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SUMMER INSPIRATION
by catherine bailey and simone earnhardt
Our recently released Summer 08 Limited Edition is a creative exercise inspired by the co-mingling of chemistry and art. This season's collection combines a vibrant, glossy yellow over earthy brown clay with varied and tonal, warm matte greys — cocoa & fawn. In addition to our classic methods, we've explored some alternate glaze techniques to create unique contrast, textures and finishes. The vase collection is hand-dipped to reveal a graphic separation between the glaze and the clay beneath. Our deep serving bowl highlights the effects of layering one glaze over the other — the result is an organic line-blend and interesting fusion of color and patterns. We love that each bowl is unique.
The first step towards achieving the final product is getting the glaze just right. We add oxides and stains to an existing Heath glaze base and do test after test until we achieve a glaze we're happy with. This season we spent a lot of time experimenting with interaction — layering one glaze on top of another and noting the reaction that resulted. We also played with new techniques of applying glazes to create linear glaze breaks. These experiments get us pretty excited. As always, we are so happy to be able to work in this way. Since our products are designed and made in the same building, we are truly able to play, experiment and discover. Here's a look at what happens before we come up with the final design, as well as how we create the final pieces.
We've told you a little bit about the picnic bag that we designed with our friend Sherry Stein of S. Stein but we figured it was worth mentioning again. Sherry designs and makes her bags out of her studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Together, we created a multi-purpose tote bag; added tableware and food-specific details to create a highly functional and beautiful picnic bag — complete with a set of Heathware. The bag is made of industrial materials and is made to last a lifetime (just like your Heathware). Here are some pictures of Sherry's process and studio.
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SILENT AUCTION
As a part of our May 3-4 Open Studio, we'll be holding a Silent Auction with one-of-a-kind, vintage tiles, buttons and necklaces created by Edith Heath. Edith found new avenues for her interest in clay with "kiln fillers", a term she used to describe small projects that included ceramic beads, slip-cast jewelry and buttons. The diversity among the pieces is the result of her using different clay bodies with a wide range of glazes, each applied using tools that delivered precise color and pattern. Here's a preview of what to expect. All Vintage Sale + Silent Auction proceeds will benefit the Heath Trust.
FREE ONLINE SHIPPING
We'll be offering free shipping on all online orders from May 1-8. It's our way of giving those of you who can't make our Open Studio a little something extra. Enjoy.
"TO TIANA WITH LOVE" FUNDRAISER
There's a wonderful fundraiser/ auction planned to help our friend Tiana and her family during a difficult time. Please consider attending on May 17th in San Francisco where artists and friends of our community have donated fantastic art, objects, goods and services to help her family. Thank you in advance. Here are the details... As well, we are happy to be donating 5% of our Open Studio sales to Tiana and her family.
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
The SF Chronicle just published a nice article about Robin & Cathy — have a look...
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