If you're signed up to my newsletter then you know I had my first solo show this month. 

Because we're all staying indoors a little more, I decided that bringing the show online was the best way to brighten your days and bring a little more art into your sight!

The Immersion show came to life after I spent time thinking about my childhood, my continued love of water and my fascination with nature.

I feel most at home in water. I spent hours of my childhood playing by the river with a mask and a snorkel, laying on the dock watching perch, rock bass, and sunfish dart from under the crib boards. It was fascinating watching them investigate anything falling through the water in hopes that it could be a meal.

Using this theme of fish, seaweed and river rocks, I developed this raku collection. 

The sculpted fish show off the raku glazes and, in turn, the glazes capture that shimmering magic of underwater worlds and life.

With display assistant from artist Laurie Sponagle, the exhibition was pulled together. In fact, there would have been no floating fish if it weren't for Laurie's input. 

A magical aquarium vignette allowed for a richer experience of the raku work - where river rocks turn into lily pads, and the fish dart amongst the seaweed.

Working with clay brings so much joy and creativity but it also comes with risks.

Good news? You can avoid the risks if you put in a little bit of elbow grease!

Most people don't know that a clean pottery studio isn't just for looks. We keep the studio clean because clay dust contains silica which can be really bad for your health.

It's why we always ask students to clean up after themselves and it's why KCP studios invests heavily in regularly paid cleaners. Everyone's health matters. 

Wherever you decide to take pottery lessons be sure to ask about the cleaning schedule and absolutely expect to have rules around cleaning up after yourself. If there aren't any then proceed with caution.

As a general rule, you want to be working in a studio that actively works to reduce the amount of clay dust in the air.

Best Practice for Cleaning a Pottery Studio:

Use A Damp Cloth or Sponge: Wiping and cleaning surfaces, tools, and equipment with a wet sponge means that any dust sticks to the sponge and doesn't fly into the air around you. It also makes clean up really quick and easy.

Wash Your Sponges: When you're finished cleaning remember to wash your sponge. Otherwise the wet clay will dry up and 

Allocate Time To Cleaning: When you’re throwing, remember to allocate enough time to clean the bats after use.

If you're working with clay then you can't avoid clay dust. It's just the way it is. And that's ok! But we minimize the amount we're exposed to because it's good practice and a way of respecting those around us as well as ourselves.

Let me know if you have any questions!

​- Krista