Time and Gaining New Eyes

"I propose that function isn't; function does.  It is defined by its action, instead of its being--we do, therefore we are--time is existence, and celebrating time reminds us that we are." - Tina Gebhart

Actively make use of time and celebrate it. We all can appreciate the importance of using time appropriately, thoughtfully, and decisively.

This is a "goal painting" that I completed here at Terra Cottage Ceramics during my assistantship.  What a learning experience it was and continues to be.  Use of time is the key.

The list reads:

1. Move with a quiet urgency.

2. Finish the task.

3. Think in three-dimensions.

4. Stop and observe with new eyes.

5. Be productive and never idle.

6. Be decisive and thoughtful.

7. Don't ask questions you can answer.

8. Remember to invest truth and love into Everything.


Chief to applying this list, I have found, is learning to see with New Eyes.  Everyday learning to experience, observe, and be thoughtful before acting.

We can gain new eyes by means of the ones that we meet.  Whether it be a fun-loving and ever thoughtful mentor:

Artist Michael Terra prepping for the Empty Bowls Project.

Or a hard working and giving community:

Empty Bowls volunteer Joe Dortch and Jon Rodabaugh glazing bowls for the Empty Bowls Project.

Paducah Arts Alliance Artist In Residence Eli Blasko teaching an image transfer workshop.

Empty Bowls volunteers setting up the bowls in preparation for the Empty Bowls Project.

Be thoughtful and decisive.

Everyday, learn to see with "New Eyes".

A preview of new work that I completed while at my assistantship.

Terra Cottage Ceramics Assistantship

"Postcards From The Inside"

It has been two weeks since I began my five-month assistantship at Terra Cottage Ceramics in Paducah, Kentucky, and I have already learned so much.  From working daily with artist Michael Terra on projects to incorporating new and more efficient methods of working in the studio and learning new techniques.  There are always new ideas to incorporate and new growth occurring.

Terra Cottage Ceramics Gallery

"Reading Glasses" (Detail)

Terra Cottage Ceramics Gallery

I am working daily with artist Michael Terra on many projects, including the Empty Bowl Project.  The Empty Bowl Project is an fundraiser event for the local soup kitchen which involves the local community in Paducah, Kentucky.  Michael, some community members, and I make the bowls, and then additional community members come to the studio to glaze the bowls in preparation for firing.  When someone purchases a ticket for the event, which will be occurring at the local convent center, they receive a bowl full of food from twelve local restaurants to enjoy.  After enjoying their meal, they get to take their bowl home with them.  It is an amazing event that helps to bring the community together.  We have made 1,000 bowls so far, but our goal is to make a total of 1,500 bowls.

352 of the 1,000 bowls made so far.

My apartment key and key chain.

Time to get back to the studio.  I am excited to continue this amazing journey.

Common Threads

As I reflect on what I have learned this year, I cannot help but recall a quote that I heard long ago and that still holds true:

"There is one thing we do know: that man is here for the sake of other men - above all for those upon whose smiles and well-being our own happiness depends--And also for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy." - Albert Einstein

When we really look at the world around us and the people who inhabit it, we are reminded that in the end we are all bound by "common threads" and must be here to assist each other.  An important reminder.

The video below is from one of my favorite television shows "Northern Exposure" that deals with the theme of "Common Threads".

The Creative Process: Art Documentaries

This is a collection of art documentaries that explore the creative processes and philosophies of artists working in various art mediums.

Please click on the images below to watch the featured documentaries:

1. Rivers and Tides (Andy Goldsworthy)

2. Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child

3. What Remains: The Life and Work of Sally Mann

Zygote (Joel) Blum - Ceramics Monthly

My good friend, fellow potter, and former studio mate Joel Blum has been making amazing ceramic artwork for years.  His use of stenciled designs on ceramics has been a favorite of mine.

I was extremely excited when I heard the news that Joel's stencil technique was featured on page 18 and 19 of November's issue of Ceramics Monthly.  Well deserved recognition indeed.  :)

If you are a subscriber of Ceramics Monthly please click the image below to see Joel's featured technique in the November issue.  If you are not a subscriber, be sure to pick up a copy.

To see more of Joel's ceramic work feel free to follow his blog, which can be accessed by clicking the image below.

Congratulations Joel.  :D

Building Block Sculptures

My latest Speedrun video features the Installation of Building Block Sculptres.  Thank you for viewing.

My pvc wall-hanging building block sculptures are finished drying!  I recently finished the next phase of my series Building Blocks and Childhood Structures.  I thoroughly enjoyed utilizing the plastic pvc foam as an art material.  The pvc foam's light weight nature and ability to hold lithographic ink has been amazing.

Layering the wall-hanging building block pieces incorporates a three dimensional element to the work and increases the complexity of the color relationships.  Also, because the pieces are rearrangeable, one can create numerous unique arrangements.

I am looking forward to experimenting with the scale and placement of the wall-hanging building block sculptures.  This project has truly given birth to new concepts.  This is just the beginning.  :)

"Light Is Light"

"Light is knowledge.  Light is life.  Light is light." - Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider

The above quote is one of my favorites used in a scene from one of my favorite television series: Northern Exposure.

What does "light" mean to you?

Ceramic Art: Musing About Mud Video Collection

Musing About Mud is an amazing blog by artist Carole Epp that shares art opportunities, content pertaining to ceramic art, and the creative power within each of us.  Highly Recommended.

Here is a link to the Musing About Mud Video Collection.  Enjoy.  :)

Here is a sample of the video collection:  Ceramic Artist Lucie Rie

Summer Printmaking Project

My latest Speedrun video featuring my Custom Monoprint Demonstration.  Thank you for viewing.

Printing...printing...printing...the process of printmaking is a physical one that allows the artist to get fully involved and enjoy the "intimacy" of working with this process.

Touching and making contact with the material is an important facet to making both ceramics and prints, which is why I love both of these forms of art.  In many ways ceramics and printmaking are intrinsically linked by their "intimate process".

Layering ink directly onto the surface of pvc foam creates a bright and highly pigmented surface that reflects the viewers' gaze (although a bit blurry) back at his/herself, something that intrigues me and that I love. Introspective indeed.

The amazing versatility of using the pvc foam plates as a printing template as well as for sculpture lends itself to infinite possibilities. Repetition, Shape, Size/Scale, color, and even light become avenues for breeding new ideas or stirring old ones that we love.

Once the layering of ink is complete, it is time to let the work dry. The drying period for these works can take upwards of one to two months depending on the layering of ink and the time of year/humidity, etc.

These pvc wall-hanging pieces are breeding new ideas for new projects. These projects include using porcelain and black clay to make wall-hanging pieces implementing my main material and artistic love...CERAMICS. :)

"Light, Harbinger of Hope" Series

In the Fall of 2010, I began making my "Light, Harbinger of Hope" Series.

Light, Harbinger of Hope Series

"Light's Invitation 1"

"Light's Invitation 2"

"Light Gradient"

This series would extend to this year and give birth my next series of work: The "White" Series.

To see more of my artwork,

please feel free to visit my artist page at Shiloh Gastello Ceramics

The artist statement for this body of work reads:

     "Ceramics is the main medium that I use to convey my message regarding the relationship between symbolic light and darkness, hope over sadness.
     The ebony black tenmoku glaze in my black series reflects the emotional lows when angst has shifted and given way to deep introspection.  The golden bands of rutile and red iron oxide stain wrapped around the forms and the color white in my white series represents light that banishes darkness.
     Darkness being engulfed by light is a key theme in deciphering these works, which provide subtle clues about what light and darkness represents to us individually."