Madelaine Plauché

Waxing prophetic

2011-12-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

So many holiday shows to prepare for! I have started taking pieces home to work on in the wee hours. These are bisqued pieces that I painted and waxed. The wax portions (yellow here) will resist the green glaze I will apply to the pieces, leaving the white clay exposed in the final piece. So far I have had some great results with this technique.

Green and white leaves along with lots of elephant-themed goodies are on display at Blue Genie Art Bazaar which opened TODAY!

Also, you can find me THIS weekend (Dec 3rd and 4th) at Wheatsville Art Festival and NEXT weekend (Dec 10 and 11th) at Cherrywood Art Fair. Come by to find elegant, handmade gifts for others (or yourself) this December.

In The Press

2011-11-14T08:30:00.000-08:00

The evolution of a design. I had some time this weekend to develop a few designs for refrigerator magnets, give some impromptu hands-on clay workshops to kids, and catch up with some old friends. I'm not going to lie to you, things were a little slow at E.A.S.T. on Saturday, despite being a top 25 pick of the Austin Chronicle for 2011! Here is what Robert Faires had to say:

Madelaine Plauché

2710 E. Cesar Chavez, 524-0354,www.madelaineplauche.blogspot.com

All her simple, elegant ceramic wares are captivating, but the teakettles and jars with Asian elephant designs are worth trumpeting for.

Ha ha! Still one more weekend of E.A.S.T. to go. Come on by to see the artist at work!

Revved for E.A.S.T.

2011-11-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

These and many other elephant themed pottery anxiously await their new homes!

Tomorrow is the first day of the 10th anniversary East Austin Studio Tour! I'll be joining a great crew of artists at Ryan McKerley's studio to sell and show my most recent work and to take in the general great vibe that E.A.S.T. offers. Here's the info:

2710 E. Cesar Chavez
Sat Sun and next Sat Sun
11-6pm

Both the quality and quantity of my pottery pieces has grown since the arrival of Eliana, my new assistant! She is very skilled and productive and with someone else in the studio holding me accountable, my own work habits are top notch these days. Come see for yourself!

Production pottery

2011-10-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

Here comes the busiest time of the year for me!

I have two main lines this fall: The textured green functional wear decorated with flower and elephant stamps, and the white, clean-lined functional pieces that are hand-painted, often with red flowers. This picture shows my sketches and plans for the former, along with estimates for how many days each will take, all in preparation for Blue Genie Art Bazaar , East Austin Studio Tours, and other Christmas shows. The elephant mugs you see towards the bottom will be sold for the first time this Saturday at Sunset Valley Farmer's Market.

The absolute low point of the month was accidentally cc'ing the entire list of East Austin Studio Tours (yes, over 300 artists) on an email with the following text:

Please reword the first sentence slightly so that it reads:

"My ceramic work combines simple, functional forms with decorative motifs and techniques drawn from a variety of cultures."

Thanks!
Madelaine

Thanks! I don't know how to use a computer!

Also a quick sketch of one of my kitties that may make it onto a pot some day. Its funny how he always has one paw tucked under his body. Yes, Rory, you have a beautiful tummy. I will pet it as soon as I finish waxing the bottom of these mugs...

Pictures of Pitchers

2011-09-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

WOW! What a difference some professional photography makes. These pieces were shot by local photographer, Robert Boland, last week in preparation for upcoming fall shows. This fall, I am applying to E.A.S.T., Wheatsville Art Festival, Cherrywood Art Fair, and Blue Genie Art Bazaar. That's a lot of poppy pitchers...

I am also really pleased with the results of my first attempt at slip inlay technique. This is where I carve into the clay at the leather hard stage, stain the carved areas, and wipe the surface clean. The technique leaves a fine line of stain that I used for the stems of the poppies here. The effect is more like drawing than painting and adds some texture to an otherwise two dimensional decoration. So keep an eye out for more work like this!

Fresh new moves

2011-08-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

These test tiles are proof that I am finally taking some solid steps towards switching to a midrange clay (cone 6-8). This will save on electricity costs for me and my customers, since I currently work with a wonderful cone 10 clay (a porcelain/stoneware mix). This means each piece must be brought up to about 2300 degrees farenheit. Yikes!

