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Billy and Li Chia Cooper Lanedale Pottery: Farm Fresh

Presented by Fire Arts, Inc. at Fire Arts, Inc.

March 9-April 22, 2010

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Fire Arts proudly invites the public to Lanedale Pottery: Farm Fresh, an exhibit by potters Billy and Li Chia Cooper. Located near Royal Center, Indiana, is Lanedale Pottery, named after the farm on which it stands with a studio that is a refurbished granary, and dry clay storage located in an old cattle barn. Here is where Billy and Li Chia Cooper create their pottery. "We make our own clay bodies and glazes, because we are investing in the idea of being fully involved in the making of our work." They use many local materials for their glazes, including wood ash from friends' and customers' fireplaces, and several clays that Billy collects from farm fields. This is often his reward for digging in the trenches from tile work.

Billy is also a farmer ,which has proven to be quite an endeavor, seeding a balance that allows satisfaction in each of his chosen career paths. "I often find each creeping into the other's territory, sometimes working together, sometimes stepping on each other's toes." The pottery that he creates and tends to be drawn is functional in nature. Influenced by early Americana and Asian pottery, Billy enjoys making pieces that are meant to be touched, and intended to be used. Farming has also been a big influence. "Much of my work is inspired by what I see around me: from patterns I see in the field, whether lines left by a plow, or tire tracks, worn and broken parts from a planter, to structures on the farm, whose sole purpose for being fulfills a function." Each piece is a consequence of his life and work. "For me success in making pottery is creating a favorite piece, for example, a cup, or bowl that one looks for when he or she opens a cupboard." Billy strives to create pieces that are quiet in their presence, not demanding attention, but sparking interest in the user.

Li Chia's work is more sculptural , with birds that have become meditative little pieces that she places on more figurative objects for their own observation and contemplation. Currently all of their work is either gas fired reduction, salt glazed stoneware, or porcelain. The gas reduction kiln allows them to explore glazes in a stable atmosphere. The salt glaze kiln offers them a different approach, giving their glazes dramatically different results. The salt glazed kiln also brings the opportunity to explore surface decoration with slips, using the salt introduced in the firing process as the only glaze on the exterior of the piece.

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  • Venue Info

    Fire Arts, Inc.

    305 E. Colfax Ave.
    South Bend, IN 46617

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  • Admission Info

    Tickets: Admission to this exhibit is free.

    Info Phone: 574-282-2787

  • Dates & Times

    Dates:
    March 9-April 22, 2010

    Times:
    "Lanedale Pottery: Farm Fresh" will be open March 9 - April 22, with a reception to be held on Saturday, March 13, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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    • Event Name: Billy and Li Chia Cooper Lanedale Pottery: Farm Fresh
      "style"
      Comment posted by: paul maher from boston MA, May 17, 2010
      

      i just purchased a small vase dated 1/17/72 cooper and was wondering if it is yours, it is a mustardy color and blue stylized leaves coming from the bottom, it seems like a good piece of pottery

      i just purchased a small vase dated 1/17/72 cooper and was wondering if it is yours, it is a mustardy color and blue stylized leaves coming from the bottom, it seems like a good piece of pottery

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    • Event Name: Billy and Li Chia Cooper Lanedale Pottery: Farm Fresh
      "style"
      Comment posted by: paul maher from boston MA, May 17, 2010
      

      i just purchased a small vase dated 1/17/72 cooper and was wondering if it is yours, it is a mustardy color and blue stylized leaves coming from the bottom, it seems like a good piece of pottery

      i just purchased a small vase dated 1/17/72 cooper and was wondering if it is yours, it is a mustardy color and blue stylized leaves coming from the bottom, it seems like a good piece of pottery

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