March 19, 2012

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Tomorrow is the first day of SPRING!  It's time to be thinking about leaving the comfort zone of many years in the UAA ceramics studio and transitioning to studio potter at WillowAK Pottery.  A shipment will arrive soon, including kiln shelves and posts, 500 lbs. of porcelain clay, glazes, studio equipment and supplies, and The Cink.  A new Skutt 1222 kiln, without furniture, and a Thomas Stuart wheel are already in place. We soon face moving, selling our Anchorage home, establishing a pottery, landscaping, and being happily retired! 
  • What:  WillowAK Pottery pronounced "willo ak" and revealing the where and what in a whimsical way; will post photos so you see sample pieces.
  • Where:  the studio, above, is about 90 minutes north of Anchorage; lakes, woods and wildlife create a naturally peaceful and inspiring setting year around.
  • When:  we expect to be up and running in May 2012.
  • Why:  love creating with clay -- making bowls, cups, platters, vases,  jewelry and other useful and fun items for everyday use and enjoyment. Glazes are food safe and clay is fine to use in oven, microwave, dishwasher, and freezer, but don't ask the clay to make a shockingly sudden change in temp.
That covers the basics. This blog will focus on what's being made in the studio -- its design, creation, marketing, and use. If you have questions regarding what you see, please send email to willowakpottery@gmail.com and I'll get back to you soon. Thanks for your patience as I learn about marketing through social networking. Making pottery and writing a blog are familiar territory; marketing is not. I'd like to be a ceramic artist who makes pieces others want to buy for themselves or to present as gifts. It will be a win-win if this venture allows me to keep creating and allows others a convenient way to treat themselves, family, and friends. Call for directions (907-495-8272) if you're in the Willow area and want to stop by or shop online at  (working on this part.) One possibility is a WillowAK Pottery page on Facebook, but I have more to learn about setting up the shopping there.

If you'd like to be on a WillowAK Pottery e-mail list to be notified of special events and developments, please send a note saying so -- and thanks for your interest!

~ Carol

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