SMASHING Good Pottery Deals

Cosmic Mug Kickstarter Newsletter, Image 1

Don’t worry, that mug needed to be smashed because of dunting (a pottery term for rare cracks that sometimes occur when firing ceramics). Nearly all of the Cosmic Mugs emerging from the kiln are stunning! 

Cosmic Mug glaze detail next to a spiral galaxy collision.
Cosmic Mug glaze detail next to a spiral galaxy collision.

As a thanks for participating in this Kickstarter, I’m working on a set of pottery coupons and future discounts. All Kickstarter bakers will get at least one coupon included with your pottery order as a thanks. If you haven’t backed the project but you might still be interested, I would urge you to please take another look at our project. Even just $5 goes a long way in supporting creation of this artwork, and it gets you up to 40% off future pottery. $49 Cosmic Mugs or a $69 Cosmic Mug + Set of 4 Shot Cups are still available before Christmas, so please follow this link if you’re interested:

Cosmic Mug Kickstarter

 

Cosmic Mug Kickstarter Newsletter, Image 2

Cosmic Dinnerware Sets

With less than one week remaining in the Cosmic Mug Kickstarter, I decided to add just two more listings: Cosmic Dinnerware Sets. Each set requires many months of work, but I’m up for the challenge. It’s like having to plan out a massive puzzle, and then separately create all of the puzzle pieces that must fit together perfectly. Custom pottery requires intense focus to ensure that all of the pieces match in size, shape, weight and color. I’ve created many full dinnerware sets, but a cosmic dinnerware set would be OUT OF THIS WORLD! (get it?) I realize that each set is a big investment, but if any of you are interested in this type of artwork, please follow the link below (or please forward it to someone who might be interested). Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly with any questions: JoelCherrico@cherricopottery.com

Cosmic Dinnerware Sets

 

Cosmic Dinnerware Collage
These are examples of previous dinnerware pieces I’ve created in other glaze pallets.

I’m working around the clock to get all of your pottery ready for shipment December 11-14th. This Instagram post shows a glimpse of my studio work in the wee hours of the night. If you’re a backer, be sure to watch your email closely, as I will be using email to collect shipping addresses. Local pickup options will also be available, in case you would like to pick out your Cosmic Mugs in person. If you’re still interested in a $49 Cosmic Mug or a $69 Cosmic Mug + Set of 4 Shot Cups before Christmas, follow this link to snag one before the sell out:

Cosmic Mug Kickstarter

 

This is how a Cosmic Mug looks in bright sunlight, outdoors in snowy Minnesota.
This is a Cosmic Mug in bright sunlight, outdoors in snowy Minnesota.

“It is also important to remember that, although pottery is made to be used, this fact in no wise simplifies the problem of artistic expression; there can be no fullness or complete realization of utility without beauty, refinement and charm, for the simple reason that their absence must in the long run be intolerable to both maker and consumer. We desire not only food but also the enjoyment and zest of eating.” 

– “A Potter’s Book” by Bernard Leach, “Towards A Standard,” pg. 13, Faber and Faber, 1940

 

The Eagle Has Landed

We did it!! Thanks to all of you, the Cosmic Mug Kickstarter surpassed our $25,000 goal! I’m PSYCHED to get all of these pots to you for the Holidays. People like you make this type of art possible. Rory, the pottery cat, is eternally thankful.

Image 20, my cat Rory on the kiln

I’m working around the clock to get all of your pottery ready for shipment December 11th. If you’re a backer, be sure to watch your email closely, as I’ll be using email to collect shipping addresses. If you’re still interested in a $49 Cosmic Mug or a $69 Cosmic Mug + Set of 4 Shot Cups before Christmas, follow this link to snag one before the sell out:

Cosmic Mug Kickstarter

Cosmic Mug Galaxy Colission pouring out of mug

“Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” 

– Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 Moon landing, signifying to Mission Control that the landing was complete and successful. July 20, 1969.

800px-Aldrin_Apollo_11_original
Photo of Buzz Aldrin captured by Neil Armstrong on the Moon

3 Pieces of Advice from an Astronaut, an Astrophysicist and an Author

As we close in on the $25,000 Kickstarter goal with over two weeks left in the campaign, it looks like many of you will also be celebrating a cosmic Christmas! Thank you so much for making this project a success! If you’re still interested in a piece of pottery for the Holidays, I urge you to please back our Kickstarter soon, as pots for Christmas delivery have begun to sell out:

Cosmic Mug Kickstarter

Pots are piling up in the studio, but I’ve tried to find time to continue blogging. Here are three studio shots of the pottery I’m creating for all of you, as well as three pieces of advice from people who inspire my artwork.

Cherrico Pottery, Cosmic Studio Shot Cup and Serving Bowl in Process

Throwing Cosmic Mugs, Thumbs Up

“If you’re really observing and trying to learn, rather than seeking to impress, you may actually get the chance to do something useful.”

– Col. Chris Hadfield, Astronaut, qtd. in, “An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth”

 Photograph official portrait of Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield in EMU suit. Photo Date: July 19, 2011. Location: Building 8, Room 183 - Photo Studio. Photographer: Robert Markowitz

“Do whatever it takes to avoid fooling yourself into thinking something is true that is not, or that something is not true that is.”

– Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist, qtd. in The Huffington Post: “What Science Is — and How and Why it Works”

Bill_Nye,_Barack_Obama_and_Neil_deGrasse_Tyson_selfie_2014

So be wise, because the world needs more wisdom. And if you cannot be wise, pretend to be someone who is wise and then just behave like they would.

– Neil Gaiman, qtd. in The Best Commencement Speech You Many Ever Hear

Kyle-cassidy-neil-gaiman-April-2013

5 Cosmic Pots Bundled Together and a Cosmic Gift from a Monk

After figuring out how to create a new type of cosmic pottery that is so much smaller, faster and easier to create than Cosmic Mugs, I’ve found another way for all of you to get an even better deal on a set of cosmic pottery:

$69 Cosmic Mug + Set of Four Cups on Kickstarter

So many of you seem to love the new “Cosmic Cup” listing, so I decided to work more hours and make just a few for the Holidays. Only 100 will be available, as Christmas delivery is closing in and I’ve got lots of pots to finish. A few $25 Cosmic Cup sets are also available. Enjoy!

Cosmic Shot Cups, Image 2, Cherrico Pottery

7, Image Pair, High

The gift from the monk was for me, not for you! One of my favorite Art Professors from college, Brother David Paul, gifted me a sweet, cosmic wallet. It’s in the same style as the “Molecular Cloud Cluster” that has taken over my website. This is just one more example of how generous all of you have been throughout this project. Whether buying a set of Cosmic Mugs, simply showing a friend or sending an awesome gift like this, I truly appreciate every bit of positive energy all of you have sent my way.

Cosmic Wallet Gift from a Monk
This quote and video below might help communicate how incredibly thankful I am for all of your support throughout this Kickstarter:

“There’s no separating your work as an artist and your life and your spirit and what is holy about it.

– Nick Offerman, Actor, Author, Woodworker, quoted in this YouTube video

Nick_Offerman_at_UMBC_(cropped)