Sandy Ashbaugh

Sandy AshbaughSandy AshbaughSandy Ashbaugh

Sandy Ashbaugh

Sandy AshbaughSandy AshbaughSandy Ashbaugh
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Contemporary Ceramic Artist

Contemporary Ceramic ArtistContemporary Ceramic ArtistContemporary Ceramic Artist

"Art is the illusion of spontaneity"    

 -Japanese proverb

Contemporary Ceramic Artist

Contemporary Ceramic ArtistContemporary Ceramic ArtistContemporary Ceramic Artist

"Art is the illusion of spontaneity"    

 -Japanese proverb

Sculptural

Functional

The Artist

Biography

Artist Statement

Biography

Ceramic artist Sandy Ashbaugh has been working in clay for over 30 years. She uses a traditional hand building method of slab construction and sgraffito, yet achieves a modern aesthetic. Among her best known pieces are those from; her uniquely designed and handcrafted, sake set collection, as well as her lidded vessel series. The latter was published in Lark Craft’s “500 Raku”, juried into various shows and purchased by public and private institutions.


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 Arizona, she is passionate about art education and has been involved with local schools and communities, teaching art as well as coordinating art programs and shows since 2004. 

Medium

Artist Statement

Biography

My first exposure to the visual arts was in college. I trained in a variety of mediums but was immediately drawn to clay, hand building with it for over 30 years. 


For decades, I glazed my work in the Raku style by harnessing the power of gas fuel with fire and flames. This originally was a Japanese method of firing, which has been adapted to make ceramic pieces artistically pleasing but not food safe. 


When I traded a busy community studio for the solitude of a private one, I also traded gas for electric power and reduction for oxidation. Light colored stoneware is still my clay of choice and continue to use intense colors and contrast. 


I also embrace technology and am usually the one behind the camera. 

Artist Statement

Artist Statement

Artist 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 pedestal 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 as well as functional.  Kanpai!

Find My Work

The Finer Arts Gallery

The Finer Arts Gallery

The Finer Arts Gallery

Visit one of the largest galleries in the North Valley, representing over 45 professional Arizona artists. Media ranges from oil, acrylic, graphite, pastels, photography, bronze, ceramic, glass, jewelry, sculpture and more. 

Cave Creek, AZ 

Visit Website

SLAB Studio

The Finer Arts Gallery

The Finer Arts Gallery

Looking for that special something for a birthday, anniversary, wedding or hostess gift? Contact me to see what I have available.


I can also take custom orders and ship

 with 4-6 weeks lead time. 

I provide tracking info for peace of mind. 

Chandler, AZ

Call or text Me

The Vision Gallery

The Finer Arts Gallery

The Vision Gallery

Vision Gallery is a contemporary gallery for ever-changing and engaging exhibitions. The gallery features diverse and evolving art in a variety of media including; ceramics, printmaking, drawing, photography, textiles, painting, sculpture and multi-media art. 

Chandler, AZ

Visit Website

Where to find me

Nov 17,18,19 & 24,25,26, 2023

Hidden In The Hills, 27th Annual, Artist Studio Tour

10am

-

5pm

Pat's Glass Studio, 26420 N 82nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Event Details

Nov 17,18,19 & 24,25,26, 2023

Hidden In The Hills, 27th Annual, Artist Studio Tour

I'll be at Pat's Glass Studio in Scottsdale again for the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour!  


This is the Sonoran Arts League's premier...

Event Details

10am

-

5pm

Pat's Glass Studio, 26420 N 82nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

April 1, 2023

Ocotillo Art & Fine Craft Show

9am

-

4pm

Downtown Ocotillo, 2547 W Queen Creek Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248

Event Details

April 1, 2023

Ocotillo Art & Fine Craft Show

I've been juried into the Ocotillo Fine Art & Craft Show. Come browse a variety of juried artists under the white tents amid the Mediterrane...

Event Details

9am

-

4pm

Downtown Ocotillo, 2547 W Queen Creek Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248

February 25 - March 20, 2023

Juried Members of the Sonoran Arts League Show

10am

-

4pm

Sonoran Arts League Gallery, 7275 Easy Street, #A104, Carefree, AZ 85377

Event Details

February 25 - March 20, 2023

Juried Members of the Sonoran Arts League Show

17 participating artists were juried into the Sonoran Art League after going through a "jury" or judging process.These artists will have the...

Event Details

10am

-

4pm

Sonoran Arts League Gallery, 7275 Easy Street, #A104, Carefree, AZ 85377

Nov 18,19,20 & 25,26,27, 2022

Hidden In The Hills, 26th Annual Artist Studio Tour

10am

-

5pm

Pat's Glass Studio, 26420 N 82nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Event Details

Nov 18,19,20 & 25,26,27, 2022

Hidden In The Hills, 26th Annual Artist Studio Tour

I'm really excited to have been accepted as an artist in the Sonoran Arts League's premier event - Hidden In The Hills Artist Studio Tour! T...

Event Details

10am

-

5pm

Pat's Glass Studio, 26420 N 82nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

April 02, 2022

Ocotillo Art & Craft Show

9am

-

4pm

Downtown Ocotillo, 2547 W Queen Creek Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248

Event Details

April 02, 2022

Ocotillo Art & Craft Show

I've been juried into the Ocotillo Fine Art & Craft Show. Come browse a variety of juried artists under the white tents amid the Mediterrane...

Event Details

9am

-

4pm

Downtown Ocotillo, 2547 W Queen Creek Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248

More Events

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Sandy Ashbaugh

SLAB Studio, LLC

Call/Text 480.204.1545

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