Rock & Gem Magazine, From Clay Pit to Fine Pottery, 2022
Dollhouse Miniatures, March/April 2020, p50
The Good Sam Show In Review, by Suzie Jones
Photos by Michael Puff
“The Good Sam Showcase of Miniatures 44th was a volunteer run event hosted a total of 107 dealers, with 17 from international locations across the continents….[Photo of two teapots] Teapots are a marriage of parts. Troy Schmidt shows that with his whimsical three-footed wheel thrown variety.”
2019–Many things need to be added…
Tastemade Showcase Mini-Documentary, October 2018
Troy Schmidt – Red Dragon Pottery
TastemadeHome Instagram Video:
TinyKitchenTM Instagram Video:
TastemadeHome Facebook Video:
Tastemade Web Video:
AIM [Artisans In Miniature Magazine] Issue 68, October 2018
“Getting to Know You Troy Schmidt – Red Dragon Pottery”
Santa Barbara News-Press February 12, 2018
Petite Pottery
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.”…
VCPG Newsletter, January 2017
Program: Miniature World of Ceramics
by Troy Schmidt
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.
Troy’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.
Troy Schmidt • Red Dragon Pottery
P.O. Box 1347 Goleta, CA 93116
Check out more by visiting the Red Dragon Pottery website.
You can also follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest!
Daily Mini Interview: Red Dragon Pottery, Monday, October 19, 2015
Miniatures by Red Dragon Pottery
Here is a link to the photos and interview by the Daily Mini website:
http://www.thedailymini.com/daily-mini-interview-red-dragon-pottery/
How did you transition from ceramics to small scale works of pottery?
I’ve always been interested in small detailed things; before I became a potter I worked in stone as a lapidary and made jewelry. After learning to form clay on a potter’s wheel I started making smaller and smaller pottery challenging myself to see how small a vessel I could make. In 1993, I saw an article about Andrea Fabrega and her miniature porcelain and that showed me that anything was possible and my more intense pursuits began at that time. While selling my small pottery in a Santa Barbara gift shop in 1994 a local dollhouse miniaturist started collecting my work and suggested I focus on 1:12 scale. I started selling at miniature shows the following year. Today I make both 1:12 scale miniatures and life-size functional pottery.
What types of pottery do you find especially challenging?
Forming miniatures on a potter’s wheel requires much more concentration and focus than forming ‘life-size’ pottery. I move slowly and precisely in a cubic inch of space allowing my fingertips and a wooden dowel to stretch and expand clay from a solid wet spinning mound. The process of throwing miniatures on a potter’s wheel however is the easiest part of the process. After they are thrown, I trim the foot-ring, add handles and spouts, carve decorations, etc. These things are all more difficult than the throwing process itself.
But the most difficult thing for me is the glazing. Glazes are dipped, poured and brushed on the vessels and then portions are scrapped off to thin the glaze layer before firing in a kiln. If the glaze is too thick the glaze might run off the pot destroying it. If the glaze is too thin, the colors will be bland and uninteresting. After all the work that precedes the firing – this last step results in a number of losses. Making compound forms such as teapots are the most challenging due to the increased number of steps. Making a teapot means throwing the vessel, throwing the spout, making a well fitting lid and adding a handle – it is like making several simple vases. Teapots spouts are the smallest thing I throw and If the spouts aren’t thin enough they will look too ‘chunky’ and out of proportion.
Do you have a favorite firing method?
I love high-fired porcelain fired in reduction. I fire most of my porcelain creations to about 2350˚F in a natural gas-fueled kiln. I first load it with life-size pottery and then place my miniatures around the larger pots.
Do you have a favorite piece you’ve made?
The most recent pieces to come out of the kiln are always my favorites. It is always a joyous thing to unload a warm kiln and see how each unique piece comes out. Not all of them survive but those that do make the whole process worthwhile.
What inspires you?
I am most inspired by antiques that I see in museums, books, and peoples’ collections.
