Featured Articles

Brian Peters, Digital Clay

August 17, 2020

As we are well into the new century, there is little left in our lives that has not been touched and transformed by the digital revolution of the late 20^th century. Even the humble potter, with hands in the earth, markets on social media, buys supplies online, and relies on digital programming for the kiln. Nevertheless, the basic work of transforming an idea into clay remains as it has been for centuries. Pittsburgh spatial artist and designer Brian Peters is changing all that. Using 3-D printing technology, Peters creates ceramic blocks and tiles for architectural installations and for smaller-scale art pieces, starting not with a slug of clay but with a computer.

Pittsburgh Potter Elise Birnbaum: The Hidden Order Within

July 25, 2020

A piece of pottery is a mantle for the richness of meaning and history that lies within it. The pristine flowing forms of potter Elise Birnbaum’s sculptural pieces reveal the vision, hope, and personal journey of this young Pittsburgh artist. Taking advantage of Pittsburgh’s many arts organizations, Birnbaum discovered and perfected her love of clay over after moving here a decade ago. She is now owner of the Homewood pottery studio called Oatmeal.

Indiana County Potter Lou Ann Gallanar

July 02, 2020

In many ways, a piece of artwork is a hidden trove of the life experience of the artist, waiting for the appreciator to unearth and interpret through the filter of personal experience. Indiana County’s Lou Ann Gallanar understands the mysteries of artistic communication, with decades of expression in clay throughout her many life journeys. From a recreational class offered by a southern California park program through exhibits and teaching at art centers, the recently widowed 88-year-old Gallanar works on new “series” in her garage studio, still reaching out to communicate through clay.