Troy Schmidt Throws Miniature Pots

Following is a reprint of an article written by Dave Mason in the Santa Barbara News-Press

Local artisan makes big impression with little pieces
by Dave Mason, News-Press Staff Writer

Like other artists working with clay, Troy Schmidt threw a pot on a spinning wheel.  But the difference was this piece, as he molded it into shape, could fit between his fingers. When I make big pots, I can sit and talk and not even look at it because it’s really about the feel”, the 53-year-old artist told the News-Press

at his Goleta home, where is outdoor pottery studio is located. “With these, I have to give my full attention and hold my breath at times. When you get clay that’s as thin as an eggshell, it doesn’t take much to disturb it on the wheel.”

Troy Schmidt presents a glimpse into the whimsical and creative genre of scale miniatures with “My Miniature World of Ceramics”. He will guide you through some of the methods he uses to create his work and share some of his secrets.s miniatures are examples of exceptional quality wheel-thrown porcelain in 1-inch scale; each piece being individually thrown on a full-size potter’s wheel. His goal is to create true to scale miniature pottery that is aesthetically pleasing as well as “functional” — walls of even thickness, trimmed foot rings, open spouts, removable lids — the same qualities he looks for in full-sized pots.

Troy is self-taught in the art of miniature pottery, having learned through practice and experimentation over the past two decades. Troy creates highly meticulous replicas of historic ceramics as well as modern art for discerning collectors. His miniature pottery can be found around the world and has been featured in many magazines in the U.S. and Europe including Miniature Collector, Dollhouse Miniatures, Nutshell News, Dolls House World, Artisans In Miniature (AIM) Magazine, and Miniaturas.

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Check out Troy’s website: http://reddragonpottery.com/rdp/

Susan Downing, with Patrick Owens

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I invite you to visit my Etsy Shop where I offer many accessories and pieces of furniture in 1:12 scale.