Dec 142016
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Nov 122013
I would like to thank everyone who made the trip out to my studio sale. I hope that all are satisfied with their purchases and that it will give enjoyment throughout the years.
This spring I fired both kilns, Falstaff and the anagama, Cave Light. I’m happy to report that both firings were successful. No Autumn firing this year, presently I am preparing wood for the Autumn 2014 kamataki, as most of you know the wood needs to be seasoned a year. I will fire the nobori gama again this coming spring.
Illumination
Chameleon
Two Iga Vases I was pleased with from the spring anagama.
“Illumination”
“Chameleon”
And a Iga sake cup that is my finest.
This summer I had fun placing several boulders, building a stone wall and constructing a fence out of pine saplings enhancing our living and working environment. There are a dozen boulders now scattered around the studio and home.
The studio is always open for visitors but a good idea to contact me before coming to make certain I will be here. I’d be more than happy to share tea and show you around.
My work will be on exhibit at the Art & Science Center in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, American Alliance of Museums, an accredited museum. Soft opening, November 21st. Opening Reception: February 20, 2013, 5:00 – 7:00. The exhibition will run through March. I look forward in seeing you at the reception and hope that many of you will come and experience the exhibition “Glazed with Fire: Ceramics by Joe Bruhin” of natural ash glazed ceramics… http://www.ArtsScienceCenter.org
I’ve been included in a new wood-fired ceramic book, I think many of you will find this exciting art medium most interesting. You can purchase Wood-Fired Ceramics, 100 Contemporary Artists at http://schifferbooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=956_194_221&products_id=5382 ….or Amazon which has the best price, $40.00.
I would like to introduce to you my darling friend, beloved companion and adorable wife, Criselda. We were married February 2013……. thank you dearest for accepting me and coming into my life, it gives me such joy in loving you.
Oct 242012
Jan 072012
Matt, Midori and Joe Bruhin
I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my 2011 crew, Matt Van Dusen (Minneapolis) and Midori Igarashi (Chiba, Japan). I never saw so much rain in my life than in the 10 days of this kamataki. Matt and Midori demonstrated to me a most admirable dedication, which makes me believe that they possess what it takes in being successful artists or where ever their journey may lead them. I truly hope our paths cross again, Matt and Midori it was so easy to be with you and a delight to work with . . . a thousand thanks!!! Works from this firing can be viewed in the gallery of this web site.
Oct 182011
This year I’m a little late with Autumn kamataki. I will light the anagama on the 7th of November and unload the kiln the 26th. As always I will fire the kiln for ten days. The kiln needs to cool nine days before opening.
yellow pine for two firings
bottles and a large tsubo for the upcoming firing
I’m happy to introduce my cheerful assistant Midori Igarashi, Chiba, Japan .
I was removing poison ivy from around a flower bed. I had two friends stop by one afternoon and they commented how nice it would be to have a stonewall behind my Buddha garden...
…I agree, and built this wall during the hottest days of the year, loving every moment of it. Stones have such a spirited presence.
garden in July
Oct 172010
Dear Friends and Collectors of my work,
Greetings, I hope everyone had an enjoyable summer, as hot as it was, I suspect most are happy that Autumn has arrived. I’m writing to inform you of my annual Autumn Kamataki (firing) and the tradition I
adopted two years ago of sharing and viewing the fruit of my labor, as I unbrick and open the sealed kiln. There is a sense of suspense and mystique as all look into the firebox and chamber of the kiln to view the works. Then everyone handles the warm works as they are excitingly passed out of the kiln. I’m truly grateful for those of you who have ventured out for this experience in the past. The highlight and climax of the art potter’s life, which this potter desires, the revealing of a rare timeless beauty. I hope that many of you will follow the other clay enthusiasts and make the drive into the colorful festive season of the Ozarks to Fox, and celebrate with me the opening of my anagama wood kiln, “Cave Light”. Before the opening of the kiln I will have tasteful refreshment and you can view my works from previous firings. Last year I had a raffle, only no money was involved and gave away one of my works. I think everyone had fun with this, especially me, an opportunity to give a gift and express appreciation for the people interested in what I do.
This year I’m very pleased to have Shigaraki kiln builder and fire artist Yasuhiro Hora to assist me with the kamataki. Hora san has worked and assisted master potter Shiho Kanzaki for many years. Kanzaki san sensei is credited with reviving the anagama (cave or hole) kiln from medieval Japan. I met Hora san when I assisted Kanzaki san sensei’s firing in the spring of 2008 in Shigaraki. Kindness and fearlessness are qualities that come to mind when I think of Hora san, I took an immediate liking to him. I’m very honoured that Yasuhiro has come so far, 7,000 miles to work with me to attempt to manifest beauty. Arigato Gozaimasu Sensei.
