Best Served Hot

BEST SERVED HOT C E R A M I C S

F O R

T H E

C O F F E E

R I T U A L

Marc Digeros Ewer, 2013 Earthenware, 6.5 x 8 x 4.5 inches

© 2013 Lillstreet Art Center 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave. Chicago, IL 60640 Artwork © the artists.

Text © Tracey Morrison.

Photographs by Joe Tighe. Design by Jess Mott Wickstrom.

Exhibition: August 23 - September 29, 2013.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, or by any electronic or mechanical means, without permission in writing from Lillstreet Art Center.

Cover: Anna V. Metcalfe, Coffee Set on Hollow Tray, 2011

BEST SERVED HOT C E R A M I C S

F O R

T H E

C O F F E E

Juried by Mark Lyman and Joseph Pintz

R I T U A L

COF F E E IS A COMPANION. It warms

The unique ceramic work presented in “Best

on a cool day, keeps the mind alert on a tired

Served Hot” is a perfect pairing for the

morning, and accompanies a break from work

specialty coffee served at Intelligentsia. Just

or a date with a friend. Coffee is programmed

as Lillstreet Gallery represents and supports

into many people’s daily schedules, both for

the mastered techniques of independent

pleasure and practicality. The morning cup, the

artisans, Intelligentsia works alongside its

coffee break, the decaf with dessert … coffee

coffee producers to ensure the highest quality

can be a ritualistic drink, associated with a

product, as well as fair compensation and

reoccurring moment in everyday life.

healthy working environments for farmers. In this way, “Best Served Hot” pays homage to the

Though paper cups with plastic lids have come

highly skilled craftsperson, representing the

to dominate coffee culture, “Best Served

craft of pottery as well as the craft of coffee.

Hot: Ceramics for the Coffee Ritual” honors handmade ceramic vessels. When sipped from

This combination of specialty coffee and

a favorite mug or poured from a handmade

handmade ceramics urges the audience to think

pot, coffee represents more than a hurried

about the creation behind consumption: the

jolt of energy. It can slow time to create a

path coffee takes from seed to roast and the

moment of relaxation, provoke thought, and

journey a vessel takes from clay to kiln. “Best

fuel conversation. The work in “Best Served

Served Hot” is a reminder to acknowledge

Hot” is a collection for all types of coffee

everyday routines, such as morning coffee, and

connoisseurs. There are singular mugs for those

honor the moment with a product worthy of

who consume the beverage daily, serving sets

the ritual.

and coffee pots for those who entertain, and pour-over apparatuses for those who prefer a specialty brew.

Tracey Morrison holds a BFA in Ceramics from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and is Gallery Assistant at Lillstreet Art Center.

W O R K S A R E P I C T U R E D in alphabetical order by artist name.

To inquire about availability or to purchase, please call 773-769-4226 or email lillstreet@lillstreet.com.

A M A N D A B A R R received a BA and MA in Spanish Literature before choosing to

pursue a career in ceramics. She is independently taught and currently works out of a personal studio in Ames, Iowa. Using printmaking techniques on clay, her work explores literature and television as vehicles for escaping reality.

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Amanda Barr Grow, 2013 Porcelain 4 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches

A N N E B E R N A R D - P A T T I S received her Master’s Degree in Art History from the

Sorbonne and her PhD from Northwestern University. She works at her home and in local public studios. Anne draws inspiration from her relationships with people, books, objects, landscapes, events and passing thoughts.

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Anne Bernard-Pattis Iced Coffee Set, 2013 Soda-fired porcelain Pitcher: 9 x 6 x 8 inches; cups: 3 x 2 x 2 inches

K A T E B I D E R B O S T received a BFA in ceramics from Michigan State University

and an MFA in ceramics from Indiana University. She currently teaches at Loyola University and maintains a studio at Lillstreet Art Center. Kate’s pieces are wheel thrown and soda fired. Much of her surface inspiration comes from textiles, ranging from quilt patterns to individual stitches.

