Bracker's Good Earth Clays

Second Saturdays Artist Series

When someone would call Bill Bracker an expert, he would always reply, “please don’t call me an expert. Think of it...when you break down the word, an ‘ex’ is a washed-up-has-been and a ‘spurt’ is a drip under pressure.” So we won’t call these artists “experts” but they are definitely very good and more than willing to share their experiences and techniques with you. Each Second Saturday will feature a different artist. We will be inviting artists who throw, handbuild, decorate, create, and innovate. No purchase necessary - just stop by and see the artist at work. Feel free to observe for a few minutes, ask a question or two, or stick around for a couple of hours. Some artists may choose to bring examples, work in progress, or even finished work (which might be available for sale). We leave the details up to each individual artist.

Michael Smith, May 9, 2009, 10am - 3pm
“For the past twenty-nine years I have worked as a potter, producing a diverse line of functional stoneware and porcelain. I started with a four-year apprenticeship, the traditional method for learning the potter’s art. In that setting, I learned basic technique, discipline, endurance and the skills for making a living as a potter. Function is the starting point and context for my work. My best work is completed through the act of its use. When I am throwing, marking or altering pots, the process becomes like a dance - listening to the music of the wheel, creating and interacting with the rhythms, dancing on the edge of collapse. When the last mark is made and the wheel stops, the pot, like a photograph, captures the dancer in motion. I strive to keep the movement alive in my work - allowing it to evolve as I participate in its creation, never losing the delight in creating pots that bring pleasure to everyday experience.”

On my Second Saturday... I’ll spend some time working on thrown and altered forms, faceted and thrown bowls, cups and coffeepots and upside down serving trays. I’ll also bring some work to trim to address different treatments for the bottoms of pots. Making pots is all about creative problem solving, so bring your questions to share.

Trent Freeman, June 13, 2009, 10am - 3pm
“Trent Freeman opened Four Staves in 2000, creating personal sculpture for his clients. Trent has flourished as a personal sculptor, he has designed numerous sculptural pieces, wall and freestanding fountains, and pottery for individual collectors.

Trent is a graduate from Emporia State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree of Fine Arts in 1995. He also attended The University Kansas and studied abroad in Australia. Trent’s professional career began shortly upon graduation, creating works that adorn private and public collections across the country, as well as in local galleries and fine-art festivals.

Educating and instructing others has been instrumental to the professional development of Trent’s career. Facilitating workshops at colleges, leading continuing education classes for teachers and instructing at the Carnegie Art Center in Leavenworth, Ks., has allowed Trent to hone his own skills and contribute to the development of others. He has instructed privately from his studio for the past 5 years, and continues to enjoy his wonderfully bright, gifted students today.

Trent enjoys the process of creation, the birth of a new idea, and the contemplation of pulling it all together from start to finish. He becomes emotionally involved with his art. Trent’s inspiration stems from Old World and Asian techniques, though you will find his pieces are culturally eclectic in design.”

On my Second Saturday... Trent's focus on his second saturday will be the construction of wall hung fountains. The fundamentals of this include: tilework, throwing a basin, adding clay and mixed media sculptural elements, and the engineering behind it. Many elements of this project can be broken down and incorporated into your own style of work, therefore being a good demonstration for all ages and skill level to attend.

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