Ryan McKerley

Ceramicist Ryan McKerley has been in the Blue Genie Art Bazaar for as long as I can remember. Each year the Bazaar rolls around and I search out his display and start debating on what I will buy.

His work appeals to me on a few levels and I buy it because I like it. One tumbler I use all the time. It's special and yet, I use it rather than hide it behind glass or in a cabinet. There are bowls and vases that I use as fruit bowls or for some fresh cut flowers from the yard. Regardless of whether I'm using them they are sitting on shelves or tables so I can enjoy their shapes, colors and textures.

Several years ago, while doing a show, I was placed next to a local potter. We had plenty of time to chat since it was a weekend show. When I mentioned having several of Ryan's pieces she gasped and advised me to keep it because he was already becoming quite the celebrity amongst pottery/ceramicist people. It was sort of funny because, of course I was keeping it! I love the stuff!

Ryan is open and friendly, so there's the added bonus of knowing that the artist is a nice person. I did a little search and discovered a list on the HGTV website of the basics behind the technique he uses. If you're in the Austin, Texas area head over to the Blue Genie Art Bazaar and check out his work. If not, take a look at his web site.