IllustratedClayworks
Announcement
Welcome, welcome to this place of "Enchanted Forestry." Wade in: The koi don't bite. Wander around: The flowers don't have thorns. The birds are mostly skittish, but still, you might discover something to treasure or share.
These illustrated clayworks are all created as one-of-kind objects here in my studio in the foothills of the Appalachians. Thrown on the wheel, manipulated by hand, heavily incised with a sgraffito technique, and finally hand-painted and -glazed.
I'm also an author and poet of many, many books, and an illustrator for magazines ranging from The New Yorker to Gourmet. I love translating my passion for nature into clay's three dimensions. Please write with comments or questions or even commissions. All good wishes...and happy holidays ahead! MJR
Announcement
Welcome, welcome to this place of "Enchanted Forestry." Wade in: The koi don't bite. Wander around: The flowers don't have thorns. The birds are mostly skittish, but still, you might discover something to treasure or share.
These illustrated clayworks are all created as one-of-kind objects here in my studio in the foothills of the Appalachians. Thrown on the wheel, manipulated by hand, heavily incised with a sgraffito technique, and finally hand-painted and -glazed.
I'm also an author and poet of many, many books, and an illustrator for magazines ranging from The New Yorker to Gourmet. I love translating my passion for nature into clay's three dimensions. Please write with comments or questions or even commissions. All good wishes...and happy holidays ahead! MJR
Items
All Items
Reviews
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Beth on Aug 11, 2020
5 out of 5 starsMichael's work is absolutely incredible. I own a few of his pieces, but this mug was sent to a friend. She loves it!! Thank you so much :)
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Emma on Aug 28, 2018
5 out of 5 starsWe now have three pieces made by Michael and they are all just beautiful. They are colorful and detailed beyond what his photos can show. Ours are bronze and black and white with beautiful leaf patterns. Beyond looking good, they feel sturdy and solid in your hand, if you ever feel like moving them (which you won't because these are display pieces). Michael is also very prompt and pleasant to work with, and all his items come very well-packaged.
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Patricia on Jul 10, 2018
5 out of 5 starsWow!! Do not pass this shop by. Outstanding service, over and above. When the product I wanted was sold just before I ordered, I asked if he would do a custom piece. He did, (and even more beautiful) and got it to me on time for my event! His pictures did not do his work justice! Absolutely stunning. Such a talented artist and so delightful to work with!! I would give 10 stars if I could!! Thank you, Micheal, for a lovely piece.
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Beth on Oct 28, 2017
5 out of 5 starsThe most beautiful vase I own - Michael is a true artist with incredible talent!
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duplers on Jul 29, 2017
5 out of 5 starsI am now the proud owner of this charming drinking vessel. It is sturdy and well made, pictures do not do justice to the quality. I start each morning with a smile and this mug, I swear it makes my coffee taste better! Seller was easy to work with and I received the piece in a timely manner.
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percale on Jul 14, 2017
5 out of 5 starsI bought two items from Illustrated Clayworks, and this delightful vase is one of them. It's sturdy, unique, and satisfyingly heavy. Won't tip over when I fill it with flowers. Both items arrived promptly and well-packed. I also appreciated that all the packing materials were recyclable paper--no styrofoam peanuts! I am happy to recommend this shop highly!
About IllustratedClayworks
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Chant, the resident cattle dog, posing next to some drinking vessels (this is a Greek form called a rhyton). -
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Ever since my ornithology classes in the early 70s, birds have been beacons in the world I know. -
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The studio wall with works-in-progress and finished pieces. For a small space, I have mastered the art of packing it in! -
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Ready to bisque, a limited set of 12 sculpted drinking vessels for the Columbus Museum of Art, holidays. Cardinals. -
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A new series of tiles more allied to my 2D style of illustration. This is the resident heeler overlooking the creek.
Illustrated Clayworks by Michael J. Rosen, author and illustrator of some 135 books for readers of all ages.
Inspired by the flora and fauna here in the Appalachian foothills of Central Ohio—
even if some are exaggerated—each vessel, plater, pitcher, bowl, or mug is an original improvisation. That is the pleasure in making for me: Not duplicating a work over and over, but allowing each work to become an original expression of form, illustration, and color.
Nearly all works are thrown on the wheel and then manipulated to create concavities or ribs or bulges that will add further dimension—further “hand feel”—to the object. After each has hardened a bit, I begin the real pleasure: puzzling out the surface composition. How will the branches or the water ripples travel across the piece. What creatures should fit where? What sort of leaf shape?
As I draw and then carve these visuals into the clay body, I’m also concentrating on creating a surface that will afford the greatest tactile pleasure. The pleasure of holding in your hands an object built in my hands.
Shop members
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Michael J. Rosen
Owner
I've written, illustrated, edited, or photographed over 150 books in a long career. Ceramics have always been a passion. And now, at last, the chance to apply my love and knowledge of natural history and my illustration techniques to clay surfaces.
Shop policies
Shipping
Customs and import taxes
Payment options
Returns & exchanges
I gladly accept returns and exchanges
I don't accept cancellations
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
- Custom or personalized orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
I accept returns I do not accept returns
I accept exchanges I do not accept exchanges
I accept cancellations I do not accept cancellations
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
Privacy policy
More information
Frequently asked questions
Custom and personalized orders
Sure. I'm happy to create a work based on your favorite bird, cat, dog, or flower. We'd simply have to work out the particulars in terms of timing, price, and objective. I'd need reference images. I'd share a preliminary sketch. And, after that, we'd need to commit to the project. You'd be leaving it to me to create what it is that you see I do: The "likeness" is that you "like" what I do...and how I create that likeness is what you're accepting as my "style." Happy to think along these lines with you!
Care instructions
Nearly everything I create is food-safe and happily hand-washed or tucked inside the dishwasher. The only exceptions are those that have gold-leafing as part of the decoration. Those are more sculptural pieces, not particularly suited for covering in Spaghetti Carbonara or Mom's Favorite Potato Gratin. I've noted this on the few pieces so you should feel comfortable with the durability and safety of all the ceramics offered.
Sizing details
So my vessels are significantly warped and crimped and bowed after throwing on the wheel. And then they're heavily incised in order to bring forward the leaves or birds or fish, allowing the background to recede. Even the bottoms of each piece have carving, decoration, or some more organic foot on which to rest. As such, some of my pieces do not sit exactly flat on a table. Some mugs, with their narrower bases and the fuller handles, are slightly asymmetrical or have a base that's not fully flush with the surface. These are the qualities of handcrafting and, sure, the kiln's fickle properties, that I actually desire. I don't offer any works that can't hold their own on a table. Each piece welcomes you into the journey of its making.