I hope that some of you who have had a taste of this event will have an appetite for more and that others will have their curiosity aroused and sense of adventure inspired. Yasuhiro san and I kindly and humbly invite you to be our guest for my 2010 Kamataki Opening Celebration, my annual party.
May there be jewels!
| Saturday | 30 October | 1:00 | Kiln Opening |
| Sunday | 31 October | 11:00 – 6:00 | Viewing and Sale |
| Saturday | 06 November | 11:00 – 6:00 | Studio Exhibit |
| Sunday | 07 November | 11:00 – 6:00 | Studio Exhibit |
RSVP optional but not required.
Sincerly,
Joe Bruhin
I would like to thank everyone who attended the kiln opening to help me celebrate the 2009 harvest, it was a special day for me and we were blessed with a gorgeous day to see what was manifested and the birth of many pots. The Iga jars were especially beautiful (my very best), there was a vase manifested that I’m in love with and a small bottle that is jewel like (a blessing). There were surfaces and colors that I have never seen before, most satisfying. A very special thank you to my excellent firing crew: Alysha Macphearson from Cincinnati, Adam Bogosian from Boston, Chuck Pate from Indianapolis and to my assistant Collin Cavote who has been a great help to me throughout the cycle. Thank you!!! I’m deeply grateful for all your efforts to help manifest beauty.
Sep 142009
Dear Friends and Collectors of my work,
Greetings,I hope everyone is able to enjoy the splendor and color of the season. November 9th, I will have the lighting ceremony of my anagama kiln and fire it for ten days. Many of you now know that my kiln openings are no longer a private affair and that I encourage and welcome all interested to experience and share what will be revealed from cavelight (my anagama). For those who are more than interested: I invite you to drop by and see the kiln being fired (the 9th thru 18th) and possibly throw some wood in the firebox.
I plan the Autumn firing around the peak of the season for a most festive and beautiful atmosphere for all to enjoy. Forgive me, for this year I felt it was necessary to push up the firing date, so the kiln opening may not be at optimum which is always the goal. Last August, I rushed to Florida to be with my mother who was put on life support. She survived the pulling of the tube but passed on a few weeks later. Ten days after my Mother’s passing my father followed her. It’s interesting to me that their sixteen year old dog, Mollie (who they adored), died a few days before my mother. Seems to me there was some kind of bonding or union there. I dedicate this firing to my mother and father. For me this kamataki (firing) will have even more significance and I’m certain I will feel connected to them while tending the fire.
I cordially invite you to my Autumn kiln opening. This year I thought it would be fun to give away one of my works before we open the kiln, somewhat like a raffle, (only there will be no money involved). I look forward and would be honoured to share with you my efforts for beauty. Whatever the results may be I believe it will be interesting and enjoyed by all. Of course my wish is my intentions will be realized and manifest as we view and hold the warm new works that come forth from the kiln. May there be jewels!
- Saturday 28 November 1:00 Kiln Opening
- Sunday 29 November 11:00 – 6:00 Viewing and Sale
- Saturday 05 December 11:00 – 6:00 Studio Exhibit
RSVP optional but not required
Sincerely,
Joe Bruhin
3253 Red River Road
Fox, Ar 72051
870 363 4264
joebruhin@gmail.com
JoeBruhin.com
One final note. I would like to thank all who have invited me to be their friend on Facebook. I have not responded for I just have not found time to participate. . . Thank you!!! I’m touched and appreciate your gesture.
May 142009
My last kiln opening (Fall 2008) I sent invitations to friends and collectors of my work to experience and view this event. It was very successful and I feel that all that attended, thoroughly enjoyed themselves. After tea, cheeses and sourdough baguettes we all gathered at the front of the kiln and after a quick invocation, we looked into the fire mouth of the kiln to see what was inside. . . then all handled the warm works as they emerged from the kiln. I scheduled the Autumn ten day firing to coincide with the glorious Ozark Fall color, which usually is the first weekend in November. The kiln opening ceremony has always been something sacred to me and experienced alone, this has been my practice of kiln openings for over twenty years. I am very grateful to have evolved from my closed, secretive, and personal kiln openings to one that I’m open, vulnerable and sharing. My first open kiln opening was one of the happiest days of my life, thank you for this gift Kanzaki san sensei. From now on, all my kiln openings will be open and available to all who are interested. If you would like an invitation to my next kiln opening send me your home or email address and I will see that you receive one. I hope to see you there and together we will celebrate a successful firing that will give birth to beauty.
May 2009: January 2009 Northern Arkansas had a very severe ice storm. Like many I was effected, fortunately for me my kilns and buildings were not damaged but I did lose a lot of pine trees. It hurt and was depressing to see the forests so badly damaged but it was an opportunity for me to gather wood. I have cut, split and stacked twenty cord (sixty ton) of pine. I will be conducting two firings a year, a spring and an autumn firing and intend to fire the anagama twice a year from now on.