Little Head Shop

Flowerpots

2012-01-31T01:20:00.001-08:00

I just finished these two flowerpots for a commission. They turned out just how I planned. I can't wait to see them with plants in them. I'll try to add some pictures when I do.

Bottling glaze

2012-01-09T21:49:00.001-08:00

Holiday Fair and Art in a Box

2011-12-02T17:22:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from a couple of years ago:

The Holiday Fair at CCAC is this Saturday, December 3, 2011, 11 am–3 pm. I will be selling some Heads and a few other little things. Come on down! I would love to see you.

It's located on Broadway in Oakland across the street from the beginning of College Ave.

Also Art in a Box continues their Great Trans-American Art Campaign

Check out the new video:

Here is one of the latest pieces that I dropped off:

Art in a Box Great Trans - American Art Campaign

2011-11-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I just wanted to tell y'all about Art in a Box's new campaign to have subscribers from all 50 states. If you or someone you know reside in one of the states without subscribers(see map below) you should really consider signing up or giving a subscription to someone. It's really inexpensive and fun and you could receive some of my art in one of the boxes.

Here are to two latest pieces that I dropped off. They consist of one large-ish head and one small head.

Here is the map of the states that have subscribers:
This is what they have to say about the map above:
"Check out the current Art in a Box Great Trans-American Art Campaign Stats!
Join us on the campaign to send Bay Area art to every state in the good ol’ USA. We are constantly updating our map…Green shaded states currently have subscribers to Art in a Box. Check back on our progress. Is your state representing? We need love from NEVADA, WYOMING, and more! Come on, let’s do this! Did we mention that every NEW subscriber in a state that is not colored green will get a special surprise in his/her box? Help spread art throughout the USA! Subscribe Today!"

Here is the link to Art in a Box.

skip right to their subscription page here.

A couple of pictures from the show

2011-08-15T23:35:00.000-07:00

So these are just some preliminary pictures from the gallery. Look for some higher quality shots on my website soon. There are still two Saturdays in the month to go and see the show if you haven't already. You can find the details in an earlier post.

Finally finished (partly/mostly)

2011-07-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

It's glazed but unfired. I'm going to do a couple of tests to get the temperature perfect. I'm pretty pleased though.

More Art Show Preparation - Porcelain Cars

2011-07-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

I just got these pieces out of the kiln. They are just black underglaze on porcelain. I am about to start a couple larger pieces which will take forever and I only have a couple of weeks. You do the math. These were pretty simple, here is the process:

Here is the unglazed porcelain car.

First I brush black underglaze into all of the cracks. I like to use Leslie Ceramic Supply's U-24 Basic Black. They also make U-9 Black which is a cool blueish black. The U-24 is a warm brownish black and it tends to flux (get shiny) less than the U-9 which is also a bonus in this case.

All the cracks, crevices etc filled with black underglaze.

Next I take a sponge and wipe off the excess underglaze leaving nice crisp lines.

Now for the laborious part, the background. I have collected lots of images to use which I organize and paste in a scrapbook. This page is all from an old french encyclopedia that had some great images. Landscapes tend to be pretty forgiving since people can't really tell whether you copied the image faithfully so I don't really worry that much about it. It still takes a bit of time even on so small an area. I also shaded the car somewhat at this stage.

And here is the result after firing.

I will post more pictures in the coming weeks. Check out the website for the gallery here: http://roscoeceramicgallery.com/

See my last post for the time and other particulars.

Fresh out of the kiln: A new glaze painting

2011-06-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

Black underglaze on porcelain

(click on image for larger view)

This one turned out great. It's pretty darn small, only 3 1/4 by 4 1/4", but very detailed.

It's for this show that I have coming up in August. Here is the card:

It's a new gallery that Derik Van Beers just opened up. The back half is his studio and the front half is the gallery. It is very neat and tidy and looks great.
Here are the details:
Roscoe Ceramic Gallery
473 25th St., Suite D
Oakland, California
Gallery Hours Saturdays 11 am - 5 pm
415-515-3174

I also just got out these completed sculptures of dams. They were really smaller studies for large pieces but they came out really nice.

