Special Events

Alient Moon Arts – artist Richard O’Krogly
alienmoonarts.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlienMoonArts

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I will be at the Farmstead on May 22  and 23…

More from Richard: I have been creating sculpture and pottery out my home studio in North Plainfield NJ for about seven years now. I am a nature lover and enjoy infusing elements of fantasy, science fiction and horror into my work. My goal is to have fun with my creativity and bring to life unusual pieces that are eye catching, humorous, creepy, strange and wonderful.

When I have created a beautiful piece of art from a mound of clay I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment. The process of taking an original idea and giving it life through my craft is magical and a delight to see people respond and connect with it.

If there should be a special piece you are looking to have made, please reach out to me!

ART & ANTIQUES – artist Nancy Zarbock
https://nancyzarbock.com/
Ebay Site

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About Nancy: Nancy Zarbock is a native to New Jersey and a resident of Hunterdon County, and has been working in clay for over 20 years.  Upon completion of a Master’s Degree in Business Management from Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken NJ, Nancy pursued her life-long passion in the art forms of painting and ceramics. In addition to ceramics, Nancy explores the worlds or acrylic painting, sculpting, drawing and jewelry design.

I am amazed by the level of influence that my 30 years of experience as an antique dealer, has had on my clay creations.  From 17th century red-ware, to 21st century porcelain, where the struggle between form vs. function is constant.  My work is influenced by 16th century Japanese potters, European Modernists and 20th century abstract expressionists.

I develop custom raku glazes which are lead-free and formulated to create dazzling effects on varied surfaces of non-functional pottery and sculpture.  No two finished pieces will ever be the same because the metals (silver, copper, cobalt, iron) and colorants of the glazes are brought to the surface by flame and reduction to present themselves in a unique way.

Pared down to its barest essence, Wabi-Sabi is the Japanese art of finding beauty in imperfection and in nature.  It is a beauty of things imperfect and incomplete.  It is a beauty of things modest and humble.  It is a beauty of things unconventional…

Bobbie V Pottery – artist Bobbie Vanata

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I will be at the Farmstead on May 22  and 23…

More from Bobbie: I love the creative challenge of making functional pottery with a twist. I find it so much fun to learn new techniques from research, workshops, and other wonderful potters.

This year I have been inspired by the unpredictable atmospheric process of Soda firing. I also love flowers so I have incorporated them as appliques on my pottery surfaces.  So much to do – so little time but I love every minute of it.

Carriage House Studio – artist Peter Syak
artifacts-bydesign.com

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I will be at the Farmstead on May 22  and 23…

About Peter: After years in the corporate world, Peter took a chance to chase a dream and started his own ceramics studio. This was not out of the blue.  He began playing in the dirt during his engineering studies in college when, with the help of a friend, he set out to create what no college student could be without, a giant beer stein. That not-so-simple project in 1981 began a life-long love of clay.

Since then, Mr. Syak has studied with many of New Jersey’s foremost ceramics artists and has worked with some of the giants in the field. His pivotal moment came in 1986 when attending a workshop at the Summit Art Center, he discovered that one could place red-hot clay covered with molten glaze into flammable substances and not only produce breathtaking works of art but also remove unwanted facial hair. Peter’s love of Raku was both immediate and enduring.  He has carefully and painstakingly developed his unique techniques over the past 20 years and currently produces gallery-quality Raku, custom-made ceramic tiles and functional tableware.

From the day he opened his doors, his Raku has been recognized as some of the best of its kind in the country. His unique style juxtaposes clean architectural lines and natural ornamentation.  Bright copper lusters and rich hued glazes are offset by rich, black, etched designs.  Ancient eastern motifs are typically paired with simple geometric forms to produce work that is at once dynamic and visually pleasing.

Today, the Raku of Peter Syak is prized and collected by individuals and institutions alike and his tile projects grace both homes and institutions.  His work continues to evolve and new themes and techniques are frequently incorporated in the development of each new series.  He hopes his work will be as much of a joy to own and to collect as it is to create.

Divine Inspirations in Clay – artist Andrena Bonte
divineinspirationsinclay.com

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I will be at the Farmstead on May 22 and 23…

More from Andrena: I like to call my pieces “DIVINE INSPIRATIONS IN CLAY”.  My journey into the art world started in 2005.  Prior to this time, I had no art experience at all.  I was moved by a strong urge to create in the physical form through a medium working with my hands.  I was drawn to clay because of the tactile feel.   Professionally I am an Acupuncturist and Herbalist in Chinese Medicine.  Interaction with my patients has created a memory in my hands that allows these pieces to be created spontaneously via hand building.

Floppy Ear Pottery – artist Jennifer Espana
FloppyEarPottery.com

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I will be at the Farmstead on May 22  and 23…

About Jennifer: I have been a hobby potter since 2010, after taking my first ceramics class at the Parks & Recreation center in my town. It was there that I learned how clay could be transformed from a lump of clay into something functional and beautiful, at least that is what I envisioned in my head. What came out was a heavy bottom and lopsided piece of pottery that I loved. I was hooked. Pottery has become many things to me over time. It has been relaxing, challenging, educational, social, and awe inspiring. It has taught me to accept when things go wrong, to try new things and to celebrate when things go just right. But best of all, I have discovered my creative side, which has brought me much happiness.

