"Art is the illusion of spontaneity"
-Japanese proverb
Ceramic artist Sandy Ashbaugh has been working in clay for over 35 years. She uses a traditional hand building method of slab construction, 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 initiation into the world of visual arts began with a Kodak Duaflex II camera gifted by my Mom for summer camp—a device you peered down into while holding it at waist height. From then on, I've relished seeing life through a lens. It wasn't until college that I formally delved into art, initially exploring various mediums before gravitating towards handbuilding with clay and practicing the Raku firing technique.
For years, I glazed my work almost exclusively in the Raku style, harnessing the fiery intensity of propane fuel to create captivating effects. This method, rooted in Japanese tradition for crafting tea cups used in tea ceremonies, gained popularity in the U.S. thanks to potters like Paul Soldner in the 1970s. Notably, Raku-fired pottery isn't suitable for food use due to its unique firing process.
Moving from a busy community studio to a quieter private space also meant changing from gas-powered kilns to electric ones and from reduction firings to oxidation firings. Now focusing on porcelain and stoneware clays, I delight in exploring contrasts within my artistic works.
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!
Visit one of the largest galleries in the North Valley, representing 50 professional Arizona artists. Media ranges from oil, acrylic, graphite, pastels, photography, bronze, ceramic, glass, jewelry, sculpture and more.
Join us every 3rd Friday of the month from 5pm-7pm, for our "Art Affaire" event with great conversation, refreshments and of course art.
Cave Creek, AZ
Looking for that special something for a birthday, anniversary, wedding or hostess gift? Contact me to see what I have
available for you.
I also take custom orders and ship
with 4-6 weeks lead time within the U.S.
Vision Gallery is a contemporary gallery for ever-changing and engaging exhibitions. The gallery features diverse and evolving art in a variety of media including; ceramics, printmaking, drawing, photography, textiles, painting, sculpture and multi-media art.
Chandler, AZ
Pat's Glass Studio (private home) 26420 N 82nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
I'm excited to be back as a Guest Artist alongside glass artist Pat Isaacson at her Scottsdale home and studio! Merrily Kulmer, known for he...
Pat's Glass Studio (private home) 26420 N 82nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Downtown Ocotillo 2577 W Queen Creek Rd Chandler, AZ 85248
** The original show was rescheduled due to a high winds advisory.**
Join me at my last show of the Spring - at the same location - before it...
Downtown Ocotillo 2577 W Queen Creek Rd Chandler, AZ 85248
Japanese Friendship Garden Phx, 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, Arizona
The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix invites you to our Annual Bonsai & Pottery Exhibit, sponsored by the Phoenix Bonsai Society and lo...
Japanese Friendship Garden Phx, 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, Arizona
Downtown Ocotillo 2577 W Queen Creek Rd Chandler, AZ 85248
This is my last show before the holidays!
Live music, art raffles and also wine tastings from Bottle & Bean!
Want to see which other artists ...
Downtown Ocotillo 2577 W Queen Creek Rd Chandler, AZ 85248
Pat's Glass Studio, 26420 N 82nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
I'll be at Pat's Glass Studio in Scottsdale again for the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour!
This is the Sonoran Arts League's premier...
Pat's Glass Studio, 26420 N 82nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Saké Set demonstration that I did for the Arizona Clay Association. During this live Zoom session, I explain my process, answer questions and give a brief tour of my tiny studio. Enjoy!
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Are you looking to treat yourself to the gift of art? Interested in selecting that special gift for a wedding, anniversary, birthday or hostess gift? Stop by one of my galleries or contact me via phone or text to see what I have available for purchase. Special orders may take up to 4-6 weeks to create. I can ship within the USA.
Chandler, Arizona
Call/Text 480.204.1545
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