Jay Jasper's Blog, page 76

“For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” – Vincent Van Gogh

Midnight under the arbour at The Alchemist’s StudioThe prolific works of Vincent van Gogh have captured the imagination of the world for over a century.

In the aftermath of the 23 December 1888 breakdown that resulted in the self-mutilation of his left ear,[8][9] Van Gogh voluntarily admitted himself to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausolelunatic asylum on 8 May 1889.[10][11] Housed in a former monastery, Saint-Paul-de-Mausole catered to the wealthy and was less than half full when Van Gogh arrived,[12] allowing him to occupy not only a second-story bedroom but also a ground-floor room for use as a painting studio.[13]

Van Gogh’s work is displayed in leading museums throughout the world and his work continues to influence art today.

Which is what happened for me, here SOLD

When I removed this piece from the kiln, it immediately made me think of van Gogh’s master work ‘Starry Night’. In this piece I also see a far flung galaxy of stars!

What do you think of our raku pottery vase ‘Starry Night’?

Does it make you think of van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’? Or do you see some far flung galaxy? Or do you see something completely different?

Do the stars inspire you to dream, like Van Gogh? They sure do for me!

Let me know in the comments below!

You can check out more of our raku pottery vases (and their stories) here! If you would like your very own raku pottery vase, you can sign up for our newsletter, because we will be choosing a lucky subscriber for a pottery gift basket that includes one, which you can see here!

These 4 Things Want To Be In Your Home

As the week gets started, why not treat yourself to some free pottery! It’s super easy! Can I live at your house?Bring everything above home for the insanely, ridiculously, much-less-than-the cost-of-a-cup-of-coffee-a-day-thank-you-very-much-sally-struthers low low price of$0in none instalments!All you need to do is

Subscribe to our newsletter and you could win a pottery gift basket that includes the following items below. As an added bonus, we will add another item once we hit 500 subscribers (we are currently at 420!) with the draw to be held at the end of the year. And more and more after that too!

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Processing… Success! You're on the list. Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again. Simply add your email in the form above and you are in for the draw. that’s it!

Pass it on to a friend and
help the basket grow!

The more people there are,
the more items will be added!Have an awesome week!

Mugshot Monday

“I have measured out my life
with coffee spoons.” ― T.S. Eliot Mug 10 $35

Shipping Included in US and Canada

More mugs can be viewed here.

If you don’t see one for sale in the colour you like,
please contact us and we can work with you directly.

OWL show you everything

“Yellow is capable of charming God.”

– Vincent Van Gogh

click to view a Van Gogh inspired raku vase

Yellow Owl – $75
Shipping Included In US and Canada

Click here to see more owls or
here if youd like to get a vase of your own for free!

This Week At The Studio In Photos

The Bay of Fundy with the tide out Mary J. Vase told her story of intrigue
$226
Free Shipping In US and Canada

The flowers are out in full force around here!

A scary looking trail (before going in and once inside)
Once I pushed myself to go in I was reminded that
the beauty is on the other side of the fear.

That’s been the week here.

How’s your week been?

Playing Musical Vases – Gossip Girl

Press Play

then Read along

‘Gossip Girl‘ pays tribute to a nymph renowned for her beauty named Larunda. Larunda was also known for another trait. She talked a lot. Her parents, try as they might, could not curb this trait and her love of gossip.

Jupiter would provide an answer to solve this dilemma. $120
Free Shipping In US and Canada

As seen at my art exhibit ‘The Myth of Family’

During one of her many gossip sessions, Larunda could not hang onto a very juicy tidbit of information: she ended up revealing Jupiter’s affair with fellow nymph Juturna to Jupiter’s wife Juno. She could not keep such a juicy tidbit of information to herself. So much for the girl code.

That proved to be a very bad idea.

Jupiter was king of the gods in Rome. You mess with Jupiter, you better don’t mess with Jupiter.

His answer? Cut out her tongue and order her escorted by Mercury to Avernus, the gateway to the underworld.

Extreme perhaps, but effective.

You can see more images of the raku pottery vase ‘Gossip Girl’ here.

Our story does not end here.

You know the pretty people who can talk their way out of a speeding ticket? Even without her tongue Larunda managed to weasel her way out of the trip to the Underworld. Mercury fell in love with her and she had two babies.

It was a real labour for her to avoid the Underworld. Literally!

To keep herself safe, she had to remain hidden in a cottage in the woods. That combined without having a tongue, may have been a worse punishment than a trip to the Underworld.

It’s a good thing there was no Facebook or WIFI back then! Larunda might have lost her fingers too!

Is there an Alchemist Studio vase that reminds you of a particular song?

Let us know in the comments!

and see all vases here

Today

There is more information
available to us than ever before. and IN THE overwhelm of all that FOMOand confusionTHE QUIET CALM is there, calling us to connect more slowly and thoughtfully.

