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Boulanger Pottery is represented by Marko Fields at the Mojo Coffee Gallery in Nordeast Minneapolis.
Boulanger Pottery hosts backyard sales in the fall and spring. Like Boulanger Pottery on Facebook to be the first to know the dates or send us your email to be added to the email list.
Artist’s Statement
I am an educator, a potter, an artist.
My passions for clay and second language education initially began as separate strands of life and have become interwoven. As a Spanish teacher I use methods that rely on and trust in the human brain’s unique power and ability to acquire language naturally. If the environment is optimized for language acquisition, the brain absorbs complex rules without effort. Subconsciously. I strive to create the optimized environment that allows the brain to do its job.
As a potter I strive to optimize forms for the wood-fired kiln. My pots acquire character naturally, absorbing the complex flames without effort. Subconsciously. Like the brain, fire alone is empowered to deliver – in ways we cannot fully anticipate – natural, rich and complex surfaces that only such a force of nature can create.
I choose to make functional forms as a nod of appreciation to the Minnesota clay tradition that inspires and influences me. I alter my pots, creating delightfully ambiguous forms as a reminder that life is too precious to squander through the deteriorating bottom of a cardboard cup. I aim for imperfectly beautiful pieces that engage the senses and spark curiosity.
My work creates the opportunity to slow the pace of life; teapots for celebrating the unexpected visit of a friend; tea bowls that give pause, if only for a moment, as one decides from which side to take the next sip; fingers that trace the marks of the fire and contemplate its story as they glide over the surface of a platter.
Ceramics CV
Recent Exhibitions:
2015
Empty Bowls Invitational Exhibit – Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University, TX – Juror: Dan Hammett
2014
Empty Bowls Invitational Exhibit – Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University, TX – Juror: Patsy Cox
“Tabeltop” – An international juried exhibit of functional tabletop ceramics – The Art League, Alexandria, Virginia – Juror: Tony Clennell
2013
Empty Bowls Invitational Exhibit – Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University, TX
“Tea Bowl National 2013” Kansas City Clay Guild – Juror: Doug Jeppesen
“The CAMEO 6th International Texas Teapot Tournament” 18 Hands Gallery, Houston TX – Juror: Piero Fenci
2012
“Tea Bowl National 2012” Kansas City Clay Guild – Juror: Bede Clarke
“Dining In V: An Artful Experience” 18 Hands Gallery, Houston, TX
Publications:
500 Teapots, Volume 2. Juror: Jim Lawton. Lark Publishing. Published Summer, 2013
INSPIRING
Though there are many languages I’m eager to discover, German has never been one. Yet as a beginning German student, I found myself drawn in and very eager to keep learning! Our class readings have emphasized the importance of narrative form and emotional investment for connecting students to lessons and helping them create meaning. I thought this was a bit unimpressive. However, it only took the briefest experience as your student for me to see otherwise. I’m grateful for the opportunity you gave us to sit on the other side of the desk and try being beginners again.
Elizabeth Workshop Participant
MENTORING
I am without appropriate words to express how grateful I am for Grant's investment into my teaching career. I feel that I have been encouraged, stretched, challenged, supported, enlightened, and more. He is a wonderful mentor and colleague.
Laura Abuhl Spanish Teacher
LEADING
I have directed the iFLT Conference for several years, and 2015 was the first year we have ever had to turn students away! We had a waiting list of students who wanted to take classes, and that is a huge testament to Grant’s universal success in the classroom, his professional relationship with his colleagues and his stellar reputation in the community as an advocate and a catalyst for highly effective, all-inclusive language instruction.
Carol Gaab President, TPRS Publishing, Inc. / Director of iFLT
GROWING
Grant knows the value of taking risks, and his growth is the result of unmistakable passion and an incredible work ethic.
Steve Hilton Ceramics Professor, Midwestern State University
Grant is one of us that has worked hard over the years to develop his craft–and that can give all of us hope that we can get better too.
Bryce Hedstrom Teacher Trainer