Composer Philip Aaberg writes music that connects a global audience to the sweeping landscape of the West. By translating Montana’s farms, ranches, and native cultures into musical concepts, he’s forged a unique keyboard style that paints an audible portrait of his home state.
Although classically trained, Philip celebrates many traditions with his compositions. He weaves strains of blues and bluegrass as well as rock and new music throughout his melodic tapestries.
My wood bowls are primarily made of trees native to the Helena area with accents of more exotic woods or decorative inlays, such as copper and turquoise.
The wood is usually turned two to three years before it is put in final form, and I can pretty much identify where each piece of local wood came from, down to the address and street location.
I try to keep things simple.
My work forms a bridge between intangible concepts of joy, generosity and lusciousness, and tangible objects of daily use.
Notions of innocence expressed through jovial colors, flowers and birds reveal aspects of humanity I intend to cultivate within my own life. Evidence of my love for layering decoration and allowing the clay to express its own nature emerge through this “soulmorphic” representation, and I enjoy how they form a subtle narrative: transforming intentionally functional work into something more expansive.
I like to say: “Live right, love fearlessly, and use hand-made pottery!
“Art is Life.”
Art is in every aspect of our lives, day and night, while awake or in dream. The artist recognizes the influences, inspirations, and interactions with the world around him/her and creates from it. Each creation holds the spirit of the artist. The mugs, cups and bowls I offer are not empty. They are full of inspiration, joy and dedication. I am not capable of making pots out of frustration or anger. Angry pots crack or reject glaze. A clear mind and thoughtful concentration make the best pots. I am very proud and honored to be living my life as one who takes in the world and creates from it. I invite anyone to interact with my work and enjoy its function, and I will continue creating.”
I am interested in how pots can be used every day to bring art into our lives, enhancing our experience with food, adorning our homes, and providing a necessary ritual to nourish our soul and mind as well as our bodies. I try to make pottery that is successful in several ways: comfortable to use, enjoyable to look at, and interesting to think about.
Perhaps pottery’s greatest power lies in its association with the human body. The language of pottery is the language of the body, with necks and feet, bellies and shoulders, and lips to touch our lips. The intimate relationship that develops with use strengthens this association. A personality develops, and the pots become our friends. In this friendship they become reflections of our humanness, and help give meaning to our lives.
A professional designer for 35 years, Len has earned national and international recognition for his logo and publication designs. Len began serious painting in 1997 working in oils and acrylics. His emphasis is on exploring and interpreting the vibrancy and life discovered in the common sites and objects throughout our Western surroundings. Simple, strong compositions in bold colors typify his work.“I explore ways of interpreting my surroundings. It is a process of discovery. I strip away detail and visual clutter, seeking the simple forms and powerful compositions that inspired these works. I use vibrant colors and contrasts to intensify the energy I unearth in each of these discoveries.”
I am a self-taught artist and I am delighted to be in a constant process of learning. As a metalsmith, I feel lucky to be surrounded by the influences of nature and history. I make jewelry to remind us of who we are; endless, timeless, magificent as a mountain range – sweet and simple as a robin’s nest. I want my jewelry to be a talisman of pure joy, an amulet of sacred beauty – an affirmation of the romance we have with life.
“let the beauty you love be what you do” -Rumi
I love jewelry and my next piece is going to be my best!
In a Nutshell: I was born and raised in Huntington Beach, CA., and discovered ceramics in high school (liked it better than algebra). I went on to earn a BA in ceramics at San Diego State University, and an MFA from Alfred University in 1990. I then moved to Montana to be a resident artist at the Archie Bray foundation. At the end of my residency in1993, I set up a pottery studio, and have enjoyed living and working in Helena ever since.
I enjoy the challenge of finding innovative solutions to the centuries old problems regarding functional ceramics. I am inspired by the fact that despite thousands of years of pottery making, we can still leave our studios today having created something new.
The idea that form follows function rings true for me, however; I believe that function can, at times, be persuaded to follow sculptural form, creating an interesting dialogue between utility and sculpture.
Many years ago I discovered that to find satisfaction in my designs, I must have a working relationship with the images. In some manner, a living experience with the subject matter. This occurred on a profound level over the 25 years I lived in Avon, MT on a sprawling mostly wild place, several miles from town. The remoteness gave way to a daily study of water birds and other fauna. I developed an intimacy with groves of aspens, pussy willow, pine, rocky outcroppings; a life study of one high mountain valley. My art is an expression of the love that deepens from relationship with place.
I consider myself the accidental potter. I took my first ceramics course in 1985 to fulfill a general education requirement while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Great Falls. I went on to earn my degree and teach third grade for a few years. During that time I continued making pots and learning as much as I could about the process.
In 1990 I decided that I wanted to give up teaching to study pottery. In 1992 I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Montana in Missoula. I have been making pottery full time in Great Falls since then. First as a potter sharing a space with 2 other potters and then opening my own studio, Eve Pottery, in 1999.
I work primarily in porcelain and fire in an electric kiln. I love making one of a kind decorative work as well as every day functional ware. My hope is that the pots I make bring joy to those that use them.