Sketch Book Drawings

2011-06-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

So I've been going through my sketchbooks in search of inspiration for my show in a couple of months. I've made a lot of flat picture frame-like ceramic plaques so I need quite a bit of content to fill them. These drawings span probably like 2004 to the present so some of them are kind of old. I've included both drawings of things I typically do as well as a few weird drawings as I would like to get a little weirder in my work.
I've been drawing and sculpting rocket cars lately. Here are a couple:

This one is based on the caption:
This is a drawing I did for a friend who was going to have a fashion line called "Squirrel and Cross Bones"
This is drawing of a photo of some german lady that was at a party at the co-op house that my friends Brandon and Erich used to live in. Dumpasaurus is completely unrelated but written on the same page.

My friend Brandon drew this guy in my sketchbook. I think this was a t-shirt idea.
This is a drawing of a bed that used to be at a cabin that we used to go to when I was a kid. It was a really old spring based hospital bed that was all worn out so you'd always roll into the middle when you were sleeping in it. My family called it the Fat Lady.
This is a stupid drawing I did late at night.
Math Rebel

I had a dream with a drive through pencil sharpener. I should have drawn it in pencil.
Don't ask me what this is about. Cat/Bus

I drew the lady on the left with this amazing old water based sepia ink that I think I got at the Depot for reuse years ago. You just do your drawing in ink and then use a brush and water to shade the ink. It's like one of those coloring books that had the color in dots where you just needed to use a brush with water to color in the pictures.

New Flat Ceramic Work

2011-05-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

So I've been focussing on flat work recently for Art in a Box.
These are a couple of pieces from the last two months:

This is the one I just dropped off:

(Click on the images to see them large.)

Set up an Etsy shop

2011-05-10T22:53:00.000-07:00

I'm just getting started, but stay tuned for more ceramic sculptures for sale on my etsy page: http://www.etsy.com/people/Bentonight

New Drawing

2011-03-11T14:15:00.000-08:00

So I just finished this drawing. I was going to use some of my nice drawing pens but all of my ink has become dry so I had to settle for disposable drawing pens. Anyhow this is for some one night art show based on poetry. I'm not much of a poetry person but the poems by one of the choices had nice imagery that I could work with. I even enjoyed the poem. It's called Trudy and Beau and it's by Steve Lance. Show is tomorrow night March 12, 2011 at Krowswork Gallery (480 23rd st Oakland, side entrance) at 7:30.The event will feature readings by Steven Lance, John Sakkis, and C.S. Giscombe, and art by Ben Belknap, Misako Inaoka, Shannon May, Jae Payne, Sarah Ratchye, Peter Schulte, and Jon Stich.

Progress on the Artstuct Door Project

2011-01-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

See former post on the subject for details here.
Visit Artstruct here for more info as well.

Another Dam Sculpture Completed!

2010-12-03T14:01:00.000-08:00

Similar to the last dam sculpture however there are a couple of differences. Most notably I did not include the car and there is water below as well as above the dam. Overall I think that the perspective is perhaps slightly improved.
Anyhow that's what I've been working on.

Another Dazzling Art in a Box Piece

2010-11-30T16:13:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not I had to fire this piece 3 times(in addition to the bisque firing) to get it to work. The darn rocket kept popping off during the glaze firing. Eventually I ended up using nichrome wire to hold it in place which also ended up looking rather nice. Just another example of mistakes(or mishaps) working out in the end. Join Art in a Box or give the gift of Art in a Box today.

Holidayland at the Compound Gallery and Prof. Squirrel shop Just Around the Corner

2010-11-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Another Disappearing Bikini

2010-10-31T09:51:00.001-07:00

I apologize for the sideways orientation.

Another Art in a Box in the Works

2010-10-28T22:59:00.000-07:00

Almost done, just a few more coats.....
Coming soon to Art in a Box.... Join now and DEMAND this brilliant piece of ceramic history. Don't wait, this would make a great present or addition to your art collection. Art in a box. http://artinabox.net/

Video for your further amazement!

2010-10-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the poor quality of the video, however I think you will enjoy this. Stand dumbfounded as you behold the magic disappearing bikini.

Eureka! It works!

2010-10-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

So something I've had in the works for some time now is finally done(though not perfected yet). I have been interested in creating a heat sensitive ceramic vessel where clothing disappears when hot liquid is introduced. Recently Karl McDade was kind enough to invite me to be in a Gravy Boat Show at Diablo Valley College which gave me the perfect opportunity to test out my new concept. This is the gravy boat that I made:

Just add hot liquid and....