Also, the elephant cookie jars were such a hit last year, that the first thing I did in June was to make a dozen of these in all shapes and sizes. Here is one of the ones I preferred. I liked the form and the combination of both raised and depressed motifs.

My motto this time around is complexity - I have been pleased with the many of the designs from last year, but I want to add another dimension to each of them so that each piece has color, texture, and lines that combine to make a complete concept (for you to store your favorite cookies).

This fall, I'm planning to be at the Sunset Valley Farmer's Market the first Saturday of each month, starting two weeks from now on September 3rd. Hope to see some of you there!

Seconds Sales

2011-05-26T10:58:00.001-07:00

MUGS, MUGS, MUGS! Its time to clear out the 2010 inventory and make some space for what is to come. I am hosting a FRONT PORCH POTTERY AND JEWELRY SALE at my home next Saturday (June 4th) where I will be selling an assortment of mugs, platters, bowls, and other ceramic creations for HALF OFF! Yikes!

Also in attendance will be the beautiful and talented Claire Sommers Buck who is offering a grab bag of fun colorful earrings for only $10 each in addition to her full inventory of handmade jewelry.

Then, are you ready for the next wave of ceramics to come out of my studio? Lots of positive feedback on pieces featuring carving or painting of flora and fauna has helped me to go back to my first love in art - Drawing. Don't you think this little guy would look nice on a plate or mug?

That dog was one of many that I sketched at the Sunset Valley Artisans Market. I will be back there THIS SATURDAY, May 28th for more pottery sales, including a shelf of seconds for HALF PRICE. I had such a great time there, that I plan to attend once a month starting in September.
I'll keep you posted on exact dates!

Custom Work

2011-03-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

After the holidays, I took on a few commissions from friends and clients. This seder plate was a fun challenge and I was really happy with the final product. I created the divets by draping a slab over some yogurt lids and removing them just as the clay started to harden but before too much shrinking. I made stencils for the lettering and hand painted the rest. The final piece was about 14 inches in diameter. For me, this platter was a perfect weight - It feels delicate but strong.

Elephant jars were also really popular during the November and December sales so a few more were commissioned for this spring of varying sizes. Some people like a large cookie jar, some people like a small one. I use a combination of sprig molds from stamps I create from Indian fabric printing blocks and free hand carving.

I used the same technique to create these smaller, playful vessels which seem to me to be a cross between a victorian bathtub and a candle holder. They measure only 3 or 4 inches high and could be used to store pot pourri or jewelry. I am currently selling them at Marigold - Gateway to India on South Lamar.

Wrapping up 2010

2010-12-16T03:59:00.000-08:00

After a short weekend break, I am back to prepping for my last sale of 2010. I'll be selling seconds from 2010 and several newer pieces, like this single bud flower vase, at the Barton Creek Farmer's Market this Saturday, December 18th. I haven't been to this farmer's market yet, so I'm anxious to go check it out. The market is in the parking lot on the side facing downtown Austin and it goes from 9 to 1pm.

The main thing I had to tackle to prep for this last show was sealing these cedar shelves we built for Wheatsville Art Festival. They are very light but sturdy and as an extra bonus, they make the whole craft tent smell like fresh gerbil. I took advantage of the cool, windy weather on Tuesday to completely seal these shelves so they are now all-weather and ready for action!

Painted Platters for Christmas

2010-11-30T13:30:00.000-08:00

These hand painted poppy platters sold so quickly during the East Austin Studio Tour, I quickly got to to work to make a dozen more for my December shows. This year, I will only be showing at Wheatsville Art Festival on Dec 4th and 5th, a very fun family event complete with Austin artisans and musicians. Check the website for the musical line-up. If you can't make it, I'll be selling mostly seconds the very last saturday before Christmas at the Barton Creek Farmers Market, but I am unlikely to have any of these platters left by then!

The platters are first thrown on the wheel as shallow bowls. Then I square off the sides and add handles at the leather hard stage and allow them to dry very slowly. After bisque firing the pieces, I apply a thin, white glaze which crackles slightly to give it an antique look. Yesterday, I hand painted all the pieces, fired them to cone 10 and unloaded them this morning. I love that quick turn around!

