Hi! My name is Phillip Schmidt. I was born, raised, and continue to live in the great state of Minnesota. I started making pots midway through my college years under potter Kirk Freeman and received my Bachelor’s degree in art with an emphasis in ceramics in 2009. About a year after graduating, I asked Steve Rolf (aka S.C. Rolf) about a one-year apprenticeship and we began a conversation that eventually led to me having a relaxed apprenticeship with him. This was like having Michael Jordan teach me how to play basketball–I was so excited! Steve and his family and I fast became friends and our relationship continues today. I am married to my beautiful wife Angela and we have three amazing boys! I love to bake and enjoy learning Christmas songs on the piano and dream of gathering the family around singing like in Little Women, playing at the park with the kiddos and going to bed at a reasonable time.
I tend to make mugs and bowls, and other helpful things for the kitchen. These are glazed and fired to cone 1 (2100F) in an oxidised atmosphere. I like simplicity and sturdiness and try to make my pots, decorations, and glaze recipes in this fashion. I make things that I love to use and that give me joy in making and using, and I hope that those who purchase my work share in that joyful spirit and might be enriched. The wisest man ever to live said, “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This too is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?” My clay heroes are Steve Rolf, Kirk Freeman, Guillermo Cuellar, Warren Mackenzie, and Dick Cooter. Peace.
Hey Phillip, my name is Brandon Lepasti. I am friends with Jay Rainey. He mentioned your unique butter dish design. My wife and I have been looking for the right butter dish. I am wondering if you have any photos you can share? If so, can you please email them to me? Thanks!
I Loved reading this Phil! Blessings Without Warnings Ray Toms
Hello Ray,
Thanks for the encouragement! It’s always a work in progress, but that progress can take a year sometimes haha. I am glad you enjoyed it!
hey Philip, thanks for the like on my instagram page. I’m new to instagram, FB etal. but not to pots. LOVE your heroes too. My first workshop was with Warren in 1972 at Penland. See some of my other work as I get it together at eismont.com. looking at some of your handles I was reminded a bit of Linda Christianson… nice!
Don’t know if you need any Studio Potter magazines. I am selling back issues for $5 each. No need to pay the premium at SP website!
rosti
Hi Rosti,
Thanks for the comment, and I apologize for the delayed response. I read it and forgot to respond the first time.
That is so cool you got to see Warren in a workshop. I live pretty close to him and have visited him once. I love his work and prices!
Thank you for the nice compliments about my handles. I’m actually working on making them more my own now instead of Linda’s. But I do love her handles too!
I checked out your website, nice pots! Thanks again for the nice compliment and welcome to Instagram/Facebook etc.
Phill
Nice recipes. I’m alittle confused with the temaku. The copper you are refiring to is the color or the element?
Hello Clyde,
That’s a great clarifying question. The copper color I am referring to is simply the color that it looks to my eyes. It is a vibrant medium brown color. I am not talking about any ingredients when I mention copper here. Thanks for the question and I hope this helps! Phill
Hi Phillip, This is Aunt Kath. I love your look and your family. Angela is so awesome as you and you’re beautiful ! I will order right now if you ship?
Hi Aunt Kath! Sorry this was so long ago. We had our baby Winston shortly after the sale and it’s been a whirlwind since! Ang has been a superstar mom taking such good care of our little ones. I do ship if you are still interested in pottery.
Hi Phillip, This is Aunt Kath. I love your look and your family. Angela is so awesome as you and and your family. ! I will order right now if you ship? If you don’t, please deliver to my order to Colllen.