Unfortunately this is as transparent as it gets for now. Still rather novel if you ask me. However I intend to find a more transparent base that would give a true clear as opposed to this yellowish color. So stay tuned.
For more information on the gravy boat show visit Diablo Valley College's website here. The show runs 11/1 - 11/23 and I believe there is a closing party. The work will be sold silent auction style with a buy it now option. Also I believe you can "buy it now" over the internet if you are so inclined here(not up yet, check back).

2010-10-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to alert y'all that I'm going to drop off some new heads at the Professor Squirrel Shop located within the Compound Gallery. And actually Friday night their having an event within the shop. Here are the details:

"Two Events! Stowaway Card Game Launch Party and more!
Friday October 8th, at 8-10pm
Sunday, October 17th, 3-5pm

Come Get Some Booty! Pirate Party to show off Stowaway, a pirate card game by local game maker, Jonathan Curley
and to show off nautical art by local artist, Kerri Johnson
Learn to play Stowaway! Compete in a tournament! Prizes! Professor Squirrel is carrying Stowaway Card Game!

Pirate outfits highly encouraged! Prizes!
Art and decks of cards for enjoyment and purchasing.
Pirate Snacks and Libations
Arrrrrrr, mateys!"

Location:
Professor Squirrel & The Compound Gallery
1167 65th st
Oakland, CA

Normal Hours:
The Gallery is open: Thursday-Sunday 12-6

Here is another small glazed ceramic head that will be available:

And here is a small ceramic hand holding a pistol also available at the shop:
href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lPNkMLvJ15M/TK6EcVn-z9I/AAAAAAAAAnw/FUcfRzRVqcE/s1600/pistol.jpg">

Thanks!

Ceramic Dam #5

2010-09-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

(click on images to see larger)

So I just sold this piece. It's something I have been thinking about and working on for a while now so it's pretty gratifying to have some positive feedback. Here is a small version I made when I was working out the perspective:

Here is the piece in it's greenware state:

And here she is all done:

Here's a shot from above showing the perspective:

I plan on making more like this. Stay tuned......

Art in a Box Show at the Compound

2010-06-22T22:52:00.000-07:00

From art in a box:

"Art in a Box Exhibit and Handpick
at The Compound Gallery!
(July 10th-August 8th)

"What does this all mean? It means that all NEW and RENEWING subscribers can pick their piece right off the wall! We only offer this opportunity a couple times a year, so don't miss this!

"Work will be up from July 10th-August 8th in the Artist's Gallery. Even subscribers who are not about to expire can renew (and extend) their subscriptions and pick a piece off the wall. Check out what Art in a Box is all about! The Art in a Box Exhibit and Handpick will be in conjunction with the annual group show featuring The Compound Studio artists and 17 open studios. Too many reasons not to check this out. Better yet, stop by the opening reception on SATURDAY JULY 10th 6-9pm. There will be music, food, friends, and LOTS of Art in a Box to choose from."

So this is one of my pieces for the show. It wont last long....

ArtStruct Art Doors by Yorgen Quent Kvinsland

2010-06-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

So in the past few months I have been working on some ceramic heads to be installed in a custom door made by my old college classmate Yorgen Quent Kvinsland. The name of his company is ArtStruct and you should deffinately check out his website here. Here is what he has to say there about the doors:

"A front door is a focal point of a dwelling or building – it sets the mood for the inhabitant or visitor. Yorgen Quent Kvinsland founded ArtStruct on the belief that a front door is an often underutilized blank canvas for creative expression and personal enrichment. A front door should express the owner’s personality and individualism, create a lasting impression, and “set the mood” for the entire building. "

"The identifying signature of an ArtStruct art door is the wooden end-grain grid pattern constant throughout. Also unique to ArtStruct art doors is that sections of the grid can be replaced with original artwork, either from the ArtStruct Collection or introduced by the client. ArtStruct art doors combine fine craftsmanship with artistic expression. They are one-of-a-kind works, crafted from permanent, sustainable, and recycled materials."

So he asked me to make some ceramic panels with heads on them to set in with the woodwork. It took me a good amount of time to get them all done due to super busy schedule but I finally got them all done.
Here is one of the best of the head panels.

