MARGARET GARDNER

I’ve managed to post more items, and had to create a new category in the navigation list to the right. Click on “Small Packages” to find the latest!

Hi All,

I’ve posted fresh lanterns and tiles just in time for the holidays. Click on the “Lantern” or “Tile” links along the header or in the right sidebar to see. If you see something you like, I may be able to get it to you by December 24th. Order before December 13th if you’re going to need something mailed. In the Portland area, we can arrange for pick up! I’ll post lovely ornaments shortly.

Have a great December!!

- Margaret

I’ve been on break from the studio for several reasons, one being the need to simply recalibrate. I cleared and cleaned and purged and swept the studio (still lots of stuff left somehow) and gathered supplies, drew up plans, made a schedule. Then things got all Springy on me. It was time to plant trees, then tend to the early bloomers, then prune, then mow, then get that drip system reorganized in time for this moment.

Here it is. Dry weather (Summer is Portland’s best kept secret!), hot even on some days. The grass still needs mowing and the young trees need water, but for the most part, it’s time to enjoy the shade of grape and hops vines, the last of the raspberries, a few more blueberries, some lettuce before it gets too hot, and get my ass into the studio.

Sure, I’ll check out Tour de Coops, Fleutag, Bridge Pedal, but not without some amount of clay being tracked on the bottom of a shoe or a splash on the hem of my skirt. I have light fixtures, colanders, bird baths, fountains and lanterns to make. I might even pop out the occasional mug or bowl. It’s the time of year when being up to your elbows in clay and water is a joy. I’m seizing the day.

And this is thanks to a note I came across randomly, someone unknown to me reminding all of us human primates to get out into the mix because this is where life happens. Following one’s passions needs to continue even as goals and plans and expectations shift.

I’ll post some pics here soon of work in progress…

This season I’ve got my paws in a couple of shows. One thousand and one apologies for the tardy post!! I’m excited about a couple new projects in particular, so I sure hope you can pop in on some of these.

Kenton Firehouse Holiday Sale
December 1st from 10am to 6pm
2209 N. Schofield, Portland
It’s a wonderful mix of Portland artists showing in this juried little gem of a show. Also, there’ll be refreshments and good spirit!

Holiday Open Studio Sale
December 8th & 9th, Saturday 10am to 5pm & Sunday Noon to 4pm
with Margaret Gardner and Kristy Lombard
9704 SE Yukon Street, Portland
Kristy and I have been showing and selling our work together on a regular basis for a couple of years now. We both primarily make ceramic work, but our approaches are distinct. There’ll be something here for everyone!
Also, we’re offering awesome hand made door prizes, for the fun of the gift giving spirit!

Georgies Employee Sale
Ongoing until early January
756 NE Lombard, Portland
Though I no longer work Saturdays at Georgies, I’ve been known to fill in from time to time. This makes me still an employee, I suppose. I’ll primarily feature lanterns there. There’s other great stuff by my Georgies colleagues, too!

This season, I’ve been inspired to make ornaments shaped much like miniature versions of my lanterns, and tile ornaments with themes like birds on a wire (surprised?). You’ll see updates on this site soon as I can get them posted!

Meanwhile, I wish you a warm and happy holiday season!

Hey folks,

Saturday, October 13th from 12pm to 5pm we’re holding an open studio sale on North Mississippi at North Holland in Portland! Kristy Lombard and myself, Margaret Gardner, will be offering up a fine selection of new and familiar treats made from clay and related minerals of the earth on which we live.

Enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, cider and cookies while checking out the latest in clay. Additional items are soon to be posted to the galleries on this website. Other upcoming sales include: Holiday Sale at Kristy’s Bungalow, Kenton Firehouse Sale, and my participation in the ornament show at the Museum of Contemporary Craft Gallery - perhaps more!

I invite you to visit my Lantern Gallery (link in title bar and side bar) which has recently been updated. People like to give these as wedding or birthday gifts, and I sometimes get reports back that some folks, once these arrive in the mail, just want to keep them!

Each one is at least a little different and I make them in families of 6 or 10. I’ll be posting more for sale in the next month or so. Also, I’ll be linking an archive gallery so that you can see what items I’ve made in the past which now have homes.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about these!

I invite you to join me and my wonderful ceramist pal Kristy Lombard for our studio sale here in North Portland on April 28th & 29th from 12 to 5pm. It’ll be a perfect weekend for gift shopping (think Mother Dear) and gearing up for garden parties. We each make a diverse range of work and though we share the passion for clay, our styles are distinct from eachother. You’ll find something for everyone!

A bright and chipper bird theme is emerging in both our bodies of work. Fine creations from sculpture to pottery will be available for sale and you’ll even see some on this site in the Lanterns, Tiles and Pottery sections. Feel free to contact me for more details.

We hope to see you there!

Click here to see Kristy’s website.

These days, I’m spending more time in the studio with my hands on clay and it feels great. I have a bisque firing on while I underglaze tiles, waiting for lanterns to firm up for turning and piercing. It’s invigorating to juggle the various stages of overlapping projects as my creative mind wakes from a winter of observation and contemplation.

Fresh creations are coming to the site soon so keep your eyes peeled!

Wanna see what I’ve been doing with my winter break from the studio, besides cleaning up?

I’m taking a picture each day and posting it to my gallery at www.pbase.com/margaret_g Tons and tons of people from all over the globe are doing the same. It’s great to see what people post - moments in their lives, things they see, people they come across. This helps me remember to look around and notice what sparks my interest. I’m filling the well for an inventive spring and I hope you’re loving life and doing the same!

Hi folks! The small gallery space at Georgies Ceramic Supply on NE Lombard Avenue in Portland is hosting a number of raku fired lanterns I’ve recently completed. They’re for sale and make amazing holiday and wedding gifts. I invite you to stop by and have a look. Georgies is a great place for all kinds of 3D art supplies as well as books on 3D art projects. Check it out!

Georgies!