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 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 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!