Work + Play

From the outside, my chosen profession looks like fun. I agree. It is lots of fun. But the serious, business side of a creative endeavor exists as well. I think most working artists would agree that the balance between creative work and creativity is a constant juggling act. 

This new shape developed from a conversation at this weekend's tray-making party. "Could you make something like your sponge holder, only a little bit bigger to hold a toothbrush and toothpaste?" I couldn't wait to get in the studio yesterday to work out this suggestion. This is the fun part of what I do!

I love making ‘something’ out of clay. It’s my favorite part of the process. When creativity flows, it is empowering and exhilarating. Marketing, public relations, and sales are also crucial skills necessary to attain success. This business prowess requires equal attention, dedication and time. 

Customers often give me ideas for ClayByLaura sales opportunities. I always appreciate the suggestions and like to seek out new ways of marketing what I create in the studio. I'll be heading back to Huntsville, Alabama this spring to participate in an annual 3-day arts festival called Panoply. It looks like I've got my work cut out for me! Click on the photo above if you have any ideas for me -- perhaps a new shape or place to sell ClayByLaura. I appreciate your input!

Horn Of Plenty

I just completed this cornucopia-shaped container for a customer who wants to give it as a surprise gift to his wife. It was designed to fit a specific corner space of his newly remodeled kitchen. Our phone conversations and in-person meeting led to the form, color choice and size.

I love the symbolism of the triangular shape 'horn' and it’s association with fall and the harvest season. This time of year for me, ideas are flowing and productivity is in high gear. Pots in every stage of the making process are filling the studio.  Abundance is evident throughout my creative space.

As always, my life reflects the profusion of art in the studio. As we approach the shortening of daylight, the bounty of fall and winter holidays, and the time gathered with family and friends I revel in the fortune of all that is positive in my life. 

Like the horn of plenty I’ve just created in clay, my world is overflowing with so much that is good and sustaining. My goal is to keep that enthusiasm going when the inevitable stress levels get high!

 Here are a few of the shows that are scheduled so you can mark on your calendar too!

I'll be in Upstate New York October 14 for this fiber-happy show with some of my yarn-related and other household items. Click on the photo for more show details!

I'll be in Columbia, Maryland for the annual Linden Hall Holiday Craft Show November 5. I'm honored to be joining this talented group of artists to display and sell my clay art! Click on photo for more show details!

If you'd like to tap in to your own holiday creativity -- here's a perfect opportunity! Students will be making a variety of clay ornaments/gift tags in this fun class sponsored by The Muse.  We'll be using the same painting technique I've demonstrated in past pot-sticker and wind chime making classes! Click on photo to get class details and sign up!

Taking An Idea One Step Further

I've spent time in the studio recently making revisions to some familiar shapes and ideas. It's one of the reasons I enjoy going to the studio. Even if I'm working on something I've regularly made before, it's easy to improve, tweak and adjust some of the elements to make it into something new. 

I've revised the shape of my mugs. These are narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. I still feature a seam line and button. The narrow top will help hold the temperature of a hot drink. 

I've had a custom request for pie dishes. I based the design on some of the baking dishes I've made recently. Here, I started with the large deep dish size  (9 inches diameter x 3 inches tall) and then decided to make a smaller personal pie size (5 inches diameter x 2 inches tall) version as well. I can see a beautiful quiche or blueberry pie in the large size. A baked brie might work well in the smaller size! 

I like to use a recipe stand in my own kitchen. So I though I'd create one in the studio. I wanted it to be able to hold a cookbook, iPad or simple recipe card. I alternate between all three when I'm cooking from a recipe. I'd like to hear if you currently use a recipe stand in your kitchen or might consider using one in the future. Click on the photo to send me a quick reply!

It's fun to see the progress of forms I've used over the years. My studio is the place where I make my ideas turn into a piece of pottery for others to enjoy and use. It's my happy place.

Balancing Act

Searching for balance is a constant both in and between my life and art. There are times where clay is predominant in my daily routine leaving little time for other enjoyments. I tend to lose track of time when I’m in the studio as the creative juices are flowing and I’m focused on the task at hand. It can be kind of addicting; it's easy to spend so much time in the studio that it minimizes time for friends, family and other fun activities. I've found time spent away from the studio is beneficial and contributes to success when I'm creating. 

My angel-inspired clock is a new direction for me. I like the contrast of the glazed and unglazed surface areas!

The intensive cycle of clay-making can be unforgiving and contribute to the abundant time necessary for successful completion of a piece. As a material, clay has its limitations and balance requirements. Too wet, and the clay will not hold a form. Too dry, the clay will crack when bent into shape. Additionally, there are numerous stages throughout the journey to completion that require good timing. Learning to dodge these stumbling blocks is part of creating a successful final product. It’s another balancing act to achieve.

This series of bowls was designed and created exclusively for Yarn On The House (YOTH) to hold  knitting accessories and incense. It was a fun collaboration. I love the simplicity of the decoration. Contact Veronika for sales details!

