Cutting Edge

I currently use a method called hand-building to create my work. My early clay education was primarily based in using a potter's wheel and a method called throwing. I spent many years refining and mastering my throwing skills. I experimented with hand-building and used it in combination with my wheel-thrown work.  It really wasn't until I moved to Charlotte, NC and took an inspirational hand-building class at Clayworks studio that I began to explore and then exclusively choose the hand-building methods to develop my work. This is what keeps me coming back to clay as my medium -- the infinite possibilities of creativity and expression. Some day I may go back to the wheel or use both methods to create, but for now I'm really happy with my slab roller and my imagination.

My wheel is like the 'treadmill' of the studio right now. It does not get any use. In fact, it's still wrapped with plastic from when we moved to Maryland several years ago!

I've had my North Star slab roller for more than 10 years. It's currently the 'work horse' of the studio. I use it to roll out large slabs of clay to make my work.

There are many tools available for cutting the clay slab into the shapes I create. I am always on the lookout for a new and improved (cutting edge) gadget to slice the clay easily with a smooth edge. As you can see, I've tried out many tools!

The knife pictured above is my latest purchase. Sandi Pierantozzi used a similar one in the workshop I attended last week. The needle tool on the top right has been my cutting tool of choice after each experimentation with other devices. It is easy for me to hold and maneuver. The problem with the needle is it leaves a bit of a rough edge on the cut clay surface which requires extra clean-up. I'll give the new knife a whirl in the studio this week.

I just opened the kiln this morning. I'm happy with what I saw!

Action!

 This has been a week filled with activity inside and outside the studio.

Ribbon plates and bowls, yarn bowls and cake stands drying in the studio.

In the studio I began working on some custom orders.

Outside the studio I re-established my Twitter account and linked it to my website. It's one more way to follow my work on the internet.

I'll post some of the video we shot on my website in the near future.

Inside the studio I taped some video to be used in upcoming marketing efforts.

I've watched Sandi's hand-building videos online. It was a pleasure to meet her and see her work the clay in person!

Outside the studio I attended a one day workshop at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia conducted by Sandi Pierantozzi. The class was filled with non-stop technique demonstrations which tweaked my creative juices!

The CircleMatic kit created by Sandi, is filled with ready-made templates for creating all kinds of complimentary clay pieces.

Of course I managed to purchase some items for use inside the studio to help with some of the new skills I learned!

Stay Tuned!

Routine

Now that the vacation is over, the days are getting shorter and the weather is cooling, it is time to get back to a regular schedule in the studio. I like having a familiar routine and specific goals to fill my day. Fall always reminds me of the beginning of a school year and the fresh start and excitement associated with new supplies, teachers and schedules. It is a great time to re-commit to resolutions made back in January. I haven’t touched clay in weeks so I’m looking forward to my daily studio time this coming week! 

One last morning on Hilton Head. Just another day in paradise!

I did manage to get a little bit of work completed while I was away from the studio. New post cards and sales tags are printed.

Island Time

When we lived in Hilton Head, SC, Island time was a way of life I learned to embrace. I have been reminded of that during our visit here. My fast-paced, deadline-oriented attitude gave way to a “stop and smell the roses, things will eventually get done” perspective. I think a combination of both approaches to handling life is probably the healthiest lifestyle for me and my approach to my art. I need a deadline or roadmap to tackle my work. It’s too easy to fall in the trap of spinning my wheels (no pun intended), so planning is essential. But for the creativity to have room to blossom, I also need that laissez faire element to be present. It’s a balance, like everything in life. 

Hilton Head invites its visitors, natives and transplants to slow down and enjoy every moment.

While away from the studio, I've been working on a new sweater. Take note of the pine straw ground cover. It's one of unique things I love about Hilton Head!

Home Away From Home

I have been lucky to live in both the Carolinas in my lifetime. Both Charlotte, N.C. and Hilton Head Island, S.C. were once home. So any time I come back to visit the South, the familiarity is heartwarming and the friendships I made are quickly rekindled. My artistic muscle was stretched in both locations and has contributed to the clay pieces I make today. 

