Broad Ripple Random Ripplings
search menu
The news from Broad Ripple
Brought to you by The Broad Ripple Gazette
(Delivering the news since 2004, every two weeks)
Subscribe to Broad Ripple Random Ripplings
Brought to you by:
VirtualBroadRipple.com Broad Ripple collector pins EverythingBroadRipple.com

Everything Broad Ripple HomearrowRandom Ripplings Homearrow2005 05 13arrowRandom Rippling

back button return to index button next button
Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v02n10)
Sandi Finney - Pottery Artist - by Candance Lasco
posted: May 13, 2005

by Candance Lasco
After 15 years in graphic arts, Sandi Finney made a life change. She decided to devote all her working time to a love she has had since she was fifteen years old: clay. In 2000, Sandi became a full-time professional potter, and Hole Pottery was born.

Sandi Finney finishes the rim of a large vase.
Sandi Finney finishes the rim of a large vase.
image courtesy of Candance Lasco
Quan


Sandi studied at Indiana University. She majored in journalism in order to merge practicality with a minor in fine arts ceramics. Although influenced by the simple shapes and usefulness of Korean pottery, she also incorporates elements of Japanese and Colonial American traditions in her designs.
Sandi is driven by a simple principle: the desire to have her wares used everyday. She creates mugs, pitchers, bowls and casseroles that are attractive, yet functional. One of her most popular items is a chicken stew pot, which is sure to become an heirloom for generations. Buyers of her stew pot and other similar pieces relish cooking and it is common for Sandi to receive recipes from her customers long after the purchase was made.
Her studio is behind her 1929 built home in the Johnson Woods area on College Avenue. Tucked away on the second floor, the gabled area is small and hole-like, which inspired the name Hole Pottery. Under the eaves, porcelain and clay creations are thrown, trimmed, and dried. Tiles of glaze samples line the apex, and a bench is full of brushes, sticks and other tools that are used to create unique touches.

Hole Pottery
Hole Pottery
image courtesy of Candance Lasco
Quan


Finney is currently working on substantial pieces such as platters, vases and casseroles. She is finishing with Shino (pronounced shee_noh), a family of glazes that originated in Japan. Ancient Japanese Shino pieces were often used for the tea ceremony. Modern shinos have numerous color variations that range from white to red to green. Often spots or areas of black are captured in the glaze which results in a "crackly" texture called carbon trapping.
After the trim and drying, the ware is first fired for about 24 hours. The firing is called a bisque fire, and is done in an electric kiln on the premises. Glaze is then applied, and glaze firing (off site) is done as the final step. As a production potter, she fills a 60 cubic foot gas fired kiln with 150-300 pieces every eight weeks. The 2400° glaze firing takes about 4 days from load to unload; the results are greens as soft as the color of spring leaves, sandy browns, coppery tones, and subtle color variations.
Broad Ripple connections? You bet. Sandi teaches advanced students at the Indianapolis Art Center. She lives and sells in the Broad Ripple Area. Her husband and his family have lived in the Broad Ripple area for three generations and she remembers visiting the former Door Mouse in the 70's. Her daughter, Kate, graduated from Broad Ripple High School. Sandi also loves teaching, and is a visiting artist with Young Audiences of Indiana.
Finney's works can be found at various shows and shops in Indiana. This year she will showing at the Broad Ripple Art Fair and Penrod. Visit Arts in Harmony or Corner Coffee in Indianapolis to see a selection. Visiting Bloomington? Check out Elements. And in the Village, have a cup of coffee at Monon Coffee and bring home a Finney mug.
As you wander the booths at the Fair this year, add some art to your kitchen or table. You will find Hole Pottery at Booth #94 in the Artist Field "Pink Area." Brew your tea in a beautiful pot. Savor each bite from a soft green bowl. Sandi Finney's work is meant to be used, enjoyed and passed on to the next generation.
Sandi's pottery can also by viewed by appointment. Her studio is at 4520 N. College. Call 317-235-4920 before visiting.

Sandi Finney - Pottery Artist - by Candance Lasco
image courtesy of Candance Lasco
Quan


Sandi Finney - Pottery Artist - by Candance Lasco
image courtesy of Candance Lasco
Quan


Sandi Finney - Pottery Artist - by Candance Lasco
image courtesy of Candance Lasco
Quan


Sandi Finney - Pottery Artist - by Candance Lasco
image courtesy of Candance Lasco
Quan


Sandi Finney - Pottery Artist - by Candance Lasco
image courtesy of Candance Lasco
Quan


Sandi Finney - Pottery Artist - by Candance Lasco
image courtesy of Candance Lasco
Quan




back button return to index button next button
Brought to you by:
BroadRippleHistory.com Broad Ripple collector pins EverythingBroadRipple.com
Brought to you by:
EverythingBroadRipple.com RandomRipplings.com Broad Ripple collector pins