I have had many opportunities to teach in incredible places over the years. Last week I visited Sitka, Alaska and taught at The University of Southeastern Alaska. To say I was overwhelmed by the setting is truly an understatement! I have never been to anywhere that was more inspiring to me as an artist. It was right up there with Tuscany for the impact it is likely to have on my work.

The above photo gives you a feeling for how the sky is continually changing. This part of Alaska is a temperate rain forest, so most days were cloudy. I loved the way the clouds gave such a dramatic sense of atmospheric perspective to the mountains. This is something I try to create in the way I use glazes on my pottery. I have never figured out why it happens or exactly how to control it, but when it happens I love the effect.

I also love what happens to the landscape in wet environments... Huge trees, moss, ferns, and lush vegetation were everywhere the eye could see. Around Sitka, moss seems to grow on everything that isn’t moving! The colors and texture of the forest up close were a perfect living example of what I am trying to accomplish with my micro-crystalline matt glazes.

 

In addition to being inspired by the environment, I had a wonderful teaching opportunity. Three of my students are interested in the possibility of being long term students of mine, utilizing webcams as a vehicle for future critiques. I also look forward to the possibility of returning next summer for a participatory workshop.