Underglazing with Mixed Results

2010-11-12T10:09:00.000-08:00

For upcoming fall shows, I started experimenting with underglazes which are applied at the bisque phase and offer more varieties of colors and presumably, more control over outcomes. Feeling confident and maybe a little rushed, I didn't test thoroughly and this cool mint green turned a faded brown on about 40 pieces - oops. This wasn't a complete disaster but I was pretty disappointed in the results. Test test test everything!

I really like using the underglazes to paint on ceramic work and have been enjoying trying them out for interiors and exterior washes, as well. The following tumblers (well-tested before hand) came out of the kiln yesterday and I really liked the result. Hopefully shoppers at upcoming East Austin Studio Tours and Wheatsville Art Festival will agree!

Testing Glazes

2010-10-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

Its crunch time for East Austin Studio Tours. I'll be showing fall work both weekends at
2710 East Cesar Chavez
November, 13, 14 and November 20,21
from 11 to 6

Luckily, I had some much needed help mixing glazes!

Last weekend we mixed up two basics I use alot, especially for painted pieces like the poppy tumbler seen above - a clear and an opaque white glaze. We also mixed very small batches of two new glazes. All four were applied to a bisqued plate and fired at cone 10 in my electric kiln.

Overall, results were good: The basics came out consistently and the Copper Apple Green has some potential. I'm going to try adding more colorant to it in the next batch. The pale celadon was pretty underwhelming, so I'll pass on that one. What do you think?

Wild Kingdom

2010-09-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

Pop quiz. Can you find the box turtle I rescued on the way to the studio last week? Answer at the bottom. I am not exaggerating when I say this turtle was right in the middle of the intersection of a busy four lane street and a train track, with the train whistling and coming straight for it!

Also this month I had to use my craftiness to create a nest for two blue jays that fell out of a nest one windy weekend. Both of them hung around for about a week then hopped out of the nest and disappeared. Since when is September a time for baby birds and turtles?

Finally some craft shows are coming up! I will be participating in the East Austin Studio Tour this year, which will be great. About 10 artists will be joining the regular 2710 E. Cesar Chavez crew for two weekends in a row: November 13, 14 and November 20, 21. I am organizing the live music, mandatory in the city of Austin for all public events.

Stay tuned for other holiday show announcements.
Answer to Box Turtle quiz:

Summer In and Out of the Studio

2010-08-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

June and July were pretty mild this year. Here I am heating up with my terracotta animal planters just a tad at the Rockport Art Festival over the 4th of July weekend. This was a really fun festival with music and food and a million great artists. I would definitely like to participate again next year. I shared a booth with Barefoot Art Jewelry. More pictures and even a short film is viewable at La Céramique on Facebook. This page is a great way to see more frequent updates and upcoming events. Also, a great way to get feedback from you and see what you are up to!

Then it got HOT. But at least its a muggy heat. I spent what time I could in the studio practicing some basics, like throwing a cylinder over and over again then cutting it open to check the evenness of the walls. You can see a video of at La Céramique on Facebook! Also I got my first wholesale order for a dozen crosses for a new store that just opened at the Oasis. If you make it up there before me, please let me know how it looks! Here are the crosses about to be bisque fired. Some are stained and carved, others waiting for hand painting.

New Pictures - New Shops

2010-06-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

Exciting news! Friday before Memorial Day weekend I brought my best pottery pieces to the Oasis on Lake Travis. The gift shop there has started carrying local artisan work in addition to the standard longhorn and bluebonnet paraphenalia. My guitar boxes and hand painted floral pitchers will fit right in alongside the guitar pick earrings and other Austin goodies. I also brought some woodfire pieces to see if those were appealing to some of the clientele there too.

Also, my vases, bowls, and incense burners textured with Indian wood blocks (for fabric printing) are now available at Marigold on South Lamar.

New pictures! Peruse the gallery of work that has come out of the new East Side Studio! Lots of room for improvement in the area of taking pictures of work but I have figured a few things out this month. What else am I plotting for the summer?

Pot of the Art

2010-06-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

My studio mates hosted Art of the Pot on Mother's Day weekend, which was a tremendous success for the artists who came from around the country and also the shoppers who were lucky enough to see their work or even take some home with them. I splurged and bought a mug from Jennifer Allen whose feminine style and organic details I really liked.

