CERAMIC AND RECYCLED GLASS GUITAR PICKS

Ruby O'Burke, founder of Ruby's Clay Studio

PLAY LIKE YOU GIVE A DAMN—WITH A PIECE OF ORIGINAL ART

Get your hands on a piece of handmade functional art from San Francisco-based ceramicist Harry Leaf. Made of stoneware clay, these distinctive picks are individually shaped by Leaf and hand-glazed to incorporate a pool of jewel-toned recycled glass. Every pick is entirely unique resulting from the artist’s choice of clays, glazes, recycled glass pieces, and firing temperatures. During the firing process, puddles of glass melt and become fissured, making each shard resemble a small glimmering geode.

The sound is much brighter than a traditional plastic pick, and perfect for the guitarist who enjoys playing with a solid rigid pick.

But not only do they sound great, they actually feel good in your hands. They have a great weight and their clay and glass materials feel cool to the touch, thanks to the post consumer glass that Leaf finds in San Francisco.

“On a daily basis I keep an eye out for beautiful glass that I can incorporate into my artwork. I do it for the love of the environment and a commitment to keeping waste down by reusing and recycling.”

Harry Leaf was born in Chicago and moved to San Francisco in 1985 to pursue a law degree despite his artistic leanings. Upon completion of his degree he soon left law to follow his passion as a painter and sculptor. His artwork has been displayed with collectors and galleries across the country.

You can find Leaf glazing and firing in his full-time space at the non-profit arts center: Ruby’s Clay Studio in San Francisco. The center’s objectives are to promote community appreciation of the ceramic arts, and to provide classes and resources in a shared learning environment. Founded in 1962 by Ruby O’Burke, the celebrated Northern California ceramic artist, the center currently provides working space to over 70 artists.

Leave a Comment