I received an email the other day informing me that the book “500 Raku” will be released March 1, 2011.  You may ask why is this important enough for me to post here on my BLOG?  It is simply because one of MY PIECES will be included in the book!  I am really excited about being published.  The book is available for preorder at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The book is published by Lark Books; they have the following to say about this new addition to their library of published books:

“Raku is an ancient ceramics technique enjoying a modern-day renaissance. This groundbreaking new entry in the highly successful 500 series demonstrates the vitality and invention of today’s raku ceramics. Objects including cups, plates, bowls, vases, and statuary contribute to this international gallery of work juried by Jim Romberg, one of the leading practitioners and teachers of raku in the world.”

So head on over and pick up a copy for yourselves.

In other news, things are steadily going forward.  I am taking two classes up at BYU this term.  Ceramics Studio and a Special Topics “Contemporary Issues in Craft”  Both classes are amazing.  In the Contemporary Issues is Craft class were are learning Archeological reading styles and studying Post-Modernism and how it relates to other era’s.  It is a class to help me define my voice and gain a better understanding of where I want to take my art and what I want to say with it.  I feel growing pains in my noggin already.

My good friend Mike Ririe followed up his spotlight of me with another photo session, this time in the BYU Ceramics lab.  He interviewed me and took pictures of me working through some of my sculptures.  If you’d like to see head on over to his BLOG and enjoy the article.  While you are there feel free to leave any comments.

On another note, I have been working steadily away and have ceramics for sale, contact me for pricing and more information, I will ship the pottery so those of you who are out of town need not feel left out.  I will post pictures of the work later on today, so check back often.

– Jerel

Michael Ririe a good friend and fellow world traveler of mine has posted a spotlight of me on his photography blog michaelririe.com.  He came out to BYU a couple of months ago when I was demoing at BYU’s “Wide-Open Spaces” Exhibit Opening Fiesta and took pictures of me in action.  Michael is an amazing photographer who’s hard work and training is really starting to show in the art he is producing.  Being roommates in Italy we got to know each other pretty good and I would recommend him to anyone who needs photo work done.  Go on over and take a look at his photographs, and while you are over feel free to leave him a comment or two.

– Jerel