Kate Poland Clay – artist Kate Poland Hetman
katepolandclay.com       
https://www.etsy.com/shop/KatePolandClay

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More from Kate: My work is driven by practical functionality first and foremost, and a warmth that I hope is conveyed in the handling of the pots.  I love an earthly palette, and details where the glaze can catch — groove marks, stamping, fluted lines.  My pots are meant to be used every day, and I hope they bring simple joy to those who use them.

Lady Baig Studio – artist Megan Baig
www.ladybaigstudio.com

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I will be at the Farmstead on May 22  and 23…

More from Megan: There is something about clay that has always felt natural to me, and when I took my first ceramics class back in community college, I never thought I’d be pursuing it at first as a hobby, then as a major at an art school in Boston, and now as a business here in New Jersey.

My style has definitely changed quite a bit over the years, and I know that ceramics is something I’ll always want to do. I enjoy reading about the different styles and forms pottery has taken over the ages and love incorporating these ideas in my modern functional ware.

Mimi Stadler Pottery– artist Mimi Stadler
https://www.mimistadlerpottery.com

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More from Mimi: Working with clay since 1985, a Potters Guild member since its inception in 1987, I can still be found most weekdays making, glazing and firing new pottery in my home studio. I wear many hats in my working life, as potter, designer, salesman, blogger, pottery photographer, website manager and gallery owner. I also teach adults and occasionally facilitate “pottery date nights” in the studio; sell at small holiday fairs; and manage my website and web sales. I feel blessed to juggle it all!

Mud ‘n Biscuits – artist Linda Peterson
mudnbiscuitsceramics.com  
etsy.com/shop/mudnbiscuits

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I will be at the Farmstead on May 22  and 23…

About Linda: For as long as I can remember, I have been creating art. I started with paints, and over time explored everything from mixed media to portrait painting. I had a brief fling with jewelry making before discovering clay in 2009.

I love both throwing on the wheel and hand building and sometimes combining the two. Each technique has its own appeal but I believe that in doing both allows me to understand the clay just a little bit better. I love the creative freedom of hand building, where I can explore irregular shapes, simple and whimsical silhouettes, and amazing textures. But I also love the symmetry and beautiful forms of wheel thrown pieces. Either way I like nothing better than seeing a piece that is instantly recognizable as handmade.

Paul’s Pottery – artist Paul Rankin
www.PrankinPottery.com

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About Paul: I rediscovered pottery in 2013 after a 40-year hiatus (life/work/family) when I enrolled in classes and became obsessed with clay all over again. I immediately set up my own Brooklyn, NY home studio and very much appreciate being retired and having the time and space now.

Transforming a lump of clay into an individually handcrafted work of 3 dimensional art is extremely satisfying and I’m still amazed sometimes that I am able to do that.  I am primarily a wheel thrower but enjoy hand building as well and I’m always experimenting with new designs and shapes.  When I’m comfortable with a form I’ll make several more but none are exactly the same.

What I enjoy most is altering my pottery in some way by carving, incising or incorporating various other techniques of adding surface texture.  My work is functional and decorative and I’ve tried to show some representation of it here in these photos: carved, crackled, fabric-slipped, Raku, hand built, donut and double-walled.

Pottery by Ken Maag – artist Ken Maag
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PotterybyKenMaag

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I will be at the Farmstead on May 22  and 23…

About Ken: Ken Maag was a teacher of Art for over 32 years combined in Parsippany, Ridgewood and East Hanover School systems before retiring in 2011 to pursue his own art. Besides his pottery, Ken is also an avid photographer, photographing flowers and birds. His earlier pursuits were in printmaking (intaglio etching) and painting.

He began his studies at “Earth and Fire” pottery studio in Morristown in the early 80’s under the expertise and guidance of ceramic artists Mike Feno and Sy Shames.

Sleeping Cat Ceramics –artist Iwona Czajkowski
www.sleepingcatceramics.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SleepingCatCeramics

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I will be at the Farmstead on May 22  and 23…

More from Iowna:  I find my inspiration for both design and decoration in the beauty in nature. I’m in awe when I see fiddlehead ferns and the many shapes of leaves and flowers. I see God’s greatness and power in nature. I love being outside gardening, taking walks, and hiking. I always bring home different leaves, flowers, grasses, and seashells. In my garden I grow plants specifically for impressing them into clay, using nature for texture. So many people rush through life without ever seeing the beauty around them. My goal as an artist is to capture the treasure and beauty of nature into clay and make an object for everyday use, or just for decoration–to bring the outdoors inside the house.

Studio A – artist Alisen Herman
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlisenHermanStudioA

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I will be at the Farmstead on May 22  and 23…

More from Alisen: In my cupboard is a cup, passed down through the generations, made special by its function, practice, and tradition. In many ways it is quite ordinary, created by hand, an every-day vessel which has captured memories and family blessings. Used only once a week to hold wine for the Sabbath Kiddush*, it is the notion of intentionally assigning meaning to this cup which has given it perpetual significance.

