Fall 2023

laces.They were successful from the start.” Chappell’s work is currently shown locally at Coast, the CarmelValley Art Association, Mopane, Sugar Farms Marketplace and Ami. He displays his works at multiple festivals and art fairs, including the 52nd Annual Homecrafter’s Marketplace at Carmel’s Sunset Center on November 18. Chappell is the former owner of Johnny’s Garden at the Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel, where he threw pots for planting containers, assembled water features and fountains and sold succulents. At one time, he also had a large studio space in Sand City that allowed for bigger creations. “I got busy making furniture while I was there,” he says.“I was very prolific at that time. It was also nice to be able to make a terrible mess and then walk away.” Working from home has focused Chappell on some smaller creations as well as commis- sions and special orders.When pieces come off his potter’s wheel, which he works on while standing up, they dry slowly for a week inside file cabinets to avoid cracking. “I keep making things,” Chappell says. “That’s what I like to do.” While many local galleries primarily showcase paintings, Chappell’s work has gotten him in the door regardless of the medium. His ceramic forms are so playful, fun and intriguing that he’s becoming more widely recognized each year. “My line has really matured along the way,” he says. “Now I’m pretty sure I can hold my own.” And although he’s had to give up playing the guitar to make time for all his creating and traveling to various art shows with his partner Lisa Husby, they do make time to get out in the ocean whenever they can. “Besides Carmel being an art mecca, and a good place to be an artist, the climate and energy of living by the water is fantastic,” Chappell says. For more information or custom requests, visit www.johnchappelldesign.com or call 831/236-2503. Fossils, shells, frogs, dragonflies, leaves, fish, lizards and snakes are just some of the design elements incorporated into fountains, pots, necklaces and more. Sweet rescued cats keep Chappell company while he works; one even brings him a cloth to help polish his pieces. Other creations (not pictured) include jewelry and bolo ties made with fossils and other artifacts. 144 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 3 Photos: Lisa Husby