Happy Birthday, Partner. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. Here are a few images of my time out at the ranch.
Read moreYunomi Invitational Exhibition
First Annual Yunomi Exhibition begins this week and officially opens Saturday, November 11th from 10-8 PM.
The Yunomi exhibit showcases the work of many of our superb local and regional clay artists. (15 artists, 2-5 pieces per artist = a staggeringly beautiful selection of choices. Holidays are just around the corner! Find the perfect one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone.
Work is being delivered on a daily basis so if you'd like a preview stop by today or tomorrow to see what is currently available.
I look forward to seeing all the great work from artists across the state!
Read moreSoft Slab Construction From Simple to Complex
I will be teaching a workshop at the Sedona Arts Center in April. I'm really looking forward to meeting new people around the area and sharing my work with the ceramic community. If you're interested in signing up for the class, details can be found below.
April 7–8, 2017
Friday and Saturday - April 7th and 8th , 2017
All Levels | Ceramics Studio| 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
This workshop demystifies working with soft slabs and deals with the essential components in creating unique slab-built objects. Workshop participants will learn the basics of constructing objects with clay slabs and tar-paper patterns. The presenter will cover necessary techniques...
Life is not a dress rehearsal...You only get one shot at it
WOW, such an incredible week. As I return to Arizona from NCECA, Facebook reminded me that it has been 2 years since my mentor Don Reitz has passed. While I was at the conference I was able to reconnect with so many great friends and meet just as many new ones! I feel so fortunate to have worked with Don at the ranch and am astonished with the doors he continues to open for me. Today I'm left thinking about something Don once told me, "It doesn't get any easier, it just gets different". I can honestly say that it's sure a hell of a lot different buddy, but I wouldn't change a thing. Thank you Don, love you and miss you.
Read more#benlaugh
I'm excited to be a co-featured artist with Ben Craigie at SoSoba and The Commerce in Flagstaff, Arizona. Be sure to check it out for first Friday, or stop by have some great food and maybe a few cocktails.
#benlaugh at SoSoBa and The Commerce.
Join us for First Friday Artwalk this Friday February 5th for a very special art installation by Benjamin Craigie and Bennett Roti.
Gonzaga Workshop
Last week I was asked to do a two day workshop for The ceramics department at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. I had a great time sharing my hand building techniques with everyone. A very special thank you to Mat Rude and the Kreielsheimer Visiting Artist foundation. I’ve put a few photos from the workshop below. I look forward to my next shop!
Read moreOrigins
Origin is the point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived. In preparation for my show at the Pearson Lakes Art Center, I spent time reflecting on my own origin, roots, and life experiences. My ceramic career began 15 years ago at the Pearson Lakes Art Center where my work is currently on display. Taking that into account, this sense of nostalgia or “coming home” is the focal point of my recent creative efforts. The objects I crafted have a pronounced texture covered by bright colors that are worn down to reveal the raw earthenware clay below. This fabrication process creates a butter-soft patina and timeworn appearance in each piece. My hope is that viewers will handle the work and can connect with their own pasts…their origins.
Read moreOrigins Opening Night
Visual Arts Director of the Pearson Lakes Art Center, Morgan Aalgaard, emailed me photographs from the opening night of my Origins Show. It was such a great night to see all the friendly faces. Morgan took some really great shots and I thought I would share them with everyone.
Read moreOrigins Opening Reception
Thank you to everyone who came to the opening reception for my show, "Origins". It was wonderful to see so many friends and reconnect with familiar faces! Origins is open through December 31, 2014 at the Pearson Lakes Art Center.
Read moreOrigins - By Bennett Roti
It has been a while since I've updated my site, a lot has changed in my life and there is a lot to look forward to! At the end of this month I will be having a solo show at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji, IA. The show will run from October 30th 2014 - December 31st 2014. There is an opening night reception on October 30th 2014 from 5-7pm. It is open to the public and I will be present for the opening. Looking forward to seeing so many friendly faces. If you're in the area on the 30th please stop by and enjoy some art. Click here for more information
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 moreArmy of One: Army of None
A couple of weeks ago I was in the local Made In Clarkdale show. The Made In Clarkdale Art Show(MIC) 2012 runs for 10 days beginning the first weekend of December featuring the original art of over 50+ artists with a variety of mediums including sculpture, visual art, photography, and wearable art in all price ranges. I met several wonderful people, and had a really great opportunity to see old friends and meet new ones as well! We had a wonderful turnout this year, and achieved our goal in sales to put on the show for next year. I focused mainly on getting two new pieces I have been working on titled "Army of One: Army of None" which were a hit. I received several wonderful comments and had some very engaging conversations.
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 moreRobert Roti
My grandfather passed away Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011, at Northshire Residence in Spencer. In honor of his service and his legacy I crated a dog tag helmet using his original dog tags from WWII. Grandpa Roti was an amazing man and the piece is very personal to me. It's made of a low fire earthenware clay and low fire underglazes. I plan on making more work with dog tags in the future.
Read moreNew Work
I'm working on updating my portfolio and wanted to share some images of my new work and the work that is in progress. Check out the newest works below or check my ceramic portfolio.
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 moreFt. Myers 2011
This weekend I took a mini vacation with my mom (Lisa Roti) to Ft Myers beach and had a wonderful time! It was very humid (not used to that any more) and very warm but soaked everything in at the beach! It was such a neat opportunity to see my mom and catch up on each others lives. A lot has happened in a year! Here are the photos of our trip from my phone, I will upload more when I get her camera
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