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~ Working with clay to create useful and decorative vessels has been a passion of mine for many years. I fondly remember the many ceramics and studio art classes through my high school years in Saratoga Springs, NY by great teachers. It started my journey!
In 2015, I found I had time available around work and home obligations to get back in touch with clay. I enrolled in a class at the Saratoga Clay Arts Center (SCAC) in Schuylerville, NY with the director Jill Kavochick. My hands and mind remembered how much I loved working with clay in high school - and that was it - I had to do more. I then enrolled in more classes, including with renowned artist Regis Brodie, followed by workshops from visiting artists. Eventually I rented studio space to devote more time to my craft and explore all of the firing opportunities with the kilns at SCAC. In May 2019 I completed a Wood Firing Residency at Salem Art Works (SAW) in Salem, NY. That experience opened the door to my love of Wood Fired ceramics. I've wood fired at a few other sites since then, but mostly in the kilns at SAW. My work is now created in my home studio in Wilton, NY. I fire my work in the kilns at the Saratoga Clay Arts Center in Schuylerville NY. The ceramic pieces I create are designed organically with various forms & shapes. I am influenced by nature and pick up ideas while exploring my local area and regional travels. Each piece created, either by hand building or by throwing on my wheel, is completely unique. They relate in design, form and dimension, but are individual pieces of art. The very earthy and organic colors and effects that I love in my work are the result of firing in Atmospheric Kilns - Wood, Soda and Raku and also Reduction in the gas kiln. I am fortunate to have firing resources close to home at these fantastic Art centers - Saratoga Clay Arts Center and Salem Art Works. Occasionally I will travel to other regional Art centers for firings or workshops. They are always great experiences, a chance to catch up with friends and meet other artists. I also fire my work in barrel, pit and smoke firing methods from my home studio back yard in Wilton, NY. Wonderful results have been found using those primitive firing techniques as well. Thank you for your interest! ~ |
Barrel Firing at my home
Stoking of Wood-fire kiln “Bruno” with a crew of ceramic artists at Monroe Clay - Northeast Ceramics - Troy, NY
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Backyard home studio selfie
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If you have interest in purchasing pieces of my work - Please contact me directly. If you are in the Saratoga Springs, NY area - I can arrange private showings.
My work is available for sale at any Art Shows, Exhibits or Fairs that I am a part of - listed on the Events Page. Thank you for your interest!! Michelle O’Hare |