Double Iris Studios is a collaborative artistic journey created by Nancy B. Blake and Joe Clark. Their home studio, nestled in the Baraboo Bluffs, is a place of exploration and expression, supporting a wide range of creative disciplines including ceramics, fiber arts, quilting, wood, hot and cold glass work, and jewelry.
They believe art is meant to engage people emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. To hold or view a work of original art or fine craft—to pause and wonder at the skill, imagination, and inspiration of its maker—is a truly sublime experience. Having joined both their lives and their studios, Nancy and Joe delight in sharing their creative spirit and artistic endeavors with others.
With more than 45 years of experience, Joe’s primary focus has been wheel-thrown pottery, particularly the American Raku process. He employs a variety of techniques to create one-of-a-kind pieces shaped by the spontaneous and serendipitous nature of Raku firing—a process that continues to exhilarate and inspire him. Joe’s passion for art extends beyond his own studio practice; he taught art in public schools for 30 years, served as Art Director for the Alexander House in Port Edwards for over a decade, and has spent more than four decades working across multiple ceramic traditions.
Nancy’s creative journey began at age 11, when her grandmother gave her a sewing machine. Since then, she has been deeply inspired by color, texture, design, and the transformative power of creativity. Art is woven into every aspect of her life. Nancy has shared her knowledge through coordinating artistic experiences for people of all ages and is the founder of a juried art show now celebrating its 40th anniversary. She is the current president of the Spirit Lake Arts Board. Her fiber work incorporates machine piecing, fusing, hand appliqué, hand stitching, dyeing, and printing. Her quilts have been published in books and calendars and have earned numerous awards throughout the Midwest.
Today, collaboration is at the heart of Double Iris Studios. Joe has begun designing quilts and quilting on a longarm machine, while Nancy embellishes Joe’s pottery with beads, etched designs, and saggar firing. Together, they have created multiple silk-screened works and are excited by the possibilities of what comes next while continuing to explore, experiment, and create side by side. Together they are celebrating the 5th year as directors of the Community Art Show held every February in Baraboo.