Don Reitz is recognized as one of the most important and influential ceramic artists of the last century. He has cultivated a decades-long exploration of wood and salt firing of his pieces to preserve the unique energy and spontaneity of his mark-making.
Read moreX-Mural
It's been quite a while since I've updated the blog, but for good reason. I've been incredibly busy over the last few months working with Don and I thought it would be a good time to get caught up with my blog. Back in January Don had a vision to execute a wall piece for his show in April that was 12 feet tall by 8 feet, we built the frame and pounded 1000lbs of clay into it.
Read moreRebuilding the Train Kiln
This week Mat and Aubrey Rude came out from Iowa to help us work on rebuilding the Train Kiln stack. We also spent some time this weekend working on getting a website together, check out Mat's Website. The Made In Clarkdale show comes down this weekend and I'll be sure to add photos ASAP.
Read moreHexaptych
I put together a quick YouTube video for Don's Birthday (November 7th). I showed it to Don and he asked me put it online and share it with others. I'm putting the photos that go along with the video of the process for the hexaptych. The piece came out of the woodkiln this week and I will upload photos of the finished piece this week. Check back to see the finished photos.
Read moreBlack work
I've decided to make some shifts in my clay bodies over the last few months. I'm really starting to enjoy working with a black "palette" vs the standard white porcelain that I'm so used to using. We've been really busy firing kilns out at the ranch and I was able to fire another salt kiln with Don last weekend, and I'm really happy with the results. Below are a few pieces from the past few firings.
Read moreMonsoons
The monsoons are finally here! We've been waiting for what seemed like forever. But they finally have arrived. I was working on the ranch on Wednesday when the wind started to pick up and it started to rain. I quickly drove into town but stopped along the way to take photos with my phone. Now that is has rained we should be able to start firing again!
Read morePitch Article
It's been a while since I've updated the site, however that does not mean things are still not happening. I been to Canada and back, fired kilns, had visits from great friends and family. While all this is going on, Don's show is still in full swing attracting a great audience in Kansas City, MO. If you haven't seen the show maybe this article will get you in there. The article is written by Tracy Abeln who writes for The Pitch. The Pitch is a local alternative paper in Kansas City and has the second highest circulation in the city. Check it out!
Read moreRetrospective Video
Here's a quick promo video of the Retrospective in Kansas City produced by Ken Wagner from St. Petersburg, FL. Check it out below! (Best viewed in full screen)
Read moreDon Reitz Retrospective
This weekend Don, Kathleen, Larry and I traveled to Kansas City, MO for Don's opening of his retrospective show at the Belger Arts Center! It was an absolutely amazing show, so much wonderful work in one room. The opening was a wild success with hundreds of people stopping throughout the evening to see the show and see Don. Don's family Brent (son), Donna (daughter) and Nancy (sister) were all there and our Florida family was able to fly out to see the show and be with us. My parents were able to make it in the day after the show which was really nice to see the both of them.
Read moreDon Reitz at the Belger Arts Center
OPENING MAY 4!
May 4, 2012 - September 8, 2012
A tribute to the legendary Don Reitz spanning 51 years of his career. Join us from 6-9 pm on First Friday and see 100 artworks by Reitz on the ground floor and the third floor of the Belger building at 2100 Walnut Street in Kansas City's Crossroads Arts District. DON REITZ will run through September 8, 2012.
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