And here is a group of several of the heads:

New Ceramic Heads for Professor Squirrel Shop

2010-05-31T17:55:00.000-07:00

So if you haven't already heard the fantastic Compound Gallery has moved to a new and improved location. (Address and Hours-1167 65th st., Oakland, CA 94608. Hours: Thursday-Sunday 12-6.) It's only about a block away from the old one. Here is a brief description from their website:
"The COMPOUND Studios & Gallery is an artist run space that was established in 2008. In 2010, The Compound Gallery & Studios moved to a new location in Oakland, CA. The new building allows for a fuller realization of what The Compound is…an art institution without the institution…an art school, without the school. Located in the Golden Gate Gallery district of North Oakland, the new building boasts nearly 8,000 square feet and was chosen because of its location, amazing natural light, and architectural grandeur."
Needless to say it's pretty sweet. Matt and Lena have done an amazing job yet again.
Within the building just off the main gallery is their retail space- Professor Squirrel Shop. Run by the Professor as well as assistants Kerri Lee Johnson and Lena Verderano Reynoso. It looks incredible and their taste is exquisite. This is where you will find my heads. Stop by sometime....

Something from art in a box-

2010-04-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

This was a piece I had in art in a box recently.

Another drawing

2010-04-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

This is a drawing I did a while ago that I just finished shading. It was just some ideas for a website. There's another larger drawing of just mountains that would be in the background above one or more of these images. They would then be links to other pages.......

2010-02-24T22:38:00.000-08:00

3-D Stereo Dam

2010-01-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

More Dam Art

2010-01-08T22:25:00.000-08:00

This is the second one of these this week. I think I'll try to make the perspective even more prominent on the next one.

New Work for the New Year

2010-01-06T20:07:00.001-08:00

New Ceramic Landscape with a dam:

Here it is in stereo-

Here is a picture of a dam I made last year:

Last Chance to get stuff at the Compound Gallery!

2009-12-18T21:34:00.000-08:00

That's right, this weekend is your last chance to shop at Holidayland at the Compound and Blankspace Galleries.
Here is the awesome display that Matt and Lena put together for my heads:

Here is one of the nicer, larger (more expensive) one of my heads:

Here are some cups that I made that are for sale. One of them sold already.

And here is another head.

Of course there's lots of other good goodies for your last minute shopping needs. Check out their site for more details.

Kiln Stand

2009-12-17T23:29:00.000-08:00

2009-12-17T23:20:00.000-08:00

THis is a picture of Sara that I took. I was just copying it to the computer and I thought it was pretty interesting.

2009-12-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

Holidayland and Craft Fair at CCA

2009-12-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

Well the craft fair time of year is upon us and I have been busy.
First of all I have work up at The Compound Gallery for their Holidayland event which they hold in conjunction with Blankspace Gallery nextdoor.

Here is the info from their website:
"Holidayland
(November 27- December 20th)
First Friday Reception: Friday, December 4th, 6-10pm
Galleries are open extended hours during the sale:WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY 12-8pm
*additional holiday cheer events Dec 13th and 20th 4-8pm

This is the second year we will be joining forces with Blankspace located next door to create a holiday Extravaganza! This year we are looking to offer more local original artwork, handmade crafty items, accessories, cards, ornaments, tote bags and creative fun stuff. Both galleries will be themed with rustic Paul Bunyan decor and will feature over 100 great local artists, designers and craftspeople. Small works of art, ceramics, accessories, paper goods, household goods, gifts for kiddies, jewelry and many more affordable indie gifts. Many fun activities through out the sale including- Get your holiday photo taken in our themed photo booth (proceeds go to Art in Oakland Schools) and spin the Wheel o’ bounty for prizes.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS (see Blankspace for more artists!): 1.by.liz, Adrian Van Allen, Alissa Goss, Amy Martin, Anne Garvey, Art for a Democratic Society, Ben Belknap, Billy Davidson, Brandy Gardner, Brave Moonman, Claudia Bauer, Christopher Romer, Crystal Morey, Ezme Designs, Flock Home, Foxes and Robbers, Hue Yang, Jake Gillespie, Kate Donaldson-Fletcher, Katie Kaapcke, Laura Borchert, lemonade handmade jewelry, Lena Verderano Reynoso, Lucie-Lu, Matt Reynoso, Masako Miki, Noah Sakamoto, Noelle Nakama, Phineas Wilson Peale, Esq., Recession Clothing, Roberto Gastelumendi, Ryan McJunkin, Shannon Ingraham, Tallulah Terryll, Terrariums by Kat Geiger, unatuna, W.Ho Made It, YaChin Bonny You, and MORE!!"