Advice for beginner artists?
Experiment! Try everything even if it doesn’t work as intended, use the process to gain experience. Never stop playing, trying new things and pushing the limits.
Red Dragon Pottery was created by potter Troy Schmidt from Goleta, California. Check out more of his creations (mini and full scale) by visiting the Red Dragon Pottery website. You can also follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest!
Good Sam Showcase of Miniatures Blog, Saturday, September 19, 2015
Each year, the Show brings together more than 100 U.S. and international artisans and dealers, including a number of I.G.M.A. Artisans and Fellows. They offer collectors unique, well-crafted 1-inch, 1/2-inch, and 1/4-inch scale miniatures from around the world.
Dealer Troy Schmidt, Red Dragon Pottery: Ceramics
“Always experimenting, IGMA Fellow Troy Schmidt creates 1:12 scale hand-thrown porcelain pottery in a wide range of unique glazes. His ceramic artwork also includes 19th century grotesque face jugs, unusual ‘brickware’ inspired by antiquities, and more. He makes life-size pottery as well.”
http://goodsamshow.blogspot.com/2015/09/dealer-troy-schmidt-red-dragon-pottery.html
ArtWalk Ventura 2015, July 18 & 19, 2015
Featured Artist – Troy Schmidt
Good Sam Showcase of Miniatures Blog, Saturday, February 21, 2015|
Dealer Troy Schmidt, Red Dragon Pottery: Ceramics
Using a full-size potter’s wheel, IGMA Fellow Troy Schmidt creates 1:12 scale hand-thrown pottery from fine English porcelain. In addition to miniature ceramics, he makes life-size pottery and teaches beginning ceramic classes. Always exploring and experimenting, his exciting glazes come in a wide range of unique colors. http://goodsamshow.blogspot.com/2015/02/dealer-troy-schmidt-red-dragon-pottery.html
Dollhouse Miniatures, January/February 2015
A recap of October 2014’s Good Sam Showcase of Miniatures written by Martha Puff with photos by Michael Puff on pages 52-61.
Here is a picture of my work that appears on page 56. Assorted tea ware all finished with a shino glaze. Jar is about 3/4 inch high.
Dolls House World, February 2015
Good Sam Show, p.68 (top right photo)
“Wheel-thrown English porcelain pottery with a lovely minty-white matte celadon glaze. “This collection includes carved ewer (left), faceted vase (right), Dragon-handle Amphora (back), bamboo-handle bowl (front),” says Troy Schmidt, Red Dragon Pottery, U.S.”
Dolls House World is the UK’s top-selling miniatures magazine
Good Sam Show Blog, September 27, 2014
The Good Sam Miniature Show blog talks about me and shows some photos of my work.
Dealer: Troy Schmidt, Red Dragon Pottery – Ceramics
“Long-time dealer Troy Schmidt creates 1:12 scale hand-thrown pottery from fine English porcelain. An IGMA Fellow, he is always exploring and experimenting. His exciting glazes come in a wide range of truly unique colors. Troy also makes unusual “brickware,” rustic 19th century grotesque face jugs, and more”.
http://goodsamshow.blogspot.com/2014/09/dealer-troy-schmidt-red-dragon-pottery.html
Dollhouse Miniatures, January/February 2014, pp. 54-57
There is a beautiful Deb Weissler room box titled “My Memoirs of a Geisha”. It has one of my carved celadon teapots and a pair of tea bowls placed on a wood tray.
CERAKANVAS – the official journal of the ceramic artist guild
“Saddle Up”, V.6, Issue #1, January 2014, pp.22-26
Perfect Pottery for Lilliputians, Troy Schmidt – artist
Dollhouse Miniatures, October 2013
Showcase of Miniatures
Our 38th Year!
The Good Sam Show ad
Good Sam Show Blog, September 14, 2013
The Good Sam Miniature Show blog talks about me and shows some photos of my work.
