Lillstreet Workshop -- Momoko Usami

I remember with great fondness a simple tea cup that Momoko made from porcelain.  What first attracted me to the cup was the simple underglaze painting on one side.  However, the little cup held a "secret".  If you look through the bottom of the cup at a light source, you are presented with the image of a ballet dancer. Such is the technical abilities and the whimsical nature of Momoko's work.

You now have an opportunity to learn from Momoko.  She will be at Lillstreet to conduct a workshop on Pinhold Viewers on June 6, 2014.  Sign up for the class here.

If you would like to see more of her work, make sure to "Like" her potter page on Facebook.

Master Minds...

Read on to find out how you can get a behind the scenes peaks into the minds of our resident artists, save on next session classes, and see a few recent student masterpieces.

Join us for an Artist in Residence Open House at Lillstreet this Friday night

December 17th, 7-10pm

Featuring:

Ceramics - Momoko Usami
Metals - Sontra Stala
Textiles - Johana Moscoso

See what has been going on in the master minds of the Ceramic, Metals, and Textiles departments as each resident artist presents their work and slide shows. This is a great opportunity to hang out with some truly talented folks! Refreshments and live music preformed by Jessica Robins will keep things lively.

Sign-up Early and Save! Register for Winter 2011 classes and pay in full by December 20 to save $20 on 10-week classes or $10 on 5-week classes. The early registration discount may be applied to more than one class and Members are eligible for both their membership discount and the early registration discount. Click here to Sign-up now!

Last, but never, never my friends least- check out your great work that came out of the kiln last weekend. Ooooh... Ahhhh...

Don't Miss Your Chance...

Hello Lillstreet ceramicists!

There is a lot going on around the studio as the holiday season rolls on in. Highlights include the beginning of early winter classes, a workshop with a world renowned artist, and fresh student work coming out of the kiln. Remember to sign up for early winter classes starting the weeks of November 22 & 29th.

Check out “I’ve Created a Monster” with Alessandro Gallo next weekend, November 20-21. Take advantage of this fabulous opportunity to learn from a master as we practice emblematic sculpture.

Don’t miss out on your chance to spend some quality time with our own beloved artist-in-residence Momoko Usami as she finishes out her two years with us. Opportunities include handbuilding classes and the following one day workshops:

Ocarina: Wednesday, December 1 from 2 to 5pm

Inkoku: Saturday, December 11 from 2 to 4pm

Taste of Enamel: Saturday, December 18 from 2 to 4pm

Last, but most certainly not least, check out the great work by your fellow classmates that came out of the kilns this past week.  These amazing sculptural pieces are by Randy Stearns.

Instructor Introduction: Momoko Usami

Please tell us a little about yourself; your name, background, education, and a fun fact or two.
I’m Momoko Usami. I went to under graduate, and graduate school at Kyoto City University of Art in Kyoto, Japan. I came to the U.S. last year to change my environment, and to research how the cultural difference influence people’s view.

How long have you been working with clay and how did you get started?
I have been working with clay since University. So almost 9 years.

What are your influences, both inside and outside of the clay world?
Ceramics for souvenir, Japanese painting in Edo period, dreams, find something on the street

Do you sell your work? If so, how can one find it?
Woman Made Gallery. You are more than welcome to stop by my studio.

What advice can you give to students of the ceramic arts?
Learn from trial and error, just need to be patient and take your time.

How do you spend your time when not working with clay?
Drawing, cooking, eating, reading, thinking or sleeping

Any parting words?
I like beer.

Website: http://momokousami.shichihuku.com/