Contemporary Ceramic Artist

Ceramic artist Sandy Ashbaugh has been working in clay for over 35 years. She uses a traditional hand building method of slab construction and carving, yet achieves a modern aesthetic. Among her best known pieces are those from; her uniquely designed and handcrafted, sake set collection, as well as her lidded vessel series. The latter was published in Lark Craft’s “500 Raku”, juried into various shows and purchased by public and private institutions.

Sandy draws inspiration from architectural and interior design elements, like those from the Bauhaus movement, Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry. She obtained her BFA in Ceramics from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida and has worked in clay ever since.

Residing in Arizona, she is passionate about art education and has been involved with local schools and communities, as well as teaching art and coordinating art programs and art shows since 2004. 

My first exposure to visual arts was when my Mom gave me a camera to take to summer camp. I've always enjoyed viewing the world through a lens. It wasn't until I went to college that I actually took an art class. I explored a variety of mediums but was immediately drawn to handbuilding with clay and firing in the Raku style.

For decades, I glazed my work in the Raku style by harnessing the power of propane fuel with fire and flames. It's an exciting method to use. It originated in Japan and was used for creating tea cups which were then used for tea ceremonies. In the 1970's, Paul Soldner is one potter who was credited for bringing this style of glazing to the United Sates. Pottery fired this way is not food safe.  

When I traded a busy community studio for the solitude of a private one, I also traded gas for electric power and reduction for oxidation. I use porcelain and stoneware clays and love contrast and color.

My experience as a classically trained violinist resonates throughout my work. It imparts a lyrical quality that speaks of beauty and harmony with classical proportions. 

My current series was born from my interest in Japanese sushi and sake. I am intrigued by the shapes and colors of the food and serving pieces, and felt compelled to design something different than the traditional wheel thrown sake set. Architectural and interior design elements, ranging from the Bauhaus movement to architects Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry, often serve as inspiration for my work.

I roll out the clay thinly, then cut out pieces from my pre-designed patterns. Then I wrap the pieces into delicate flasks (tokkuri) resembling a kimono, tapering them slightly towards the top. The cups (ochoko) are also wrapped but are smaller and perfectly sized for sipping saké.

I apply glazes to contrast the light colored clay and meticulously carve through it, allowing the clay body to show through. Once it's been bisque fired, I apply a glaze to the inside and fire in an electric kiln, making them food safe. The set is served on a wooden pedestal, which I cut, sand and torch with flame, singeing the wood to bring out the grain. This traditional Japanese technique is called Shou Sugi Ban. These are designed these to be artistically pleasing as well as functional.  Kanpai!