I have several heads up on an awesome display made by Matt and Lena for the show. It's a stump of a log right up on the counter with the heads all hanging off of it.
I will add a picture of it later, it looks great.

I already had feedback from a happy customer from Holidayland. Local ceramic artist Derik Van Beers came in to my work to show me pictures of the heads that he bought because he was so excited. He even sent me copies:
This is a picture of a wall of ceramic art he has in his house. My work is on the far right.

Here is a close-up of the three heads that he bought. People always like to pick out a group of heads that look good together. I suppose it suggests some sort of narative.

So you can buy your own heads at Holidayland or you can buy them direct from me at the CCA(California College of the Arts) Craft Fair in Oakland this Saturday.

Here is the info from their site:
"Holiday Fair
A winter arts and crafts bazaar
Saturday, December 5, 2009, 11 am–3 pm

Main walkway, Oakland campus
Oakland campus map (PDF)
Directions »

Twice a year CCA Student Affairs staff turn the idyllic Oakland campus into a bustling arts bazaar. The public is invited to shop for one-of-a-kind, handmade, affordable gifts created by the CCA community: paintings, drawings, cards, jewelry, ceramics, hand blown glass, clothing, photography, textiles, and more. Discover unique gifts while enjoying live jazz music and holiday treats.

Participation in selling is open to all CCA students, alumni, faculty, and staff. To register for a table click here. The deadline to register is November 27, 5:00pm.

For more information email glee@cca.edu."

Hope to see you there!

2009-11-29T21:40:00.000-08:00

So I started a Blog of only pictures from the "Drawing Telephone" game. So far it only has ones from my house and a few from my old sketchbook. I either drew a picture or wrote a sentence in most of them though not all.
Hopefully we will get some other people's examples posted as well.
Also I just wanted to say that I didn't make the game up and I'm not exactly sure it is call "Drawing Telephone" but I was told it was when I learned the game.
If you are not familiar with the game I will outline it briefly.
You need at least 4-5 people and sheets of paper/sketchbooks and pens for each.
You start by writing a sentence at the top of the page (you could start with a picture).
Next everyone passes their piece of paper.
The next person illustrates the sentence that the first person wrote on that piece of paper.
They fold over the sentence so that only the picture is visible.
Everyone passes their piece of paper again.
The next person writes a caption below the picture.
They fold over the picture so that only the sentence is visible.
Everyone passes and so on until the page is filled up or you run out of people to add.
Enjoy.
I recommend that you try it and then send me a picture so I can post it on the blog.
Here is a link to the Blog: Drawing Telephone

Cup Swap tomorrow

2009-11-11T21:22:00.000-08:00

I'm going to the cup swap at the CCAc Ceramics Dept. tomorrow evening and I made some sweet little cups for it. Just thought I'd share them with y'all.

I made them as pinch pots and flattened them square. Then I drew the men with White and Black underglaze on 2 sides of each cup. Finally I used a clear glaze on the inside.

So I'm bringing the little one, just so you know.

recent sketchbook drawings

2009-11-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

This is a glacier.

I thought that I would post some recent drawings just to show what else I'm up to.
Enjoy.

2009-10-12T19:48:00.001-07:00

This is a video of John Toki and I demonstrating raku firing in a microwave kiln. Here is a link to the Paragon website where you can also see it.

Another Opening at the Compound and Art in a Box

2009-10-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow, Friday October 2nd is first Friday in Oakland so it's your best chance to see Crystal Morey, Derek Weisberg, and my show at the Compound Gallery.
I'll be there.
You should come.
Also I just thought I'd let everyone see my new pieces for Art in a Box.
Here is the lowdown:
"The Compound Gallery is pleased to announce ART IN A BOX, a new art subscription service featuring Bay Area artists. Operating on the model of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) or wine subscription service, Art in a Box offers amazing original works of art instead of vegetables or wine. Each month subscribers receive a new work of fine art by a different local artist. Our featured artists work in a variety of mediums (ceramic, printmaking, painting, collage, digital prints, etc.) and most of them live and work in Oakland or San Francisco.

