Handmade ceramic art for your home and office
"Art is the illusion of spontaneity"
-Japanese proverb
Sculptural
Functional
Wearable
About Me
My Bio
My Statement
My Medium
Ceramic artist Sandy Ashbaugh uses traditional hand building methods of slab construction and sgraffito when working in clay, yet achieves a modern aesthetic in her functional work. Among her best known pieces are those from; her delicate handcrafted sake set collection, and her lidded vessel series. The latter was published in Lark Craft’s “500 Raku”, selected to be in juried shows and purchased by an institution for their permanent art collection.
Sandy draws inspiration from architectural and interior design elements, like those from the Bauhaus movement, Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry. She obtained her BFA from Florida Atlantic University and has worked in clay ever since. Residing in Phoenix, Arizona, she is passionate about art education and has been involved with local communities teaching art and coordinating art programs and shows since 2004.
My Medium
My Statement
My Medium
My first exposure to the visual arts was in college. I trained in a variety of mediums but was immediately drawn to hand building with clay and have continued for over thirty years.
For many years, I glazed my work by harnessing the power of gas and fire to work in the Raku style. This Japanese method of firing makes them artistically pleasing but not food safe.
Later I transitioned to oxidation firings in an electric kiln using a light colored clay body and brighter, more enduring colors and washes.
I also embrace technology and usually am the one behind the camera.
My Statement
My Statement
My Statement
My experience as a classically trained violinist resonates throughout my work. It imparts a lyrical quality that speaks of beauty and harmony with classical proportions.
My current series was born from my interest in Japanese sushi and sake. I am intrigued by the shapes and colors of the food and serving pieces, and felt compelled to design something different than the traditional wheel thrown sake set. Architectural and interior design elements, ranging from the Bauhaus movement to architects Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry, often serve as inspiration for my work.
First I roll out the clay and cut out pieces from my pre-designed patterns. Then I wrap the pieces into delicate flasks (tokkuri) resembling a kimono, tapering them slightly towards the top. The cups (ochoko) are also wrapped but are smaller and perfectly sized for a serving of sake.
Dramatic underglazes contrast the light colored clay. I make deliberate marks using the sgraffito technique, to carve through the color, allowing the clay body to show through. Clear glaze is then applied and fired in an electric kiln, making them food safe.
The set is served on a wooden plinth which is cut, sanded and torched with flame, singeing the wood to bring out the grain. This traditional Japanese technique is called Shou Sugi Ban.
I design these to be artistically pleasing and enjoyed. Kanpai!
Events
11/14/2020
11/14/2020
Queen Creek Olive Mill - Holiday Art & Gifts Show
TBD - TBD
Queen Creek Olive Mill, 25062 S. Meridian Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Event Details
11/14/2020
11/14/2020
Queen Creek Olive Mill - Holiday Art & Gifts Show
I've been invited back to the San Tan Artist's Guild show at the fantastic Queen Creek Olive Mill! The guild runs a well organized show with...
TBD - TBD
Queen Creek Olive Mill, 25062 S. Meridian Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Feb 22 & 23, 2020
Feb 22 & 23, 2020
ASU - 2020 Ceramic Tour
10am - 5pm
3020 North Civic Center Plaza, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Event Details
Feb 22 & 23, 2020
Feb 22 & 23, 2020
ASU - 2020 Ceramic Tour
19th Annual self-guided weekend tour, sponsored by the Arizona State University Art Museum. It's FREE and includes 74 demonstrations by 35+ ...
10am - 5pm
3020 North Civic Center Plaza, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Ongoing
Ongoing
Vision Gallery
10 East Chicago Street, Chandler, AZ 85225
Event Details
Ongoing
Ongoing
Vision Gallery
You can find my work at the upscale Vision Gallery in Downtown Chandler, Arizona. www.VisionGallery.org
10 East Chicago Street, Chandler, AZ 85225
Nov 21, 2019
Nov 21, 2019
16th Annual Ironwood Studio Ceramics Sale
9am - 6pm
Estuary Park
Event Details
Nov 21, 2019
Nov 21, 2019
16th Annual Ironwood Studio Ceramics Sale
Ceramics sale hosted by the Chandler-Gilbert Community college ceramics students.
9am - 6pm
Estuary Park
Nov 3, 2019
Nov 3, 2019
Schemer Arts Center
10am - 12pm
Shemer Art Center, 5005 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Event Details
Nov 3, 2019
Nov 3, 2019
Schemer Arts Center
I will be doing a hand building demonstration for the Arizona Clay Association.
10am - 12pm
Shemer Art Center, 5005 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
More Events
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SLAB Studio, LLC
Copyright © 2019 Sandy Ashbaugh, SLAB Studio, LLC - All Rights Reserved.