Author Archives: jtwalthier

Valentina Zlatarova is a classically-trained sculptor working extensively in clay (although her work spans other media). What strikes me about Valentina’s work is the raw power of material coupled with the discipline of form. I’ve tried to present some close-up photos of several pieces so you can see the former, backing off a bit soContinue reading “Valentina Zlatarova – Artist Profile”

Love at first sight? Yes. This particular ceramic bowl, currently in the collection of the British Museum, captivated me from day one. It’s unbalanced and awkwardly formed. It’s not colorful or elaborately decorated. It doesn’t display “fine craftsmanship.” It’s imperfect. It’s gorgeous. A Google Arts & Culture article tells us: “This is one of manyContinue reading “Sasanian Incantation Bowls”

Tip Toland is a widely respected (and widely collected) ceramic sculptor who creates life-sized or larger portraits, many with some autobiographical elements. She is drawn to the uniqueness of human personality and expression. Her work draws you into a world quite unlike that of most creative artists. I’m strongly reminded of Roman Republican period marbleContinue reading “Tip Toland – Artist Portrait”

I took an international trip a few weeks ago and drove around the island of Iceland. It was great to get away, to see people living their lives in a different country through these difficult times. I had long hours on the road to think about what I enjoy most about this blog. And frankly,Continue reading “2021 Reflections”

I fell in love with Ian Garrett’s work when I first saw it 6 months ago. Ian coil builds each pot, in itself a lengthy process but when you see the scale of some of his works, that in and of itself is stunning. Ian uses the simplist of tools, much like early peoples thatContinue reading “Ian Garrett – Artist Profile”

I found this article on Roberto Lugo in the New York Times this morning. I think it’s well done and covers his work well, including some videos of Roberto throwing some pots. I’m not certain this will work as an insert into this blog because I’m accessing the article through my subscription. But it’s worthContinue reading “Roberto Lugo (NYTimes Article)”

After the reconquest of Toledo, Spain in 1085 CE, there were many Muslim people still living in the region under Christian rule. These people were called Mudéjar. Mudéjar artisans were employed to build and decorate new Christian churches erected in southern Spain, and they utilized their tradition of elaborate pattern-making and ceramic tilework in theContinue reading “Mudéjar Ceramic Tiles”

I’ve always been an admirer of ancient mosaics found throughout much of the ancient Roman and Byzantine world. Although mainly constructed out of small pieces of stone, at times ceramic pieces and glass pieces were included in the mosaic construction. I stumbled onto a video showing the conservation of mosaics at the Roman site ofContinue reading “Clay Used in Archaeological Conservation (Volubilis, Morocco)”

I recently passed through LaGuardia airport in New York and couldn’t help but notice the huge installation of ceramic tiles in Terminal B. The tiles cover over 25,000 sq. ft. of wall space. What a wonderful greeting for ceramic lovers the world over! The work is a tile mosaic designed by painter Laura Owens, featuringContinue reading “Ceramic Tiles at LaGuardia Airport”

Margaret Bohls is an innovative ceramics educator and artist. Her work reflects her deep interest in form as it has been interpreted through history. Margaret teaches in the Ceramics Department at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, NB. I spoke with her about her academic activities as well as her personal work. I was particularlyContinue reading “Margaret Bohls – Artist Profile”