Subscribers can indicate a preference in mediums, but not the artist or piece. All artwork is contained in an 11” x 17” x 3” box along with the artist’s bio. Subscriptions are $30/month for pick up only, and $50/month which includes shipping and a bonus piece (there is a minimum three month subscription). We currently have subscribers in all parts of the U.S.—from Oakland to Brooklyn. Art in a Box allows subscribers to receive high quality works worth much more than the subscription cost, gives local artists national exposure, and helps to support the arts and artists in the Bay Area."

And here is the latest:

East Bay Express: I'm on the cover. Awesome.

2009-10-01T20:33:00.001-07:00

So, I've gotten a few emails in the last couple of days about reviews for "This Long Road." There are a couple of nice blog reviews as well as an online article that just came out in the East Bay Express. Anyhow today I just found out they used my 'Asbestos Suit' piece on the cover of the actual issue of the East Bay Express. Crazy. Anyhow you should pick up a copy if you can. Here is a picture of the cover:

All you have to do is remove this sticker for "Star Wars in Concert":

And this is the picture revealed:

If you're not in the bay area you can read the review here.

Show at the Compound update

2009-09-17T23:57:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone check out this awesome page of the pieces from the show that Matt and Lena put up over at the Compound Gallery.
If yer so inclined you can buy the art there as well.
I will hopefully have some other good pictures at some point but this is pretty sweet.
Thanks yet again Matt and Lena.

A sucessful show and Jordan has a Blog!

2009-09-14T18:43:00.000-07:00

Hey thanks to everyone who came out to the art opening on Saturday. For those of you who didn't: you missed out. The turnout was great and it was wonderful seeing so many people I hadn't seen in a long time. The show will be up for a month so it's not too late to see it if you're around.
Also

My friend and colleague Jordan Mello has a newish blog:
http://mosstowne.blogspot.com/
Check it out.
He has just added some of his ceramic sculpture.

2009-09-01T01:21:00.000-07:00

More Show in Progress

2009-08-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

So these are some sculptures I'm in the process of glazing tonight. They have a base coat of underglaze on their skin that I fired on in the bisque firing. Now I have rubbed black underglaze into the crevices to bring out the detail and I am about to add shadows and highlights. Next I will glaze their eyes, hair and finally clothing.

This is a sculpture I got out of the kiln a couple of days ago using the same process as above(different grey-green underglaze for the skin color.)

Next is the finished flame wall pedestal. Turned out rather nice though I broke one of the flame points off of the upper left hand side. I'll have to glue unfortunately.

Finally a little test piece I made with an old 1961 slip casting mold of a geisha that I used as a press mold.

This long road: in the works

2009-08-25T00:58:00.000-07:00

So here are some pictures of some work that I'm getting ready for the show next month.
We just fired a couple of kilns full of work that we'll be unloading tomorrow evening. The last couple of nights I've just been glazing glazing glazing. The piece with the flames you can see was glazed with old duncan leaded glazes. They are absolutely gorgeous. I've already glaze fired it twice but it's going in the kiln tomorrow for yet another round.

Here are some shots of me in the studio.

Stay tuned I'll try to keep posting as I ramp up for the show.

This Long Road

2009-08-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

So I'm going to be in a show next month with my good friends Crystal Morey and Derek Weisberg. It's at the Compound Gallery where I have been selling heads for quite a while now(see earlier posts). Here are the details about the show:

This Long Road is a show of individual works as well as collaborative pieces, made by Ben Belknap, Derek Weisberg, and Crystal Morey. All three artists were schoolmates at the California College of Arts and Crafts where a relationship began rooted in the love of figurative sculpture. Each artist has their own interpretation and style of the body as well as emotional content behind the work. In “This Long Road’ the artists will each represent their own work, and then explore the wonder, innovation, and trials of working together on a larger project.
Opening: Saturday September 12
Closing: Sunday September 27th

Ceramic Beer Bottles

2009-06-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

These are some really awesome ceramic bottles that my friend Mikael Kirkman has been making that I have been helping with. We are planning an art show where we are going to have different artists glaze the outside of the bottles. Afterwards we are going to brew beer in them and display them at the Guerrilla cafe in Berkeley.

