrews hide under ground

These nasty little critters have venomous saliva, which helps them feed on slugs,spiders, and centipedes, among other creepy things.Shrews use echolocation to find their way around. I am interested in the organisms that are commonly beneath our feet.

My MFA Show at the O.S.U Urban Arts Space

This is probably the second to last time I will be posting about this body of work, it will be exhibited at the Clay Studio in Philadelphia during the month of July, and I will document the project in that small space. Though I worked on several major projects while in graduate school, I felt I needed to sum it all up in one piece, since this is a group show with limited space.

MFA Show Poster

My MFA thesis project is complete and installed at the O.S.U. Urban Arts Space. I have switched gears and have been working on my show poster with the Letterpress at the Non Fiction Studio. It has been very pleasant to be able to work in a different space, in different materials. There are just a couple more layers then I will be finished with this run of 30 prints. I now have two things to focus on, the thesis document and rats.

small favor III

For the small favors show at the clay studio I was given this little box with a 3/4 inch interior to display something in. The piece I wanted to show wouldn't fit so I devised a way to perch this bird form outside of the box.

RAT TA TAT

The latest acquisition to my collection is this freeze dried rat. I just cant wait to start making things with this form. Hmmmmmm... rats in trees?

Urban Arts Space

For the completion of our MFA here at the Ohio State University we are having a group exhibition at the new OSU Urban Arts Space, in the former "historic" Lazarus building. The location is one block away from the State House and is going through some rehab. After an intensely redundant process of assembly I have categorized my work by type and organized each piece on the floor in a for clear selection . I have spent a couple of days now up and down the ladder working on composition. Soon I will post the finalization of this body of work within this academic setting.

Last Kiln

I have been placing my porcelain branch like tubes on bricks to facilitate slumping. When mounted I get a nice sense of gravity and movement. This is the last time I have a fire before I have to set the completed project for my MFA exhibition.

accumulation

This collection of deer antlers is at Richard Carters place, in Pope Valley, California. The antlers are residue from the people that were living off of the land. They were located right outside of my window and I would shower in this little shack. I posted this here because of the relationship it has to my thesis project, that I have been working on here at the Ohio State University.

CURRENT AND UPCOMING SHOWS- 2008

I have several shows coming up, here is the list-

February 8- March 22: NCECA Regional Student Juried Exhibition, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Pittsburgh,PA.

February 18-28: Fergus Scholarship Exhibition, Hopkins Hall Gallery, Columbus, OH.

March 1- April 18: Terra Incognita, Baltimore Clayworks, Baltimore,MD.

March 7- April 20: The Bird, Homage to Brancusi, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA.

April 28- May 22: MFA Graduate Thesis Exhibition, OSU Urban Arts Space, Columbus,OH.

May 2 - 18: Small Favors III, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia,PA.

July 4- 27: Guy Michael Davis, The Clay Studio, In the Niche, Philadelphia,PA.

Bending stratasys

Here is the latest version of the digitalized bird form transformed into porcelain.

Family Tree

This work is related to the trees of family and of evolution, showing the accumulation of form over time. The birds I have been making digitally are mapped with the same data and then altered.

currently in my studio space

An example of studio "play". I accumulate pieces, assemble and re-arrange mixing old and new, somewhat like collage. I have been working towards a diverse population of bird forms as far as scale and positioning, not to forget that these are all the same bird. An individual has also become a community.

Gold Fever

I have been looking at window displays and ornaments for the holidays and am compelled to apply gold luster to these small twig sets. My favorite part of this is to see gold reflecting gold which is true optical candy.

Protobird with a twist

Fresh from the printer , this new bird model [who's counter part can be seen in previous posts] has been "deformed" in Cinema 4D, a three dimensional modeling program. I have twisted this version for a fresh and lively look. Its eight inches tall
The image above are the original models, on top are the porcelain versions with more movement.

protobat - taxidermic form rapid prototype

My first experience doing taxidermy was with this bat specimen, I acquired during my residency at Pope Valley Pottery, on the edge of Napa Valley, California. Here at the Ohio State University, Im working with Steven Thurston, researching the capabilities of 3-D scanning and rapid prototypes. Ultimately, Im converting the products of these new technologies into ceramics. The model shown above was printed with a zcorp 3-d printer. Myself ,nor the technology is perfect and I have lost a wing in the process, but the results are still very interesting.

studio shot

The large tumbleweed like form is assembled using something I am calling a junction. All of the branch like shapes can screw into the connector in the center. I was trying to make them less independent of the wall.

Snakerun- on view at the Mahan Gallery

This project which I decided to title snakerun [a skateboarding reference] has been a work in progress for a couple of years now. A twisted, zig-zagging,ditch like terrain leads to hours of freedom on four wheels.
The Timber Rattlesnake is a fascinating creature, only native to North America. The slogan " Don't tread on me " was inspired by this snake during the revolutionary war. A predator which dwells within impenetrable rock will only strike in vengeance only if stepped upon.

This collection will be on display through the month of December 2007 at the Mahan Gallery, in Columbus Ohio. The show titled, White Light White Heat, in reference to the Velvet Underground album exhibits how artists use whiteness in there work.

Renegade Craft Fair, Chicago

We came to Chicago prepared for a good show, but I was shocked at the amount of traffic. It seemed like thousands of people were packing into these booths. Sales were great and so was the feedback, but I mostly enjoy meeting other artists and talking about the work. Katie and I came back to Columbus exhausted, but it was well worth the experience.

odd assortment of things on a base

I found this mold of a base while rummaging through the collection at the university and decided to take a cast off of it. Often in my studio, I am rearranging things, playfully and inquisitively. Here I have given a few favorites a try on this generic stand.

New Vases

State Fair

A Collaborative Effort

This is a vase project that Katie Parker of " NEW WORK", and I have been collaborating on. My Forms and Katies decorative genius.

Art Star Craft Bazaar

I had a blast at ASCB in Philly. A lot of people left with my stuff, and I recieved a tremendous amount of positive feedback about my work.

Fourth generation transformation, Mega Title: You will never defeat me Protobird

Here is an example of what can be done with a 3-d scanner and printer. Changing materials , growing and shrinking-Soon you will see how the large rapid prototype will be transformed into porcelain.

Terrestrial Arboreal

This project will be on display in Philadelphia, through the month of July, at The Clay Studio . This is not a turtle dove.

Turkey Shaker Set

Wow your family with these turkey salt & pepper shakers, these humorous items are sure to liven up any feast.

Microval

Ameoba Mugs

Contemplate things large and small when you enjoy warm beverage from these mugs. Graphics, inspired by the microscope are hand printed on hotel china and made in the U.S.A!

Tumblers with Microscope Graphics

Translucent porcelain tumblers that easily hold twelve ounces. With a square base that transforms to a round rim these cups are comfortable in the hand, and stable at rest on the table. Always a pleasant surprise when opening the cupboard.

Canopy Print

With the canopy print tumblers you can take home a smaller version of the canopy style. Im proud to be able to release a new version of our favorite design. The square to round series has been a hit since the beginning.

Canopy

These easy to install porcelain sculptures can be mounted anywhere. The branch like textures bring the outside inside with an unusual resemblance to familiar natural structures. Create your own composition.

House Sparrow Figurines

Look what the cat dragged in! Your friends will be jealous when they see one of these detailed porcelain bird figurines perched at your place.

Gar Fish