Florida Focus: Potter Ira Burhans
This week, we share the work of Ira Burhans, a gifted potter working from Florida’s Gulf Coast. We are especially captivated by his exquisite carved and embossed patterns and distinctive bird-like pitchers. Burhans is influenced by the textures of water, falling water, curling waves and patterns in the sand which moving water creates. Examine the beautiful curled handles of a casserole dish, the carved surfaces of a vase, or the sinuous curving edges of a Wave serving tray, and you cannot help but be moved by the graceful translation of such inspiration.
Ira Burhans strives to explore new forms and glazes in stoneware pottery, using aggressive shapes and carvings as well as glazes that react to the shape and texture of each form. He explains that “as a result each pot has unique variations in both color and texture giving my pottery a one of a kind look.” Clay and Paper pottery is safe for the oven, microwave and dishwasher, so you can enjoy this finely handcrafted pottery everyday.
Above, left to right: Wave Serving Trays and Bird Pitchers
Burhans received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from St. Cloud State University, Minnesota and served an internship at Clayworks Studio Workshop in New York City. Two decades of hard work in his Florida studio has culminated in national recognition for his sculptural and functional work. His work is currently represented in over 100 galleries nationally and has been sold as far away as the Virgin Islands and Guam. This year, Burhans took 2nd Place for Clay in the Melbourne Art Festival.
July Savings – 50% Off Selected Items
American Tin Art, orig. $275
In the month of July, enjoy 50% savings on selected items at Brooke Pottery. New markdowns include:
- Textured pillar candles in scents like creme brule, dusk, and green tea lemongrass (orig. $35-$130)
- Striking platters and serving bowls by Robert Hasselle in hues of green, purple, red and black (orig. $35-$160)
- Geometric collages by Lori Daniels made with repurposed antique tin ceiling tiles (orig. $50- $290).
Stop by soon to take advantage of summer savings!
New Markdowns for July
American Tin Tiles
Creme Brule Candles
Kids Art Ornament Contest Open Until August 13
Brooke Pottery’s annual Holiday Ornament Art Contest is open to kids in grades K -12. The winning design will be featured on Brooke Pottery’s 2010 Holiday Ornament, a round pottery ornament handcrafted by The Potters. The ornament debuts Thanksgiving weekend during Brooke Pottery’s parade of ornaments and is for sale throughout the winter holidays.
The young artists behind the top three designs will be awarded savings bonds – $100 bond for first place, $50 bond for second, and $25 bond for third. Winning designs will be announced and awards presented on First Friday September 3, 2010 at 7 PM in the shop.
Pick up entry forms at Brooke Pottery or download a form here. Line art is strongly encouraged since the design will be reproduced in clay. A watercolor drawing for example, while beautiful, would not translate well. Deadline: Hard copies of entries must be submitted to the shop by Friday, August 13, 2010.
Our 2009 Holiday Ornament was designed by Emeline Boehringer in fourth grade at Addison Mizner Elementary. Emeline’s drawing featured a Christmas stocking decorated with Lakeland’s city mascot the swan. What will you create?
Pewter and Glass Wall Sculptures by Leandra Drumm
Lakeland’s Newest Fishing Hot Spot is Brooke Pottery
Turtle Serving Platter
Dolphin Relish Tray
Crab Chip and Dip
Come see Brooke Pottery’s new collection of Chamberlain Pottery. This colorful array of stoneware by Florida potter Tom Chamberlain includes serving bowls, wine chillers and a variety of useful baking dishes for brie, lasagne, paella and quiche. The most eye-catching pieces? The fabulous nautical collection, of course. Grouper platters, spade fish quiche bakers, crab salad bowls, dolphin relish trays, crab chip and dips, mahi mahi triple sauce servers, lighthouse meatloaf bakers …the list goes on and on. There’s even a kitchen sink. (Yes, really.) With Chamberlain’s wonderful new arrivals on display, our shop window looks like a beautiful coral reef. And that’s how Brooke Pottery is Lakeland’s new fishing hot spot for gifts.
Brooke Pottery has free activities for kids inside the shop and on the sidewalk out front. We’ll be open late on First Friday 6-9 PM and 6-8 PM on Saturday July 3 before the fireworks at Lake Mirror. Enjoy the live music, face painting and a Go Fish game for kids. Happy 4th of July!
Free Tote Bag with Purchases $20 or more
Kay introduces the new Brooke Pottery tote bags
This summer we are giving away reusable Brooke Pottery tote bags – our gift to you with purchases over $20. These light-weight bags are the perfect carry-all for your errands. Whether you’re headed to Brooke Pottery, the Downtown Farmer’s Curb Market or elsewhere, remember to take your own shopping bag . Plus, each time you use this or your own bag while shopping at Brooke Pottery, receive a $.05 discount . What an easy way to be green!
Handy side pockets on each end keep smaller items like keys, sunscreen, sunglasses and even water bottles within easy reach.
Clay and Glass Fusion: Pottery by Kerry Brooks
Fused Glass and Pottery Bowl
Blue Plate and Serving Bowls
Blown Glass Jewelry in Caribbean Colors
Caribbean Jumble Necklaces
With summer temperatures rising, we’re dreaming of beach vacations almost daily. But if a Caribbean getaway isn’t in the works, at least we can fantasize about the new handblown glass jewelry in the shop. Available in vibrant caribbean colors or jewel tones flecked with gold, Penrose Design offers fun, easy to wear, stand-out summer accessories – and unlike that Caribbean getaway, this kind of summer splurge will last for more than a week! Earrings, bracelets, necklaces and watches from $25-135.
Penrose Design jewelry is handcrafted by Massachusetts artists Elisabeth Cary and Ricky Bernstein. The remarkable color and depth of Penrose glass beads is achieved through an intricate glass blowing technique of layering clear glass over a core of pigmented glass. Ricky forms these layers of 2200 degree hot glass on a blowpipe, then stretches the hot glass into 25 -foot long pencil thin rods called “cane”. Once cooled, the canes are cut into small individually shaped beads and tumbled for 20 hours to soften edges. Think of beach glass that has tumbled in the waves and sand. Next the beads are fire polished in a small oven at 1250 degrees. Fire-polishing transforms the dull matte beads into smooth glass with brilliant clarity. Finally, the handblown glass beads are ready to use in Elisabeth’s wonderful jewelry designs.
Karma Collection with Silver and Pearls
Partners for over 30 years, botanist Elizabeth Cary and glass artist Ricky Bernstein grow family, gardens and art in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of western Massachuesets. Ricky Bernstein is an internationally recognized glass artist. His work can be found in major collections of art throughout the U.S. and Europe, including the Smithsonian, the Museum of Art and Design in New York, and the Corning Museum of Glass.