Ceramics by Troy Schmidt, Red Dragon Pottery
500 Teapots, Volume 2, by Lark Crafts, released August 2013
Page 349: “TROY SCHMIDT
Open Space Teapot 2009
Teapot: 1 5/16 x 1 3/8 x 3/8 inches (3.3 x 3.5 x 1 cm)
Wheel-thrown porcelain; black slip,
cone 10, red glaze, cone 06
Photography by Tony Mastres
Good Sam Show Blog, April 13, 2013
The Good Sam Miniature Show blog talks about me and shows some photos of my work.
At the Show – Ceramics
Troy Schmidt of Red Dragon Pottery has been a dealer at Good Sam for about 15 years. He is an IGMA Fellow in Ceramics. Using a full-sized potter’s wheel, Troy individually handcrafts each piece of his 1:12 scale hand-thrown pottery from fine English porcelain. Constantly exploring and experimenting, his work is highly imaginative and his glazes are exceptional. Be sure to stop by Troy’s table at this year’s show. And, check his Facebook page for news and updates.
Ventura County Star, December 21, 2012
EXHIBITS/STAGE
[STAND OUT]
FIRED UP
‘Year of the Dragon’ exhibit in Ventura
Long before the Year of the Dragon began its 2012 cycle in the Chinese zodiac, Troy Schmidt was crafting the mythical creatures in his ceramics. The Goleta artist will showcase his work in a solo exhibit, “Year of the Dragon,” at the Ventura County Potters’ Guild Gallery through Jan. 12….”
http://www.vcstar.com/entertainment/year-of-the-dragon-exhibit-on-display-in-ventura
Santa Barbara Independent, December 4, 2012
The Yes Store
First opened in 1968, The Yes Store is welcoming guests for the 44th year in a row to offer one-of-a-kind art and crafts.
(photo of Troy’s work in the Store)
http://www.independent.com/photos/galleries/2012/dec/04/yes-store/
Good Sam Show Blog, April 28, 2012
The Good Sam Miniature Show blog talks about me and shows some photos of my work.
At The Show – Ceramics
IGMA Fellow Troy Schmidt makes wheel-thrown miniature porcelain ceramics. Each piece of 1:12 scale pottery is individually hand-crafted on a full-sized potter’s wheel from fine English porcelain. Doing business as Red Dragon Pottery, Troy has been coming to Good Sam for more than 13 years. For news and updates, check out Troy’s Facebook page. http://goodsamshow.blogspot.com/2012/04/at-show-ceramics.html
Dollshouse World [A magazine from the U.K..] March 2012 , p.40-45
‘Show raises funds for health library,’ Martha Puff reports from the Good Sam Show which, as always, had a wide range of wonderful miniatures available.
Photo on bottom right of page 42: “Brickware inspired by ancient ruins found throughout antiquity. These vases have carved bricks and some contain vessels reminiscent of storage caves from a long forgotten era. By Troy Schmidt, IGMA Fellow, U.S.”
Dollhouse Miniatures, Jan/Feb 2012, Issue 25, p.22
The Golden State of Miniatures – Ginger Jar, Ewer with Dragon Handles and Bowl with bamboo handles.
Dollhouse Miniatures, Nov/Dec 2011, p.59
‘Talent in Texas’
Troy Schmidt of Red Dragon Pottery…pieces for a Tudor kitchen….
Photo on right column p.59: “Tudor kitchenware, replica of pottery used at Hampton Court.”
Miniaturas, [A magazine from Spain] January 2011, p.51
Exposiciones Feria Good Sam, de California
#12 Ceramica vidriada en rojo y negro de Troy Schmidt www.RedDragonPottery.com
| AIM (Artists In Miniature), November 2010, p.6-13 Cover Feature: Troy Schmidt of Red Dragon Pottery          |
Image Magazine, Presented by Silicon Valley Community Newspapers, October 2010, p.14-15
Miniatures are coming to San Jose in grand style by Mary Gottschalk
Photo on upper left of p.14: “Tiny wheel-thrown ceramic pieces by Red Dragon Pottery.”
