Covert Potters Association

Member Spotlight: Celeste Iida

Covert Potters Association — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 22:04:26 +0000

Celeste Iida

When I asked Celeste if she felt more of a functional potter over arty, she had a big laugh and said a resounding “Functional.” I did point out her many art pieces and she added “Well, since I started participating in exhibits with ART from the ashes, I’ve explored my artier side.” And she’s done that with zeal. Drawing on influence both nautical and other worldly, she has crafted piece that are mystical and quiet. From swirling reliefs to crazy spikes, Celeste says about her work, “I like to think outside the box and sometimes really stretch that thought. Even have it stab you.” Once I mentioned that a bunch of tiny slip dots on one of her pots were very pointy and kind of hurt, she just laughed and said “I know, I kind of meant it to be that way.”

Celeste spent the first 20 years of her life as “my mother’s slave” as a seamstress. “If I had realized the design and creative aspects of clothing creation could be something wonderful like what is done in film, I would have stuck with it, but that was not what my mother did.” Looking for a way to explore her creative side, she -finally, after much insistence of a good friend – took a class in ceramics. “I was hooked. I like having my hands in clay and being muddy.” All said with a laugh. “Sure, I really like the design aspect and the creating, but the best part is getting dirty.”

Celeste is not only a member of the Covert Potters Association, she is also the president of the American Ceramic Society of Southern California – Design Chapter. “The position just kind of came my way and I figured that since I’m a very organized person, I knew I could do it.” So when she’s not working her day job in healthcare or creating some of her lovely pots, she’s helping to organize some of the most amazing and informative workshops and exhibits for the organization’s members.

All this has me wondering: When does she sleep?

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Playing with Fire – Opening Reception

Covert Potters Association — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:20:52 +0000

Here is a few photos from our opening night. Sadly, I got completely side tracked with talking to everyone and only took photos before we opened the doors. Note to self, designate a friend to take photos in the future.

The Exhibit runs till June 30th, 2011 at the:

Creative Arts Center Gallery, 1100 W. Clark Ave, Burbank, Ca. 91506. Gallery Hours: M-Th: 9am-8pm, Fr: 9am-7pm, Sat: 9am-1pm, Sun: Closed

More photos are on our Facebook page.

Playing with Fire

Covert Potters Association — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 19:14:39 +0000

Creative Arts Center, 1100 W. Clark Ave, Burbank, Ca 91506

Opening Reception: Friday, June 10th, 2011, 7-9pm

This is our first group show for us. We are so very excited, cause it’s a chance for us to bring our diverse talents with clay together and have a party. Really.

Yes, I know that we have all been doing craft fairs and holiday sales together, but this is different. It’s our arty side and boy is it fabulous. Junzo has a series of “Brain Boxes” that are a pleasure to hold and you can put an odd little keepsake in there. T. has some of her amazing hand-built sculptures, oh you have to check out the gold/bronze glaze. It just sets the world on fire. Jon has some of the most touchable pots, with textures on the quiet side. Celeste’s pots are so other worldly and they take you there. Seriously, are you in outer space or underwater? Last but not least, Sally Anne has a series of wall boxes that are nature inspired. But as you are drawn in to the tiny tree on a vast landscape and then read the title: “Beckoning,” you realize it’s so much more.

I hope you will join us on Friday, June 10th, 2011 from 7-9pm for the opening, but if not the exhibit will run till June 29th, 2011. The participating members are: T. Robert, Jon Pacini, Junzo, Mori, Celeste Iida & Sally Anne Stahl.

Here’s a tiny morsel of pots..

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