Also we're working on a couple glazes that we are going to try to market to some different brewers. We'll see. The ash glaze (the drippy one, for you non-ceramic types) is especially cool and old-timey looking. Anyhow contact me if yer interested in decorating a bottle and stay tuned as I'll have more pictures as we make more.

Dams

2009-05-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

I've been working on some small pieces that are sort of tests for a larger project I want to work on. They're in the kiln right now so I don't have any pictures but I found this photo on the internet that is somewhat similar. The glaze is going to look really good.

2009-01-26T00:19:00.000-08:00

Craft Fair At CCA in Oakland

2008-11-23T15:30:00.000-08:00

So I'm gearing up for the craft sale at the ol' CCAC campus.
It's weekend after next on Saturday the 6th from 11 am til 3 pm or so.
Please stop by as I will have many heads for sale as well as other goodies.

Also I will have heads for sale as usual at the Compound Gallery. www.thecompoundgallery.com
They are having their holiday sale the same weekend.

Here is their schpeel:

This gift sale has become a Blankspace tradition and this year we are happy to announce The Compound Gallery (Southpole) and Blankspace Gallery (Northpole) will be joining Holiday forces to create an Art Extravaganza! There will be great original artwork, handmade crafts, jewelry, accessories, cards, ornaments, tote bags and much, much more.

Both Galleries will open the same hours and will be hosting receptions at the same times. All art will be available for immediate purchase (cash & carry).

Plus, come by during one of the two Holiday cheer receptions and enjoy the fun music, festive food, seasonal libations and holiday surprises!!

The best original and thoughtful gifts for the ones you love can be found at Holidayland.

Shop local, support small business this Holiday Season.

Participating Artists: Adrian Van Allen, Adrian Varnes, Alissa Goss, Ambur Mueller, Mr. Ben Venom, Bob Denman, Christopher Romer, Claudia Bauer, Crystal Morey, Elysa Fenenbock, Eric Sanchez, Freya van Dien, Gabriel Nansen, Gina Pericini, Jake Gillespie, Kari Marboe, Lena Reynoso, Matt Reynoso, Noah Sakamoto, Obi Kaufmann, Paul Murphy, RedStart Design, Sara Christian, Steven Barich, Tallulah Terryll, and more…
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Something I'm Working On

2008-10-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

I made the figure in the asbestos suit a while ago. Originally he had a rather plain wall hanging pedestal. I wanted to make it more interesting.

Heads from Texas

2008-10-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

I was just in texas recently visiting the folks. It was really fun.
While I was their I took some pictures of some of my older work that now resides there.

restock of ceramic heads at the Compound Gallery

2008-10-06T16:54:00.001-07:00

See older post for details on the Compound Gallery.
(Thank you Matt and Lena.)

Mountains - fresh

2008-09-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

So just got these from Derek Weisberg, who was kind enough to fire them for me.
The big one had been sitting around for a couple of months waiting for the first available cone five firing.
They turned out pretty sweet, I just need to figure out how to display them and with what other elements.

Ceramic Head

2008-08-07T23:39:00.000-07:00

Another Ceramic Head

2008-07-30T23:13:00.000-07:00

New ceramic heads fresh from the kiln

2008-07-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

I'll post several over the next few days.
Stay tuned.

Ceramic Head that Hue Made that I Glazed

2008-07-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

I Put Some of My Drawings on My Website

2008-07-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

Go see more at: www.BenBelknap.com

Ceramic Heads Re-stocked At the Compound Gallery

2008-06-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

So I re-stocked the heads that have sold at the Compound Gallery.
See the earlier post for more info on them and their location.
Thanks again to Matt and Lena, the proprietors.
Also if anyone is looking for a studio they had 2 left that they were renting out as of Friday. They are really amazing artists who have done absolutely insane amounts of work making that place functional as well as beautiful.
Any how please stop by and see the art and in particular the heads.
Here is another one.

Yet another Ceramic Head

2008-06-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

Ceramic Head

2008-06-01T16:41:00.001-07:00

New Ceramic Lady

2008-05-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

As you may have noticed I tend to make sculptures of men. This is because I am not too good at depicting ladies. In recent months I have slowly been working on improving in this department and the sculpture which you see is my most successful to date. It will likely be included in a larger sculpture, perhaps with a landscape, at some future date.

