Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Houghton's 125th

I just finished up a commission of special mugs for Houghton College's upcoming 125th anniversary.

My Book: Bottles to Beads

I just wrote a book! Ever since returning from Iringa I knew I needed to write up something to collect my impressions, thoughts and reflections on my experience at Neema Crafts. Well, I did it. First edition has just been sent to the printer. Writing it has made me realize that there is so much more that I want to say than can be said, so there might be a second edition, eventually. But for now, I have something to show!

Bottles to Beads

Reflections from a...

By Paul Christensen

Book Preview

I have been tweaking and editing this book for a couple months now, and I think it is done!

Fall 2008

I'm spending the months of September and October making pottery again, working in the studio as a research assistant, and building up an inventory of materials, and working on a few commissions.
While working as a research assistant for the Houghton Art Dept, I hope to produce a good self-glazing clay body recipe that can be made from simple ingredients readily available to any organization like Neema Crafts.

What's New?

This summer I've taken a bit of a break from production pottery and am teaching Swahili for Upward Bound and taking some business courses on the side in preparation for graduate studies in international economic development. I'm interested in microfinance and microenterprise, especially related to arts and crafts industries in the developing world. Perhaps one day I'll be doing back in Indo something like what I was doing at Neema Crafts.

Shanga za Chupa

One of the finished products that came out of the Bottles to Beads project at Neema Crafts. Currently we're working on getting distributors and marketing the finished jewelry.

Deep Calls to Deep

"By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the seas into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses." - Psalm 33:6-7

This is a piece I've been working on. It's cooling down in the salt kiln as I write this. Can't wait to see how it comes out. It's size removes it from the realm of utilitarian vessels, but its form demands a purpose. What is it good for?

Looking at, I guess.

Back in the Studio

Upon returning from Tanzania in February, I have been volunteering as a studio assistant again in return for facilities access. To get back into the groove of throwing again I began with a series of mugs and a few larger bowls. A little later I received a commission to do some customized mugs with sprig molds. Some of the work was fired in the gas kiln but I also did a salt-firing. Most went well and I now have the work documented and available to view online.