It was great I was able to see almost every artist over the weekend. It gave me a lot of confidence about my own work and some directions to pursue in the future. I am really lucky to be around so many talented artists right now who push me and encourage me.

And finally, my cat had two kittens this month, so I couldn't resist adding this picture to the mix.

Spring Works

2010-04-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun making these terracotta planters inspired by early Central American works. The bodies are thrown on the wheel. The heads and feet and other body parts are added later. I also carved a few simple patterns along the rim, but mostly left these animals simple and iconic.

I struggled at first with the bird, but once I settled on a two dimensional design for the toucan-like beak and head, this became my favorite of the critter pots. I hope these will be a hit at the Lone Star Ladies Show this weekend in time for Mother's Day. I also tackled some brushwork for the first time and created a few unique pieces with poppies or sweet pea designs.

2710 E. Cesar Chavez

2010-03-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am so happy to be settled in my new studio on the East Side! The outside features this mind bending mural by Lance Bradley, but the inside features skilled potters and great studio mates Ryan McKerley, Chris Campbell, and Sarah Reesor. Be sure to check out their amazing work.

After cleaning, painting, and building some shelves, I finally got to work and started throwing for my next show in April. These are the first pieces I threw in my new space.

Broken Bits of Ceramics

2010-01-14T11:48:00.000-08:00

January is a great time for me to take some new steps forward and reflect on last year's accomplishments. Currently, I am installing a midrange electric kiln at my home studio where I plan to make a line of sculpted planters this spring. Instead of including pictures of my breaker panel and kiln factory manuals, I thought I would post some more colorful pictures from last summer's project.

What you see is a typical over-the-top family project: An 300 gallon rainwater collection barrel built entirely from scratch rebar, chicken wire, and cement. First a huge bird cage was constructed, then the sides were stuccoed with ferrocement. Once complete, it was carefully moved 4 feet to the side of the house using a system of pipes and wood beams as rollers.

I was really happy with final product and it works too! Now back to planning ...
Wishing you all a productive and joyous 2010.

Bones and Fossils

2009-12-18T15:49:00.001-08:00

Great show at Cherrywood this weekend! This picture shows includes many of the woodfire pots I made late summer. No, the tortoise shell is not for sale! Its on loan from my parents' backyard, actually.

My very last show this year will be at the Sunset Valley Farmer's Market here in Austin. Its this Saturday 9am to 1pm. I plan to set up a half price table with some seconds. Should be fun!

Then, after a quick break for the holidays, I'm looking forward to a very productive January... I'll keep you posted!

Holiday Line for 2009

2009-11-30T21:29:00.000-08:00

See pictures of my latest work!

I can't believe how much pottery one person can generate in a couple of months. I don't want to spoil anything, but let's just say there is no shortage of stripes, dots, and birds. All of these pieces (with the exception of the piggy bank) will be for sale at the upcoming craft shows:

December 3rd | First Thursday on South Congress
December 5th & 6th | Wheatsville Arts Festival
December 12th & 13th | Cherrywood Art Fair

Hi! I am adorable.

Getting Ready

2009-11-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

These last few weeks of November I will be working on my relatively last minute pieces : sgraffito wall hangings. These embellished tiles function as a candle holder, incense burner, or holy water receptacle. They only require one round of firing so I have some time to make several of these in the next couple of days.

Note the green smoothie in the foreground. Don't be alarmed, its just my newest health kick.

This coaster set uses the same technique and features local Austin birds. In the background The Decemberists, The Coup, and Def Leppard are in tight rotation.

Upcoming Shows

2009-11-08T17:32:00.000-08:00

I'll be participating in three shows in early December, all in Austin, Texas. I hope some of you can come out to one of these events for some holiday shopping!

December 3rd
First Thursday at 1610 South Congress from 4 til late. This event includes live music, great food and late night shopping or bar hopping.

December 5th and 6th

Wheatsville Art Festival at 3101 Guadalupe from early morning to late afternoon. Almost 50 local artisans will be participating in this juried event.

December 12th and 13th

Cherrywood Art Fair at 38 1/2 and Maple Avenue. This all day benefit features local artisans, food, and live music.