board member/artist

Around the turn of the century, a love affair began between the medium of clay and propane fire. For the past 19 years, artist Alan Kirby has been creating handmade dinnerware, vases, raku-fired vessels and jewelry. Alan and his wife Sandra have continued to innovate and re-invent by adding 21st century technologies and elegant glaze elements into the creative process. The clay works represent unique passions from old world disciplines. Across the complete body of work, a functional theme resounds and is highlighted with metallic colors and fun, funky design elements. HippyClay's artists have been active in downtown Pittsburg ArtWalks since 2007 as well as other community events including Sip N’ Shops, Wesley House Empty Bowls fundraisers, and facilitating workshops at Mosaic and Elm Acres for underserved/handicapped youth. Through the annual World Market event HippyClay artworks have been able to benefit missions organizations worldwide, and can be found on 5 of the 7 continents. In 2016 Alan ventured out from clay into a new medium that would forever alter his trajectory in life: Steel. Though the Coconut Empire Forge has risen to power from the dust, ashes, sweat, blood, and scale, the battle to mesh art and functionality wages on. Tested and proven custom blades, decorative yet functional steel work, intricate pattern welded Damascus, and non-ferrous mokume-gane are some of the fallout you will encounter here in the western theater. On June 12, 2018 Alan appeared for the first time on the television show Forged In Fire. Season 5 Episode 15: Kelewang. Take a look around you. What are you up against?

Join the Coconut Empire today!

Facebook links:

www.facebook.com/hippyclaypottery

www.facebook.com/coconutempireforge