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Explore More... on the northshore of the Columbia River Gorge in sunny Klickitat County
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MARTIN’S GORGE TOURS
Guided tours for individuals, groups, families, or couples. Including waterfalls, wild owers, wineries, breweries, trail hikes, scenic drives and more. Sit back and relax as we explore the hidden treasures of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
503-349-1323 • martinsgorgetours.com
WENDY VADAY REAL ESTATE
Licensed in OR & WA
Our highest standards of service are never a re ection of price, but value. Our primary ambition is to establish relevant relationships that withstand time and market in uence. Luxury is an experience, not a price point. Each office is independently owned and operated. 541-399-0548 wendyvaday.cascadesothebysrealty.com
Best Western Plus Hood River Inn
e perfect base for exploring the Columbia Gorge. River view guest rooms, dining at Riverside, Cebu Lounge, heated shoreline pool, spas, and sauna. Wine tasting passes, tours and recreation packages.
800-828-7873 • hoodriverinn.com
1108 E. Marina Way • Hood River
COLUMBIA GORGE
D.O.T. PHYSICALS
Only DOT physical exams, NO waiting behind sick patients. Our parking lot accommodates big rigs. Walk-ins available. Schedule online for a faster appt.
541-581-0691 cgdotphysicals.setmore.com
15 NE Herman Creek Lane, Bldg B Cascade Locks
HOOD RIVER HOBBIES, LLC
We have something for everyone at your local family-owned hobby and game store. Games, toys, discs, kites, RC vehicles, models, cra s, events, and more! Come nd a new hobby or a unique gi .
541-386-1223 • hoodriverhobbies.com
110 - 4th St. • Downtown Hood River
Green Monarch Cleaning Llc
Your local professional, eco-friendly cleaning team. We clean residential, commercial, vacation rentals, new construction and more. Serving White Salmon, Trout Lake, BZ, Husum, Lyle, Underwood, Carson, Glenwood and beyond. greenmonarchcleaning.com
503-863-7763 (Joanna Toleno Turner) belldesigncompany.com
BELL DESIGN CO.
Serving in Civil Engineering & Land Surveying since 1994. Water & sewer design, subdivisions, site plans, structural analysis, short plats ... We walk you through the best solution for your unique project.
509.493.3886 • Bingen
Glenwood General Store
Located in scenic Glenwood. A country store providing all your essentials to tackle everything from climbing the mountain to making dinner. We have groceries, hot deli, drinks and camping supplies.
509-364-3535 glenwoodgeneralstore.com
208 E. Main St. • Glenwood
What was your artistic path?
I loved making things from a young age. My mom is an artist and when I was young, she would always let me make a mess in the corner of her studio. After high school I studied geochemistry, following my love of the outdoors and choosing a path of study that took me into the mountains as much as possible. I minored in art and found myself in the ceramics studio during much of my spare time. In the following years, my path wound through farming, travel, and work in outdoor education. At the age of 24, I began working on a construction crew at a design-build company and applying to architecture schools. Architecture felt like the perfect pairing of creative design and science, but as I peered deeper into the industry, I realized that going into debt and the likelihood of working long hours in front of a computer felt suffocating. I pivoted and applied to a post-baccalaureate program in ceramics at the Oregon College of Art and Craft.
My time in ceramics school was pivotal. I had the opportunity to make lots of work, to try different materials and processes, and to learn new techniques with the support of mentors and peers. Given such ample time and space to make, I felt both energized and overwhelmed by a flood of creative ideas. I began to find my own style and was most drawn to making the sorts of goods that could be used in everyday life.
By the time I finished school, I had already been selling some of my ceramic work and began looking for a studio space. I set up my first studio in the basement of my family home in Northwest Portland. I worked alone for a few months before hiring a friend to help me fill a large order. I had suffered from overuse injuries over the years and I was attracted to the idea of making ceramic work with a team, a more resilient way of maintaining a workflow that I had come to rely on for my income. Over the next five years, I grew my team to four people. Our production of popular items such as mugs and dinnerware helped to support other creative side projects. I was confronted with creative challenges that I never anticipated, such as cultivating a happy and healthy team of makers while also maintaining quality and keeping our work profitable.
Moving to the Gorge was a dream of mine for nearly a decade, and two years ago my partner and I finally took the leap. A studio space became available in a building in downtown Hood River, and I signed the lease on it before we even had a place to live. Transitioning my work to this place allowed me to slow down a little, focus on building a strong team, and make time and space for new creative endeavors.
How did you arrive at your medium?
I have always been most attracted to creating in three dimensions and I’m especially drawn to making goods that are useful and functional in everyday life. I was introduced to clay in childhood and began learning to use the pottery wheel as a high school student. Throughout the following years, I kept finding my way back to clay.
How does your process work?
I work primarily with stoneware on the potter’s wheel. Pieces are thrown on the wheel, trimmed and dried before they are fired in an electric kiln for the first of two firings. After the first firing, pieces are waxed, glazed and loaded into the kiln once more for the final firing.
Where do you get inspiration for your work?
I have always been drawn to the geometric shapes and patterns seen in textiles. I love the endless possibilities presented with just a few simple materials, like raw, tactile clay with smooth white or black glaze, and perhaps a pop of color.
What do you find most satisfying about your work?
One of the most satisfying parts of my work is seeing these goods used in everyday life. I love the idea that a piece of handmade ceramics can enrich the simple act of having a cup of tea or the experience of sharing a meal around a table with friends.
What is it like to be an artist in the Gorge?
Working as a ceramic artist and living in the Gorge was a dream of mine for many years. I grew up spending a lot of time in this area and finally made the move and set down roots here just two years ago. The community is warm and friendly and other artists and local businesses are open to creative collaboration.