Finding aesthetic balance is another ongoing challenge I face in the studio. Imagining the final piece guides me through the creation process. I’ve learned to trust my own artistic eye. This translates into an authentic outcome that says, “I’ve been created by Laura.”

Sunrise on Hilton Head is filled with natural beauty. It's surely one of the things my family misses about living here. Luckily, we can all come and revisit the activities and friends we knew here and regain some of that special balance we need in our lives. 

Coming Together

I’ve been working on several commission pieces over the last several weeks and the results of thinking, planning, testing, making, remaking, glazing and firing are coming together nicely. Projects like this make me happy. They usually start with an idea or suggestion to create something. The trick is to translate that into a clay form that is pleasing both to the recipient and satisfactory for me, the maker. Mostly I’ve found this transaction to be successful.

First, I try to accurately communicate the picture of the final product I’ve formed in my head either through a (very) crude drawing or picture of a clay model I make.

Secondly, and probably most importantly, I’ve learned to trust my creative instinct knowing the customer has commissioned a piece of art based on their belief in me.

Often, my final inspiration evolves once I have my hands in the clay in the studio. Because I tend to think in pictures, it may take several attempts to get my hands and the clay to cooperate with my vision. I don’t find this frustrating.  It is gratifying and keeps me coming back to the studio. Again, I try to keep the customer informed of my progress because there are instances where this process takes several weeks. 

There's nothing better to a potter, than opening up a glaze kiln to find shelves full of success! To quote “Hannibal” from the 80’s TV Show, The A Team – “I love it when a plan comes together!” Cue the music!

"Go To Your Studio And Make Stuff"

I bought a t-shirt with this quote and image by Fred Babb many years ago at an art festival. I try to follow his advice as often as possible. There is only so much learning in classes and workshops; browsing Pinterest; and exploring techniques to be done. For me, hands-on is the best method for activating the creative process and moving ahead.

I’ve used a variety of studio spaces throughout my clay journey.  Each studio set-up has its benefits and leads me to where I create today.

Communal studios are available to a wide variety of skill levels and provide shared space, tools and equipment for clay enthusiasts. In addition to learning and practicing, you are often teaching others with less skills. It is a very social and fun atmosphere. This is the type of studio I used as a beginner.

Private studio space within a communal facility offers a hybrid experience. In this type of studio, expensive equipment like kilns, slab rollers and wheels may be shared. Additionally, each artist also has his or her own storage area for personal tools, supplies and work in progress. I took advantage of this kind of studio when I relocated and having my own studio space was not possible. 

Personal studios are totally self-sufficient. The artist takes on the responsibility of owning, operating and maintaining all the equipment of the studio space. It affords the artist creative solitude for exploration and growth. I have found this to be the best studio set-up for me.

My first personal studio was an unfinished, unheated 10 x 15 foot space without running water. It had a separate entrance from our house. I purchased a used kiln and wheel, obtained other studio materials and eventually bought a slab roller (the same one I have today). I was ‘in business.” I learned to repair my kiln when necessary and used a space heater for the colder months. It was fantastic!

I created my second studio when we moved to South Carolina. It was slightly bigger than my first studio. I had heat, air conditioning and nearby running water! I purchased a new kiln that was housed in our garage. I discovered slatwall which was used for adjustable shelving options.  I joined a co-op gallery and enjoyed creating pieces to sell in that venue. 

In our latest move, my studio encompasses a full basement where I am fortunate to have a huge space to spread out with separate clay-making, glazing, firing and assembly areas. I still use slatwall for shelving and display options! I love spending time in my studio where I can work out new designs and revisit old favorite shapes. I'm fortunate that all my studio experiences have led me to this place.

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Change of Scene

When I'm away from my studio and tools, it gives me an opportunity to look around my current environment and develop ideas with items that are on hand. Here, I've created a new template for some shapes I'll be working on using a frying pan and bowl. 

I like this scalloped edge. I'll test it out as the rim or base on some new shapes.

The clay I'm using is different from what I use in my own studio. It feels flimsier to the touch and fires to a different temperature than what I use in my studio. The color choices and glazes will be different too. I'll post pictures when I reach that stage. I'm playing with some baking dish shapes and sizes.

There's still time for me to send a special gift to your Valentine. I have several heart shapes and prices to choose from! I can even include a personalized note with your message to each recipient! Click here now to place your order today!

When I'm away from the clay, here's what else is keeping my hands busy!

Intersection

Intersection – a place where paths cross. It’s been one of those weeks where my life, my art and people from near and far have intersected.

My nephew, his wife and new baby who live in Korea, were in town this past week. It was fun to spend time with family and a great excuse to knit up a cute sweater for little Sidney.

I recently completed a series of clay vessels for a good friend I’ve known since middle school using leather cord and driftwood I collected on Hilton Head Island beaches. This commission combines two of my passions – knitting and clay and will be delivered to New Jersey next weekend.

The week ended with a great visit with friends from childhood who made a trip to the studio. This intersection resulted in a future project collaboration, good discussion of ways to sell my work and a reconnection with friendships that have faded over time and distance.

It was a great week filled with lots of paths crossed.