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Kate Biderbost Creamer with Tray, 2012 Soda-fired white stoneware 5 x 3 x 3 inches

C A T H E R I N E B O S W E L L studied ceramics at the University of Florida and in

workshops and apprenticeships while living abroad. Her work is informed by the urban and rural landscapes of England, as well as the landscape of her childhood in coastal northern Florida. Currently, she works from her studio in Gainesville, Florida, making terracotta ware with a variety of methods. She is interested in exploring the tension between the wild and the refined, and in striking a balance between simplicity and adornment.

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Catherine Boswell Scalloped Cup with Snakes and Flowers, 2013 Terra cotta 3.5 x 5.25 x 4 inches

M I C A H C A I N received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Shorter College in Rome, GA

and a Master of Fine Arts focusing in ceramics from Georgia State University in Atlanta.

After receiving his MFA, Micah moved to western North Carolina to participate in the artist-in-residence program at EnergyXchange. He currently teaches at his alma mater, Shorter University (formerly Shorter College).

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Micah Cain Untitled, 2012 Anagama-fired stoneware 4 x 3 x 3 inches

R E B E K A H D I A M A N T O P O U L O S J O N E S received a Bachelor of Fine Arts

degree from the Oregon College of Art & Craft in 2003 and has since worked as an independent studio artist. Both her functional and sculptural pieces are created using the potter’s wheel. Working mostly with porcelain challenges her to incorporate both the delicate and translucent qualities of the material in her pieces. The use of symmetry and lines enhance the familiar themes of balance and simplicity as she strives to create a sense of elegance and intimacy within each object.

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Rebekah Diamantopoulos Jones Tiny Dash Cups, 2013 Soda-fired porcelain 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches (each)

B R I C E D Y E R received his BFA in ceramics and sculpture from the University of

North Texas. After graduating in Spring 2012, he moved to St. Petersburg, FL where he is currently an Artist-in-Residence at the St. Pete Clay Company. His work is influenced by geology and landscape and is primarily hand-built and wood-fired.

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Brice Dyer Five Sider, 2013 Wood-fired stoneware 4 x 4 x 5 inches

B R O O K E E V A N S recieved her MFA in Ceramics from State University of New

York, New Paltz and a BA in English from Towson State University, Baltimore. She is currently a studio potter and Adjunct Professor of Ceramics at Rockland Community College, Suffern, NY. Her slip-cast porcelain work is inspired by the bio-morphic sensibilities of natural forms coupled with the graceful lines and clean surfaces of modern design.

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HONORABLE MENTION

Brooke Evans Cup Set with Black Tray, 2012 Porcelain 4 x 12 x 12 inches (set)

J A N I S T A R B O X F I S H E R is currently the Artist-in-Residence at The Bascom

Art Center in Highlands, NC where she also teaches classes. Janis uses the traditional technique of sgraffito to carve images in clay that reflect nature and the past. Her work is centered around memories of childhood and mythical and natural themes.

She received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Washington University in St. Louis.

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Janis Tarbox Fisher The Language of Coffee Mug, 2013 White Stoneware 5 x 5 x 3 inches

F R E D F O L L A N S B E E has been working in ceramics for ten years at Lillstreet

Art Center in Chicago. He is influenced by Japanese ceramics and enjoys atmospheric firings.

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Fred Follansbee Mug Form 1 and 2, 2013 Soda-fired stoneware 3.x25 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches (each)

C A T H E R I N E G U I B E R T - O R R A N T I A is a Minnesota native whose family has

roots in art and music. She moved to Southern California as a child and moved to Tucson at the age of 42. Although she began her artistic exploration in California, it wasn’t until she moved to Arizona that she discovered her passion for creating functional art. Her work is now featured at Ritz Carlton’s fine dining restaurant in Tucson.

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Catherine Guibert-Orrantia Coffee Set, 2013 Stoneware Coffee Pot: 10 x 8.5 x 5; Mugs: 5 x 4 x 3; Creamer: 4.5 x 5.5 x 3; Sugar: 5 x 4.5 x 3.25 inches

E R I C H E E R S P I N K received his BFA from Calvin College in Grand Rapids,

Michigan and is currently working towards his MFA degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. His wheel-thrown work is inspired by industrial objects that have great beauty but are often overlooked.

