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.

Danny Meisinger, Saturday, December 13, 2008, 10am - 3pm
“A native Kansan, I discovered ceramics in high school. At the time I had no idea it would lead to one of my chosen professions, but I did realize something in school had finally piqued my interest. After graduation, my interest in ceramics grew into a desire to study ceramics more seriously, which lead me to take classes at Johnson County Community College and the University of Kansas. Upon completing several courses, I left college to start my own business as a potter. Armed with desire and enthusiasm, I set up SPINNING EARTH POTTERY in an old horse barn and started making pots. I discovered the best way to become better was to simply make a lot of pots, so that’s what I did. The experience I gained helped me develop the discipline required to become a professional potter.”

On my Second Saturday...I think I will start with some small sectional pots, then move on to functional ware like mugs and bowls. Although I’m known for my large-scale pottery, I find that a successful form and shape will work at any size. I look forward to interacting with other potters and helping solve problems a fellow potter might have.

Larry Brow, Saturday, January 10, 2009, 10am - 3pm
“I graduated with an MFA in ceramics from the University of Iowa and considered teaching, but found the job market in 1989 barren. I have since derived a great deal of satisfaction from teaching at the Lawrence Arts Center, and briefly, at William Jewell College. Lately, my inspiration for my artwork comes from the integration of throwing, handbuilding, architecture, tattoos, wood-firing, Dr. Seuss, and Frank Gehry, in an improvisational creative method. A certain portion of my production is on display at Diane’s Artisan Gallery, on the second floor at Eighth and Mass. I also sell purely functional ware at three fairs a year as Please Touch Pottery. I use both porcelains and stonewares, firing in electric, gas, or wood-fueled kilns as appropriate. My youngest son, Hunter Tilghman, has honored me by asserting that he, too, wants to be a potter when he grows up. Indeed, he has been helping me set up and take down at Fairs since the age of two.”

On my Second Saturday, I suspect I will divide my time between throwing double-walled vessels and building a functional armchair or sculpture using my characteristic paddle and anvil handbuilding techniques. My slip decorating techniques may also come into play. Questions are always welcome.

BLOG

Shipping

PDF Library

Archived Pages

JOB OPPORTUNITY

SPECIAL NOTE: To help reduce credit card fraud, Bracker's now requires the unique 3 or 4 digit code printed on your card.
For Mastercard, Visa, and Discover	For American Express

Bracker's happily accepts the following credit cards online and in our store:
American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa