Over a year ago, Todd Van Duren’s pottery workshop, behind his home, literally went up in flames. But many of his fellow potter’s in the Austin, TX area came to his aid the next few days to sort through the ashes. Not only were many finished pieces saved, but the artist says the glazes took on incredible colors and patinas resulting from the high temperature “firing.” 80% of the salvaged pots sold fairly quickly to discerning collectors that realized this one-time opportunity.
As the sort/salvage on the burnt out structure progressed, the roof tin from the old studio was kept and later used to work as siding when rebuilding began. During the recent WEST Studio Tour in Austin (April and May 2013) we saw the new workspace. The interior was still waiting on wall board, but the exterior proudly shows off the burned tin as a tribute to the assistance of his fellow artists.
New Todd Van Duren clay studio with tin reclaimed from earlier fire.
Van Duren continues to work on his “housing projects,” slab built structures made entirely of clay.
Slab home – clay – by artist Todd Van Duren, Austin, TX
The new studio has lots of light and entirely new wiring. Note to ANY artist considering a garage remodel into an art studio: Check your wiring thoroughly. The in wall wiring Todd had not replaced in his space caused the studio destroying fire. And don’t forget to insure any structure that is part of your creative business!
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