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Eric Heerspink Mug and Coffee Filter, 2013 Anagama-fired stoneware Mug: 4.5 x 3.5 x 5; Filter: 3 x 4 x 5 inches

C R A I G H I N S H A W ’ S work is playful, tactile, and based on early black and white

cartoon imaginary. Craig received his MFA from Cranbook Academy of Art. His world travels have allowed him to connect with potters around the world and study ancient pots of world cultures. Craig is the author of Clay Connections, a book of innovative elementary clay projects.

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Craig Hinshaw Single Drip Cup & Saucer, 2013 Stoneware 7 x 3 x 9 inches

S A M A N T H A H O S T E R T received a BFA from Santa Clara University and is

currently an artist and educator in Chicago, Illinois. She creates soda-fired, wheelthrown works in porcelain. Her intent is to increase users’ consideration and enjoyment of simple, daily pleasures that often go unnoticed.

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Samantha Hostert Mug, 2013 Soda-fired porcelain 3.5 x 4.75 x 3.5 inches

J A Y J E N S E N uses handbuilding techniques and the potters’ wheel to create

pouring vessels, boxes and sculpture. His approach to the development of his work stems from his previous experience as a graphic designer and his interest in combining technology with traditional pottery. Presently, Jay teaches ceramics and art courses at Inver Hills Community College in Minnesota and resides with a studio in River Falls, Wisconsin.

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Jay Jensen Mug/Sugar Creamer Set with Spoon, 2013 Earthenware Mug: 5 x 3 x 3; Sugar/Creamer: 3 x 2.5 x 3 inches (each)

N I X O N K H O O has actively and continually pursued an education at Lillstreet Art

Center since the Summer of 2009. He works out of the community studio at Lillstreet and draws on the great experiences of the instructors and members there. Nixon strives to create technically sound work and to continually improve on his techniques and aesthetic sensibility with his clay of choice–porcelain.

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Nixon Khoo Coffee Pot with Pour Over Filter (geometric and clouds), 2013 Porcelain Geometric: 9.25 x 8 x 4.75 ; Clouds: 10.5 x 6 x 5.5 inches

A S H L E Y K I M is an avid potter who became hooked on clay nearly 20 years ago.

Her formal education in ceramics includes a BFA from Utah State University and an MFA from Indiana University, Bloomington. While her formal training has helped in shaping her as an artist, her commitment to the craft and love for the medium have grown over the years of working with clay. Settled in San Diego, she now enjoys the luxury of working at her home studio and tending her garden.

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Ashley Kim Mug, 2013 Dark Clay 5 x 4 x 3 inches (each)

P A T R I C K L A R S E N is currently working on a BFA in studio arts at Missouri

Western State University. A tutor and shop assistant in the ceramics department, Patrick is also the president of the Missouri Western Clay Guild. Patrick’s primary interest is in wheel thrown pieces. His recent inspirations include images from the Industrial Revolution.

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Patrick Larsen Coffee Pot, 2013 Stoneware 7.5 x 7.5 x 5 inches

A N N A V . M E T C A L F E lives in Minneapolis where she teaches and enjoys

an active studio practice, working both functionally and sculpturally in clay.

Anna graduated from the University of Minnesota with an MFA in ceramics in 2009. Inspired by a myriad of cultures, objects and rituals, her work explores the relationship between people and their food.

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BEST IN SHOW

Anna V. Metcalfe Coffee Set on Hollow Tray, 2011 Earthenware & Porcelain 13 x 14 x 7 inches (set)

M I C H A L N I V received her B.DES in Industrial Design from Bezalel Academy of

Art and Design in Jerusalem, Israel. She continued her education in ceramics at Fothill College in Los Altos, California. She currently works as a studio potter and a teacher at her studio in Sunnyvale, California. She creates clean, simple, round and soft forms on the wheel and then deconstructs and reassembles by hand. Michal is interested in stretching the boundaries between functionality and non-functionality of objects. She creates families of objects that tell a “visual story�.

