Blog
First anniversary of Shade Ceramics and Shutter Photography
As the first anniversary of Shade & Shutter approaches, Mark and I have been reflecting on our first year in business here in Key West. We’ve come a long way since we first opened our doors at 1102 White Street, and we are grateful for the support of our friends, customers, and the Key West arts community.
The story behind the photograph "Stepping out into sea spray (Ballerina)"
I usually let an image gestate for a while before I decide to print it. However, I knew as soon as I opened the file on my computer that this one was special, and I rushed an order for a 36”x24” print that arrived at the gallery this morning. I think that it is stunning and I’d love you to see the print in person. Here is the story behind the photograph.
The season for entertaining
The season for entertaining is upon us, bringing fun parties, lavish dinners, casual get-togethers, and traditional celebrations. These occasions are easier when you have the right stuff, and they are more festive when you have hand-made items crafted right here in Key West.
Preparing for the season
The holidays and busy season are rapidly approaching, and we are preparing lots of items that are perfect for gifting and for helping you prepare for your holidays.
The story behind the photograph "Sailing Past 14"
My photograph “Sailing Past 14” was recently chosen to hang in the Miami office of our U.S. representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. As one of my most popular images, it was featured on the Islamorada Times Instagram feed some time ago. The subject matter is a white sailboat sailing past a red marker with the number “14” in the shipping channel off the shore of Fort Zachary Taylor State Park in Key West.
Our new website
We are delighted to announce that our new website just went live. We added web pages and expanded the existing ones to give you more information and the ability to purchase our products online. We are grateful to Linda Grist Cunningham of Key West Watch Media for all the guidance.
Need something special? Place a custom order with us!
Sometimes you just want something made especially for you rather than something from the gallery shelf or wall. And sometimes you just need that special something that fits a certain space or decor. In these situations it’s nice to be able to place a custom order. Here at Shade & Shutter we are happy to discuss your special wants and needs and let you know how we can help turn your vision into reality.
Craftsmanship and attention to detail
Our event on Saturday afternoon was a great success. Thanks to all our friends and followers who came out to see Mark throw pots. It was great fun. We will do it again soon. During the event, Mark demonstrated how he attaches the foot to his ceramic pieces. The accompanying video shows how he puts the finishing touches on a bowl by polishing the foot. Not only do his bowls look great on any table, they are gentle on the tabletop because of the smooth finish. This attention to detail is emblematic of the craftsmanship that you can see and feel on all his pieces.
Mark demonstrates how he throws pots
Join us at Shade & Shutter gallery at 1102 White St. in Key West on Saturday, May 18 at 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM as Mark demonstrates how he throws pots. (No, he does not actually hurl pots through the air. “Throwing pots” just means that he forms clay into shapes on a spinning pottery wheel.) He might even throw a special piece at your request!
Just outside your front door
Some of the best photo opportunities happen right outside your front door, especially when you live in a beautiful place like Key West. I have taken hundreds of pictures of this palm tree across the street from our house. The sunset colors a couple evenings ago were spectacular, and when I stepped outside our front door this photo opportunity was waiting for me. Did you know that we can have this photo printed on aluminum for you in any size from 12”x8” to 60”x40” according to your specifications? Visit us at the gallery or contact us today at 305-767-3769 or sarah@shadeandshutterkeywest.com.
No room for more art in your home?
We all know that art breathes life into our homes and creates spaces that enhance our lives. Sometimes it seems, though, that we have no more room for another piece on our walls or shelves. Some of our customers would love to take a beautiful ceramic piece or photograph home with them, but they tell us that they can not think of a place to put it. We have thought about this a lot, and have come up with a few ideas.