Miniature Collector, September 2010, p.38-41
Showtime Report
Texas Miniature Showcast 2010 – Where hospitaligy abounds!
Article by Martha Puff, Photography by Michael Puff
Photo on top center of p.40: “Porcelain artwork with rustic orange and verdigris patina glazes by IGMA Fellow Troy Schmidt, Red Dragon Pottery”
Dollhouse Miniatures, July/August 2010, Issue 16, p.45
Miniature Showcase — DHM introduces some talented IGMA artisans…
This is an article about Diane Echnoz Aleyda on p.44 and me, Troy Schmidt, on p.45, with a photo of me and a few photos of my miniatures.
Miniature Collector, March 2008, p.?
Pottery studio furniture:
wedging table (left)
work table (center)
Potter’s kick-wheel (right)
Dollhouse Miniatures, March 2007, p.28-31
Ceramic Art by Troy Schmidt
Article by Martha Puff and photos by Michael Puff. This is a 4-page article about me and my work with several nice photos.
Santa Barbara Newspress, December ?, 2006
Inviting Arts
The Yes Store a welcome retreat for artists, shoppers
“…Troy Schmidt is a potter who works with a Celtic theme as well as creating awe-inspiring miniatures….” Photo in lower right: “Miniatures are only a part of Troy Schmidt’s display at the Yes Store, a seasonal boutique featuring local artists.
The Santa Barbara Stew, August 4, 2006
A half hour TV show that aired on Santa Barbara local Channel 17, produced and written by Martine Beerman, who was also one of the show’s three (sometimes four) hosts. The show featured interviews of the most unusual and interesting people (guests) that Santa Barbara had to offer.
— I was on the show with colleague Dane Venaas. I showed some of my miniature pottery and a potter’s studio roombox; Dane brought some large vases. We talked about the UCSB Leisure Arts Pottery program and even made pinch pots on air.
Dollhouse Miniatures, March 2006
Ikebana, Bonsai and Asian Pottery in Miniature, pp. 32-35
p.33 Three items on Blue pedestals (Teapot, Amphora & Ikebana) and the green and orange bowl with bonsai fuchsia by Carol Wagner
p.34 Three items on purple pedestals (Ewer, bamboo lidded jar and faceted vase)
p.35 Ikebana containing Lucky Bamboo by Beverly Gallerani
Dollhouse Miniatures, January[?] 2006
Show Scene – Good Sam, San Jose, CA
p.?, Three items on clear pedestals:
‘Open Space’ Teapot
Vase with green matt and shino glaze,
Celadon Teapot with iron oxide
Miniature Collector, August 2003
p.63 Chicago International Review
Troy Schmidt’s pottery is individually wheel thrown on a full-size potter’s wheel.
The Samurai ginger jar has a wood handle, $75.00
The carved celadon vase can be used in a contemporary setting, $55.00
The faceted vase [made of English Porcelain] is a Korean design
Miniature Collector, March 2003
p.23 (Article about Ligia Durstenfeld) –Troy made the Butterfly basket filled with Ligia’s wonderful cloisonné flowers.
Dollhouse Miniatures, June 2002
“Last Look” p.66 by Kristen M. Scheuing |
Vessel Vestige
“With a nod to his ancestry, artisan Troy Schmidt named his company Red Dragon Pottery in honor of the fire-breathing beast that is an ancient Celtic symbol. Above, we see Troy’s brickware in full-scale and miniature. The openings in both versions are meant to represent a cave, and the smaller pieces inside them the vestiges of an ancient southwestern civilization. Troy began making small-scale ceramics in 1993. By 1999, he had earned Fellow status in the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA) Contact: Troy Schmidt, ….Upcoming shows: Showcase of Miniatures, San Jose, Santa Barbara Miniature Show. Exhibit: Tee Ridder Museum.”