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Michal Niv JUP-1, JUP-2, JUP-3, 2013 Porcelain 5 x 4 x 4 inches (each)

L O U P I E R O Z Z I received his BFA from DePaul University and his MFA degree in

ceramics from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Pierozzi is currently Chair of Art and Graphic Design and Professor of Art at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, IL. Pierozzi was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. His interest in ceramics started his first year in college. Pierozzi is deeply interested in making forms that are functional, but the real excitement happens when he alters the form and surface of the piece. He strives to make work that is more sculptural than functional.

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Lou Pierozzi Baltimore Cauldrons, 2013 Stoneware 10 x 12 x 8 inches (set)

K Y L E R E E S acquired his BS in Art Education from Ball State University in Muncie,

Indiana and an MFA from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. He currently teaches art at Wapahani High School in Selma, Indiana. The work Kyle produces combines a fascination with the handmade object and a lifetime of telling jokes, reading novels, and watching TV.

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Kyle Rees “Shubaz” Coffee Set, 2012 Porcelain 9 x 18 x 18 inches (set)

S A M S C O T T received a BFA from the University of Washington and has been

teaching ceramics for several decades. Working predominately in porcelain, Sam is currently exploring dripping, pouring, and spattering techniques with matte glaze.

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Sam Scott Black and White Sugar and Creamer, 2013 Porcelain Sugar: 4 x 4.75 x 4.75; Creamer: 4.75 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches

M A R K U S U R B A N I K grew up in western Wyoming. He received a BFA from

the University of Fairbanks, Alaska and an MFA from Utah State University. He has worked at Watershed Center For The Ceramic Arts, Central Wyoming College, and currently is the Programs and Facilities Coordinator at Red Lodge Clay Center in Red Lodge, Montana.

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Markus Urbanik Coal Slag Cream and Sugar, 2013 Porcelainous Stoneware Sugar: 7 x 4 x 4; Creamer: 5 x 6 x 4 inches

L U K E S H E E T S received his BFA from Ohio Northern University and his MFA from

Bowling Green State University. He has lived and worked in Middlebury, Vermont and Kanazawa, Japan. In 2005, Luke returned to Ohio where he teaches ceramics and sculpture at Ohio Northern University. He likes to draw inspiration from history, chemistry, and the materials themselves.

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Luke Sheets One Finger, Two, 2013 Wood-fired stoneware, charred hickory tray 7 x 7 x 4 inches (set)

K A T I E S U S K O is a functional potter born and raised in suburban Chicago.

Gravitating toward art at an early age, she always had to keep her hands busy. Katie graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Art History and a minor in French Language and Literature. It was only after feeling the need for a creative outlet that she took her first clay class. From there her passion grew into a life in clay. Katie currently works in the art department at her local community college and local art center as an assistant studio technician.

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Katie Susko Blue Wallpaper Mug, 2013 Porcelain 5 x 4.5 x 3 inches

P A U L A W E S T is a studio potter living on San Juan Island, WA, where she works

full time in her studio creating porcelain ceramics and opening her showroom to the visiting public. The remote beauty of the islands offers the focus to explore the endless possibilities of forming and shaping clay. With this inspiration, she works to refine an ever-evolving body of work that is unique, fresh and contemporary.

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Paula West Red Cup and Creamer, 2013 Porcelain Cup: 3.75 x 6 x 4.75; Creamer: 3.25 x 3 x 3 inches

S T E P H A N I E W R I G H T is a contemporary ceramicist from Maine. She discovered

clay after managing DĂŠcor Interior Design in Portland. In 2009, a pottery workshop sparked a new direction in design for her and she began concentrating on ceramics full time. She trained at River Arts, Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts, MECA, Clay Art Center and Suffolk University.

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Stephanie Wright Mod Kup and Plate, 2013 Pink stained porcelain Cup: 3.75 x 3 x 4.5 inches; Plate: 1 x 6 x 3 inches

R I C H A R D A A R D S M A (Grandville, MI) received a BA Degree in Visual Arts from

Hope College, and went on to complete graduate work in intaglio printmaking at Michigan State University. His background includes graphic design, photography and painting. Inspiration for the digital print, Train Station, comes from the work of Georges Seurat and Edward Hopper.

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