Utilitarian Pottery

Connie Cheifitz

Good Morning! Today I am having coffee with Chris Baskin I met Chris just a few years ago when I became an active member of Oregon Potters Association. Just one or two pictures of this mug will not give you a good idea of its subtle grandeur. The soda fire resulted in a luscious flashes of color that complement the fluidity if the form. But the feature that makes Chris Baskin’s mug unique is the handle. The style and shape of mug handles is a never ending topic among potters and never before had I seen such a simple and wonderfully functional solution; from the ‘soft yet ragged edge that sits on the rim to the split join that clearly shows where the maker’s hands attached it firmly to the mug, I find it delightful! Cheers! 


Carolyn Winkler

A beautiful mizusashi ( “fresh water jar” for Japanese Tea Ceremony), the cold water jar by Chris Baskin a wonderful Portland potter. This lid is a black lacquer lid, traditionally used for more formal tea like koicha.  

Bobby Cutwright

Chojubai in a Chris Baskin pot, it will be repotted in the Spring into a pot with a bit more age and patina. #chojubai #cascadiabonsai #bonsai #bloomBobby CurrightI am enjoying some morning coffee, straight from a product of your handiwork. Thank you for the thoughtful and useful cups. Personally knowing the artisan makes these creations all the more special, and the coffee tastes better, too! With everlasting gratitude, David Strain.

David Strain

I am enjoying some morning coffee, straight from a product of your handiwork.  Thank you for the thoughtful and useful cups. Personally knowing the artisan makes these creations all the more special, and the coffee tastes better, too !    

With everlasting gratitude

Rose Hart

I bought a Chris Baskin plate at Ceramic Showcase as a gift for my son and his home. It was a deeply welcomed by their family. Its design says wonder; its colors joy.

Hello Professor Baskin:  


The unomis arrived and they are so great.  Honestly, it is almost a sin to enjoy something as much as I do your unomis.  I had so much fun opening them.  All four are fantastic.  


Your work is all great but the heart of it is these unique unomis.  I have never seen anything like them and I have looked at a lot of this stuff.  They are all great but the somewhat squared off one is maybe the best yet.  


Thanks again.  Fred Walker.


   Dr John Reed

  It has been my profound privilege to have known Chris Baskin and his beautiful ceramics for thirty years, from his days in Louisville and southern Indiana when he was mastering the art of kiln building and wood firing. He was part of a vibrant community of clay artists who supported and nurtured each other’s work. I still have the coffee mugs I purchased back then. I love their look and feel.

     Chris is an extraordinarily talented artist, with skillful hands, a keen mind and depth of soul. I have enjoyed seeing his work evolve over time. While his works were superb in those earlier days, they are now simply astonishing. His earthy and soulful creations grace various rooms, cabinets and corners of mine and my wife Joy’s home; platters, dinner plates, serving bowls and vases and more. Seeing and holding these clay pieces have both a soothing and grounding affect on me. One of Chris’s magnificent trays is the centerpiece of our dining table and aways sparks interest and conversation with dinner guests. And there is no more valued gift for family and friends than one of Chris’s creations. A handsome urn he made will one day serve as my final resting place. My wife, Joy, and I are profoundly grateful for our enduring connection with this amazing artist and good, wise man.

Urns for Ashes

Robin, Michigan

Robin, Michigan

Dear Chris, the urn has arrived and it is absolutely perfect! The shape and glaze are stunning, and it's just the right size. I greatly appreciate your exceptional artistry. I was also impressed by your amazingly effective packing technique. Thank you for guiding me through the decision about which urn to select.

Dr Moynihan, Naturopath Physician & East Asian Medicine Practitioner

My mom is happy to have the beautiful urn to hold onto a bit of the physical essence of my father; the rest we will spread at our home in Truro, a place where my Dad loved to gaze out onto the Pamet marsh opening to the Atlantic ocean, always a book or newspaper in hand.

Classes

Galaxy Clay

What an amazing firing we had! We finally unloaded the second reduction soda kiln last night. The results were fantastic and we were so happy with them! Even the teacher agreed that this firing was the best so far. I tried some different things and I can’t wait to show you all. A huge thanks to @chrisbaskinpottery for the amazing workshop and am looking forward to the 2nd part of summer class next year.

Jennifer Pak

It was the most amazing and mesmerizing experience filled with overflowing excitement and laughter we all shared together as a team. Thank you @chrisbaskinpottery for this wonderful workshop. And thank you, clay friends!