Recent Head

2008-05-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

Heads up at The Compound

2008-04-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

The kind people at the new Compound Gallery and Studios asked me if I wanted to put some heads on display in their new gallery space. Of course I was delighted.
The frame above shows the ones that I chose to show.
You should stop by and see their cool new space and my heads.
Their website is: http://thecompound.ning.com/

It's located at:
6604 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, Ca 94608 - Hours: Sun 12-5, Mon 12-5
At the Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland border. Located right next door to the Blankspace Gallery and Goodwill.

My Website is up!

2008-04-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

My website is up!

BenBelknap.com

Check it out!

Craft fair tomorrow at CCAC in Oakland

2008-04-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

Hey I'm going to have some heads and some other work at the CCA craft fair.
Please come out and sample my wares.
It's located at the intersection of Broadway and College and runs from 10-2.

New Ceramic Landscape

2008-03-04T18:08:00.000-08:00

Ceramic Head

2008-02-26T18:30:00.000-08:00

2008-02-24T12:51:00.000-08:00

Guess what? another ceramic head

2008-02-23T16:42:00.000-08:00

yet more to come

More ceramic heads....

2008-02-22T18:59:00.001-08:00

More ceramic heads

2008-02-21T18:54:00.001-08:00

More ceramic heads to come

Just got back some of my ceramic heads

2008-02-20T19:36:00.001-08:00

As I said I just got back these ceramic heads from the show at the Guerilla Cafe where they were in a show of ceramic sculpture.
I will post more of these ceramic heads as I just took a bunch of photos of the ones that were left from the show.

Ceramic Lady With Landscape

2008-02-18T12:38:00.001-08:00

Ceramic Landscapes

2008-02-14T19:55:00.001-08:00

Ceramic Lady

2008-02-12T18:59:00.000-08:00

Medium Head Shot

2008-02-09T13:54:00.001-08:00

href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lPNkMLvJ15M/R64hpxexarI/AAAAAAAAAGU/p6I0wG2tLR0/s1600-h/DSCF0379.JPG">

2008-01-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

2008-01-23T22:20:00.000-08:00

2008-01-21T13:48:00.001-08:00

Shu-Hui Yang part 2

2008-01-20T21:25:00.001-08:00

Hue just sent me this picture of some of her heads.

2008-01-17T20:07:00.000-08:00

Shu-Hui Yang

2008-01-16T22:05:00.000-08:00

My friend Hue has been procrastinating and has not sent me any pictures of her work.
However I remembered that I had a couple that she gave me a while ago for a different project.
This is a piece of her's that is made up of a bunch of heads strung together in three groups.
These are some of my favorate individual heads that she has made and one of my favorate pieces.

More of Hue's work as soon as I get it.

Something old I found on the Internet

2008-01-13T14:45:00.001-08:00

2008-01-12T22:14:00.000-08:00

2008-01-10T17:55:00.001-08:00

Stuff I'm working on

2008-01-01T14:52:00.001-08:00

More Shots From Head Count

2007-12-13T20:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you Hue for more pictures from the show. I like this one that she took documenting the piece of Derek's that she bought for herself.

Another fine gallery shot from Hue.

This is Hue's work. Some nice heads with bottles tied on top.
She often employs mixed media in her pieces. Maybe she will get around to sending me more pictures of her other work so you all can see it.

And finally another gallery shot where you can see my work and also Jordan Mello's beautiful pieces incorporating fabric bodies.

Thanks again Hue.

Only a Couple "Gallery Shots"

2007-12-10T23:09:00.001-08:00

Derek Weisberg, Crystal Morey, Ben Belknap

Show at the Guerilla Cafe in Berkeley

2007-12-09T23:54:00.000-08:00

these are some heads that are up right now in Berkeley at the guerilla cafe.
Other artists in the show include Andrea Ali, Ross Kennedy, Jordan Mello, Crystal Morey, Perter St. Lawrence, Derek Weisberg, and Hue Yang.
It's located at 1620 shattuck ave.

http://www.guerillacafe.com/

Sale at the CCAC Craft fair

2007-12-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

I sold some of my heads at the CCA Craft fair this saturday.
I did quite well and had a lot of good feedback.
These are some pictures of the heads in the morning before any sold.

Ceramic, Head, heads, sale, craft fair, clay, mask, face

process

2007-11-26T18:28:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the Little Head Shop

2007-11-18T15:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the little head shop

ceramic heads clay glaze sculpture