We invite you to add your email below to join our newsletter.

As a thank you, you will be entered to receive the items above.

Connect with us

By joining our newsletter list, you agree to share your email address with us to receive email from The Alchemist’s Studio. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time. We will never share your contact information with anyone.

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The Queen of Heaven is Higher Than Bill Clinton

Our raku pottery vase for this week is called “Mary J. Vase” and tells the tale of a ‘Queen of Heaven’, aromatic offerings that were not only sure to delight her, but also her adherents, and a long history of others who also enjoyed such offerings, including a United States President. And in case you have not yet figured it out yet, the ‘J’ stands for Jane!

Mary J. Vase – $226
Free Shipping In US and Canada
(not actually) Meanwhile In Mesopotamia

Often considered the cradle of civilization, Mesopatamia birthed Ishtar – considered the ‘Queen of Heaven.’ Ishtar was worshipped across the land as a healing goddess and as a primal spiritual figure. Her popularity would transcend several civilizations, including the Assyrians and Babylonians.

Even ancient Egypt would fall under her spell and worship her!

But what was that magical secret to her popularity?

UnLike other gods,

Worship of Ishtar required ‘high’ tribute. Her favourite offering was a certain aromatic herb that is thought to be cannabis. It is said it not only has healing properties, but it could also turn your eyes red, and incidentally get you high (and probably gave you the munchies!)

You can see more of our raku pottery vases and read their stories here If you are making an offering to Ishtar, you may need these.Perhaps When former United States President Bill Clinton was asked if he smoked cannabis, A better answer than “I didn’t Inhale” would have been “I was just making an offering to Ishtar. You know, I am a strong supporter of religious freedom …” “I’d have to be high to believe that one Bill”. George Washington cultivated hemp, and some believe he was the first President who may have inhaled. Celebrations of Ishtar live on today

but mostly without the aromatic offerings.

Indeed, one of the main holidays to honour her happened each Spring Solstice and featured flowers, painted eggs and rabbits.

Sound familiar?

Just make sure if you choose to participate in those aromatic offerings you don’t eat all your children’s Easter candy.

Actually Meanwhile – back in Canada

Cannabis is totally legal, but now offerings are made to our Prime Minister by way of tax revenues!

What did you think of today’s raku pottery vase and our story? Let me know in the comments below!

If you have other comments about this post or cannabis in general, just keep in mind the words of another famous Mary J!

If you would like to get your very own raku vase – for free –
click here – also more stuff too!

Riding on the Intergalactic Fantastic!

Intergalactic Yoda is back and has Brought a friend! Intergalactic Yoda Pendant – $28
Free Shipping In US and Canada
Intergalactic Buddha Pendant – $28
Free Shipping In US and Canada
We also have this galaxy-themed vase which makes a great pairing with a piece of the above Jewelry. Intergalactic Vase and Intergalactic Pendant – $65
Free Shipping In US and Canada
If you have a space lover as your lover, have we got the perfect gift for you, and them, but like this vase, there is only one available.Launch your relationship to the cosmos. If you act now, you can buy this vase and your choice of Yoda or Buddha pendant for $65!

This includes shipping in the US and Canada.

Only one available!

Name That Vase – June 2021

It’s time to share our winner and feature another vase in need of a name! Welcome to ‘Name that Vase’!

For those who are new to this feature, ‘Name that Vase’ is where you can suggest a name, create a story, poem or prose for this raku pottery vase. Consider this your chance to be inspired, a writing prompt or a creative cue. You can, or if you are feeling nostalgic,that started what has now become a monthly tradition for our blog and readers.

This month we have a very special vase for your naming, but first we must congratulate ’s winner for her name and write-up!

Congratulations!

Surtsey

I’m thinking Surtsea, (not sure of spelling), an island that built itself up overnight (volcanic) that appeared almost overnight as a volcanic cone made of black ash? I think it happened in the 1960’s. The wave shape on the pot and the coppery colours make me think of magma sizzling in a boiling sea.

So it turns out that Surtsey the volcanic island was named after Surtr, a fire jötunn or giant from Norse mythology! Surtr is foretold as being a major figure during the events of Ragnarök; carrying his bright sword, he will go to battle against the Æsir, he will do battle with the major god Freyr, and afterward the flames that he brings forth will engulf the Earth.

Pretty perfect for a raku vase from
The Alchemist’s Studio I would say! Surtsey – $98
Shipping Included in Canada and US
And into our new month!What do you think
this vase should be named?Please add what you think the name should be for this month’s vase and any associated poetry or story in the comments below. Looking forward to reading your submissions!

If you would lke to get your very own raku vase (and more!) sign up here!