I am at the outset, making vessels that are traditionally functional, and hoping some of my work is used for ritual. Working mainly in porcelain and white stoneware I paint the surface in my imagination simultaneously while creating the pot, using a tool or my thumb at that moment to commit to the finished look I will later complete with glazing.

Through use we give meaning to vessels both humble and holy. My work currently aims to address humility and utility. Heritage, family, and a learned design concept of “form follows function” are ever present in my work, along with visual memories of my walks through museums. I’m influenced by Picasso’s work from his Blue and Rose periods when he painted realism. This work reminds me that fundamental forms and shapes are required foundations of any work. In Cubism, Neo-Classicism and onward, Picasso over time presented all the sides of an object in motion. This drives me to envision pushing boundaries in my own work past traditional functional, to a notion of a 4th dimension, with a recognition of the innate and timeless sanctity that is present in all things, including functional pottery.

The user transforms the mundane functional pot into something significant through the power of thought and intent, thus altering the perceived status of the vessel without changing it at all. Any cup can be one’s Kiddush cup to which each of us assigns meaning that sustains ourselves, our family, and our soul.

* the Kiddush is sanctification prayer over wine marking the day of rest in the Jewish tradition

Studio Magasic – artist Coleen Magasic
studiomagasic.com

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I will be at the Farmstead on May 22  and 23…

More from Coleen: I am continually amazed at the elegance and simplicity of designs found in nature, and I am moved to try to translate these into art.  I especially love to explore areas where we cannot see without help – under a microscope, in the ocean, or places in our everyday world where we have to stop and look to really see.  I love to feel like I am peeking into these worlds, & revealing something to the viewer.

My creative expressions in the past included drawing, painting, quilting and photography.   A course in tile making was the turning point in my career as an artist.  I was immediately hooked, and have continued to focus on tile making since then.

Tiles provide beauty and function.  In clay I can translate the images that I have captured – on film, under a microscope – into art.  Sometimes these images are true to form; other times they are full of whimsy and fun.  My goal is to convey the beauty of nature in my designs.

vpollack clayworks – artist Vicki Pollack
vpollackclayworks.com

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About Vicki: I am a ceramic handbuilder, working primarily with slabs and coils. Additions of sand to the clay gives it grit and causes it to crack and tear as I work with it. I build organically, the form evolves as each piece of clay is added.

My esthetic is informed by the complexity and beauty of the earth’s geology and the cracks and fissures that relate a story of time and the elements.

Alternatively, I could roll a smooth slab to form into a tray, a bowl, or a cylinder, to create a one-of-a-kind work to enhance everyday moments.

The diversity of the pieces I create is indicative of my desire to explore new materials and different ways of hand building with clay.

Most of all, I love to teach – to share with others, the joy of working with this incredible medium

Artist Peggy Davo

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I will be at the Farmstead on May 22 and 23…

Artist Norma Messing    

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I will be at the Farmstead on May 22  and 23…

 More from Norma: The pottery I make is the pottery I like to live with and use – colorful functional ware that will be cooked in, served from, eaten in, held. I set my table with a variety of vibrant pieces, store my leftovers in multi-glazed casseroles. (Tupperware – bah!), ripen pears on the counter in cheery bowls …. you get the picture.

I don’t think of myself as an artist but I do love the creative process of forming something composed of both the earth’s elements and the potter’s “chi.” I like shapes that invite caressing, surfaces that ask to be touched, playfulness that comes from incising and carving, and the occasional frou-frou. I make my own glazes and enjoy the serendipity of discovering how they interact. All pieces are safe for food, microwave, dishwasher, & oven.

A wise woman recommended finding work in retirement that constantly challenged and offered indicia of improvement; notably she didn’t say “success.” At this point in my life I am constantly challenged, inspired, excited, animated, and not infrequently, frustrated by clay.  Which, I suppose, was her point.

Artist Carol Peterson-Mendelsohn  

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I will be at the Farmstead on May 22  and 23…

More from Carol: Working with my hands and creating objects both functional and decorative, gives me great joy. Growing up, I was always in an art class with a sketchbook and I had a fascination with patterns and textiles.  This lead to a specialization in college in apparel design and it launched my career as a fashion designer in New York.  After many fulfilling years designing clothing for men and women, I returned to the classroom and became an art teacher – I was satisfied that I had another meaningful direction and it enabled me to share my knowledge of fine arts and design with students in all grades.

Art is full of many mediums.  For me, using clay is a new path in art that follows a never-ending journey. I have found that there are always new discoveries and new things to get excited about and inspired by.

My work is best described as functional with sculptural elements.  Some pieces follow a more organic tone.  It all depends on my inspiration.  I am constantly inspired by nature.  I am mostly a hand building clay artist.  I also throw and some of these pieces are altered in some combination. Many of my pieces are decorated using a glaze called Majolica. It allows me to follow a more painterly, illustrative, colorful and decorative quality.