Cigar Lounges

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Full credit to Dan Rians (my Nephew), for inspiring me to create my Cigar Lounge series. Early in 2023, Dan had asked if I could make him an ash tray! Beyond my complete lack of motivation to produce a container for ash and butts, I explained to Dan that functional pottery pieces were not my artistic focus. He appeared to understand, and the subject was dropped.

Over the next few days, my mind kept returning to Dan's request (as well as my somewhat agitated response). I recalled something another Professor I had from the Arts Department at Knox College had told me, responding to my frustration with guidelines I considered to be too restrictive for a particular assignment: “Rob, your challenge is to uncover any and all means to be creative WITHIN the guidelines I have provided.”

Artistically re-fueled, I went to work in my home studio. Having moved past my lack of inspiration to craft an “ash tray." I was absolutely inspired and the “Cigar Lounge” was born!

The reaction from Dan, along with many other people, was extremely positive. The Cigar Lounge was a hit. Accordingly, Double R Clay Works now had a new series of work to offer!  Sincere thanks once again nephew, for nudging me out of my comfort zone.

Within my Cigar lounge Series I offer two distinct styles:

1. The Charlie Chaplin line: Whimsical pieces typically incorporating a sculpted figure of some kind.

(Singing & Cigar Smoking Elvis, Beloved Family Dog, Stevie-Ray Vaughn Guitar, & Grateful Dead Dancing Bear to name a few)

2. The James Bond line: Intriguing and elegant.