Limited Edition Giveaway✨, Ends 7-31-21

 

For years, we have given away beautiful pots in our monthly giveaways. This month, we took it a step further and decided to choose pieces that rarely are for sale, or have never been available for purchase.

One of three winners will receive a one of a kind “Experimental Mug” paired with the book “Originals” by Adam Grant. Joel’s Experimental Pottery are all unique and unpredictable pieces. From his splatter designs that seem to hide fun and interesting visuals, to his pieces that blend shades of Iron and cobalt for an interesting contrast.

A gorgeous “Cobalt Soup Mug” is another piece included in our giveaway. This larger sized mug is paired with a very educational book written by Ben Carter. Ben Carter is a studio potter, educator, and the author of “Mastering The Potter’s Wheel” . Ben also hosts a podcast that features weekly interviews with other ceramic artists from around the globe. Cherrico Pottery supports the Tales of a Red Clay Ramblers Patreon and hopes to see this insightful podcast continue to flourish.

The third and final winner will receive a custom made “Lunar Cup” paired with a copy of “Cosmic Queries” by Neil deGrasse Tyson. The book ,Cosmic Queries, was sent to Joel personally from the author himself. Inside you will find, scribbled within the first few pages, Neil’s autograph in vibrant purple ink.

If you have been following Cherrico Pottery for a while, you may have seen Joel’s blog post he wrote for StarTalk, or the short interview clips from StarTalk Radio we like to share with our fans. Truth is, Cherrico Pottery has supported StarTalk Radio’s Patreon for years. By continuing to support, Joel is able to draw more inspiration from the cosmos, and then filter it into art.

This custom made “Lunar Cup” was designed for Star Talk Radio. Unlike the other two pieces in this giveaway, this cup is limited edition, and no cups like it are available for purchase. This fun piece has the classic shape and texture of Joel’s other Lunar Cups, but has “Keep Looking Up” scribed on with black glaze. If you listen to StarTalk, you’ll know that this uplifting reminder is how Neil deGrasse Tyson ends every episode.

The team here at Cherrico Pottery hopes you all have an amazing summer and that you’ll enjoy this month’s giveaway.

 

 

June Pottery Giveaway, Ends 6-30-21

This month, 3 winners will receive a beautiful pot paired with one of our favorite books. These books have guided the work of Joel as an artist, business owner, and individual, as well as the members of our team. Each of these pieces were hand picked by Joel.

Here’s what he had to say about the books we are giving away this month:

In regards to “Practical Pottery” by Jon Schmidt, “Jon‘s perspective on making beautiful, useful pottery is helpful for anyone who is curious about how to make pottery themselves.”

“Steven Pressfield’s writing is so powerful that the city of Sparta in Greece declared him an honorary citizen. He reveals truths about how all of us struggle in our own lives, but we all share the power to conquer those struggles with dignity and honor.” These are Joel’s thoughts on Steven Pressfield‘s work, including “The Warrior Ethos” and “A Man At Arms.”

Finally, the last book we are giving away this month, “Mastery” by Robert Greene. “I reread this book every year. There’s this idea that 10,000 hours spent on any task will make you a master. But after you spent 20,000 hours, that’s when magic really happens. Robert Greene gives you steps on exactly what’s necessary to create something worthy of being truly original.”

We hope you enjoy this giveaway!

 

 

Shades of Spring Giveaway, Ends 5-31-21

After a few confusing weeks of Minnesota weather, it seems we finally have entered the spring season. The air is getting warmer and the lovely spring colors are vibrant. This month, we chose pottery that reminded us of these spring shades.

Our cobalt glaze is reminiscent of spring showers, the darker shades like the roaring thunderclouds above and the lighter hues like rain.

The Iron glaze is bright and vibrant like the sun which, thankfully, is now shining brightly daily.

Our mixture of glazes for our classic Cosmic Mugs is bright and colorful. Normally, these colors make me think about what they are inspired by, the cosmos. However, with the changing of the seasons, these hues make me think of the brightly colored flowers that will soon be popping out of the ground.

This month 4 lucky winners will win beautiful pottery absolutely free. Hope you enjoy this giveaway and good luck!

How To Deal With Criticism

If you make art, eventually you’ll come across someone who won’t like your work. They might even hate it, hurl insults, and tell you why they’re right and you’re wrong. Always remember— trying to please everyone is a trap. Take criticism for what it is: a sign that your art is powerful, and that you’re not making art for critics, or for everyone. You’re making your art for your fans, and your love of the craft. Admit that this is enough, and ignore the rest.

Perseverance Giveaway, Ends 4/30/21

Almost 2,500 years ago, ancient Spartan warriors fought in the Battle of Thermopylae. These warriors were outnumbered by their challengers – just 300 Spartan warriors to an invading army of millions.

The Spartans had to utilize ingenious survival tactics to stay alive, one of which being a simple drinking cup, a ‘Kothon’, to strain off and trap elements of dirt and silt from mud puddles when drinking. When met with a challenge, even as simple as finding a way to hydrate, the Spartans persevered.

Author Steven Pressfield writes about the culture and battle techniques of the Spartan warriors in many of his books, including The Warrior Ethos. In collaboration with Steven,  Joel handcrafted a modern-day Kothon Mug style, inspired by the fearlessness, discipline, and perseverance of the Spartan warriors.

Today, we may not drink from mud puddles or need to forage under combat conditions. But we all face our own obstacles and internal battles – pain, injustice, even death.

Being able to persevere through these obstacles is where real success is found. For the Spartans, and for us, too.

We hope you enjoy this Perseverance Giveaway. Good luck!