ANN MARIE COOPER
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Reflections and Celebrations

And now for something slightly different....

2/23/2018

 
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I've been coiling clay for nearly 7 years. Historically, I've left the clay raw on the outside with just a hint of glaze between the coils to highlight the designs I painstakingly roll out with my hands. I love the natural look of the vitrified red clay, the texture and warmth beneath my fingers as I savor a cup of coffee. It's always felt so potterly to me. However, I know that the raw clay-ness isn't for everyone, and honestly, there's always been this little part of me that hungered for a bit more color in my work.  Individually, my brown pots are intriguing; as a group display they lack that pizzazz that draws people over.  Through the years I've experimented with different glazes and glaze thicknesses to encase my vessels, with disappointing results. More often than not the glaze has obliterated all or most of the coil lines, leaving a plain surface, which is obviously not the intent of my work. 

2018 has been a chaotic year so far--around the world and in my personal life. I've felt the need for change, for hope, for simple pleasures to distract from the chaos. Not all of those needs are rapidly achievable, but in the grand scheme of things, some pretty quick gratification can happen in the clay studio.  Over the last month I spent my studio time coiling a silky-smooth white stoneware--a soothing change in itself. I've been adding assorted shapes to break up the spirals. It's been a cold winter of late in Bellingham, bringing thoughts of warmer days to the forefront of my mind, thus flowers, butterflies and dragonflies have made an apperance, in addition to cheery stars and hearts.  I did some research and selected glazes guaranteed to highlight the coil lines, in colors that sing out spring. Today I held my breath and opened my kiln and then, with glee, brought forth a new era of Kulshan Clayworks: Color Magic.

Workshop Time!

2/5/2018

 
I love taking my Clay Coil Illustration workshop to  new studios. Over the weekend I spent four hours at the Kirkland Arts Center getting to know some incredible people from all walks of life, with various levels of clay expertise. I was constantly astounded and delighted by what my students created while we shared some thought-provoking and entertaining conversation.


Is there a clay studio in your area that might like to host a workshop with me? Feel free to contact me!

Annual Give-Back at Good Earth Pottery

12/28/2017

 
PictureMug on the right by my GEP business partner, Deb Martin.
Winter Warmers~ Every January at Good Earth Pottery we like to give back to our community in a show of appreciation and sharing the love, for keeping us going all these [49!] years. This year, we raise a mug to you and ask you to raise a mug for your neighbors: Good Earth Pottery will donate 10% of every mug purchase in January to Maple Alley Inn, the Opportunity Council's hot meals program. Warm drinks, warm bellies, warm hearts. Cheers, Bellingham (and beyond)!

First Anniversary!

7/10/2017

 
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It's true: time really does fly when you're having fun! I can't believe it's already the first anniversary of my co-ownership at Good Earth Pottery. It was an easy decision at the time, and I've no regrets.  I'm channeling most of my energy into the gallery, and doing less festivals--which is a relief, honestly. As much as I love traveling and connecting with my customers out in the world, balancing gallery ownership, teaching, studio time and family life is enough work for  me right now.  If you're ever in Bellingham, please stop by--chances are you'll find me in the gallery! And I'm doing my best to keep my shelves stocked there.  In fact, I'm working feverishly this summer for my feature show at Good Earth in September.  Watch for exciting new things, and mark your calendar for Fairhaven's Fourth Friday Art Walk on September 22nd.

Showtime!

5/14/2017

 
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"Images on Clay" at Clay Arts Vegas
I've recently been putting a lot more energy into getting my work into exhibitions  around the country and having some success! My wood-fired vase, "Harmony" was accepted into the "Images on Clay" show at Clay Arts Vegas juried by Jason Bige Burnett. Just last week I sent a soda-fired cup accepted to the "Soda2" show at Mantle Gallery in Kentucky, juried by Patrick Rademaker--that show opens May 19th and runs through June 23rd(look for it online). I also have a soda-fired flask on display at Pottery Northwest in Seattle as part of their annual Student Show (I fired the flask at a weekend workshop last summer).
I wonder where I'll turn up next....????

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Soda2 at Mantle Gallery
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Student Show at Pottery Northwest

Look, Ma--I'm in a book!

3/9/2017

 
Last September a publisher contacted me about including some photographs of my work in an upcoming book. I've been holding my breath since then, wondering if they'd actually used the pictures. Well, the book just hit the shelves, and I picked up my own copy yesterday at our local indie treasure, Village Books.  They used my pictures!  I'm feeling pretty giddy. 
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Viva Las Vegas!

1/20/2017

 
I just shipped my three favorite cups from a recent wood-firing to the 2017 Juried Cup Show at Clay Arts Vegas, juried by Nolan Baumgartner. I feel very honored to have had all three cups selected, and I can't wait to see the show on their website when it's up in February, since alas, I can't get to Vegas myself.

Good Earth Pottery

7/5/2016

 
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I have some exciting news: after nearly 7 years as a devoted employee at Good Earth Pottery, I have become co-owner! I owe so much to recently retired co-owner, Linda Stone. Linda and I were connected from my LaConner days, and when she heard I'd moved back to Bellingham in 2009, she hunted me down and offered me a job.  At that time, I held  only a smattering of basic pottery knowledge--it was my sales, marketing and tech skills that brought me on to the team. Well, I got sucked into the mud completely, and I'm not going anywhere. I'm thrilled to partner with Deb Martin to keep Good Earth Pottery going onward and upward!
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We held a lovely surprise farewell reception for Linda Stone in May. Thank you for everything, Linda!
CLICK HERE TO VISIT GOOD EARTH POTTERY'S WEBSITE

Workshop Travels

10/18/2015

 
I took my Clay Coil Illustration workshop down to Moshier Art Center in Burien, WA over the weekend.  I had 12 very enthusiastic students coiling away their day--some of whom had never rolled a coil. They did amazing work. It's fascinating to see all of the different ideas that come forth from people using the same technique; how I inspire them, and how they inspire each other. These ladies were supportive and nurturing of each other. Every time one of them flipped their work to the right side, everyone gathered around, oohed, ahhed and cheered.  It was great fun for us all--and I think some of these gals are now hooked on coiling!

Sadness

10/8/2015

 
I had to say farewell to my studio sidekick last week.  There's a cloud hanging over me, but I'm carrying on the best I can. I miss you, Olive!
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My sweet Olive is truly at peace now. Dog diabetes sucks.
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    Ann Marie Cooper

    Consumed by a love of clay.

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