The beach holds many treasures. Here are some items I collected while taking a walk. I will use the driftwood as handles or bases for my work. 

Early morning run, swim, walk!

I am happy to participate in community projects including this Lend A Hand fundraiser. I picked the word "ENERGY"   and interpreted it in the artwork you see below. This 8 x 8 canvas will be available for auction to raise money for 'Blessings in a Backpack'.

The sun represents endless energy to me. The finished artwork along with all the other artist donations is available at The Muse in Frederick, Md.

Throwback

It was a week of reliving the past in the present. I attended a concert featuring Santana and Rod Stewart mid-week and reunited with many friends and classmates at my 40th high school reunion this past weekend. Music always triggers strong memories associated with the time and timeframe when I first heard a song or became familiar with a band or musical artist.  Conversations with long-time friends help solidify shaky recollections into collective stories from our past.

It was good to reconnect with the Wakefield class of ’74 -- laugh, dance and talk. It makes me appreciate my roots and how lucky I am to have that feeling of comfort surrounded by people who share my history at an important time of my life. I have fond memories of my high school years and now a renewed connection to those people as adults. It continues to influence the person (and artist) I am today. 

All of these artworks have a connection to 1974.

The irregularity of the neck of this pot I threw in 1974 when I was taking pottery classes with Winnie Owens-Hart led to what I lovingly call my 'Tit Pot.'

As a beginning potter, I didn't want to give up on a pot I'd thrown on the wheel. I added some breasts, a belly button and a back-end. It shows I had a sense of humor and whimsy in my work early on!

Clay surface was also important in 1974. I etched these flowers on a wheel-thrown bowl to add some interest.

Long-time friend Donna (Wyatt) Lane created this pastel for me and delivered it at the reunion. It is going straight to my studio! In turn,  I am working on a personal Totem for Donna's garden in Colorado. Several of the women I knew as young girls have artistic talents they practice now. I'm looking forward to future collaborations with classmates who knew me way back when.

Them's the Breaks

Disaster lurks at every turn in clay making. I learned this lesson early on. Breakage or lackluster results happen. As I’ve gained experience over the years, I’ve learned to minimize these outcomes. But they can still occur and it's frustrating -- especially when hours have been dedicated to making a pot.

Long ago I adopted a philosophy that every pot has a life span. Some are very long-lived and survive for centuries (think museum pieces); some of the pieces have a short 'life' and don’t even make it to the kiln. Cracks, glaze mishaps and mishandling can all contribute to the death of the pot. It’s heartbreaking for sure, but the philosophy has helped me to quickly move on. Now, I might keep a shard of a favorite broken pot. Mostly I try to learn from the mistake and make the next piece better.

I love the colors and texture of this new ribbon plate.

Unfortunately the piece did not survive the glaze firing.

A visit to the art supply store always lifts my spirits.

You never know what tool you'll find in the cake decorating aisle!

Finish What You Start

Here's my current knitting project. I have another one waiting in the wings which is good incentive to keep knitting!

I had a conversation at a drop-in knitting group I attended this week at The Knot House. It was about starting new projects before you’ve finished others. I have disciplined myself in my fiber arts to fully complete a project before I start another. Otherwise, I find I have lots of projects started and nothing finished. Based on this week’s conversation, I’d say it’s a common habit in the yarn world and probably happens with lots of creative types.

There is something invigorating about starting up a project and working on something new. The completion and finishing details of many projects is not always as exciting. In knitting it involves seaming the knitted pieces together, sewing on buttons, weaving in loose yarn ends and blocking the finished work. Not glamorous, but all necessary for a finished product.

The ribbon plates and bowl are fresh out of the glaze kiln. This week I'll catalog them before I move on to the next project!

It’s the same process with clay. Creating and making is really fun. The finishing details like cataloging work, photographing, measuring the items and creating descriptions for selling—those are my stumbling blocks. Thanks to the help of my new marketing/PR associate – I am planning to apply the same lessons I’ve learned in knitting to my clay work. Completely finish what you start before creating something new. It’s worked well for me in knitting and will serve me well in my clay. 

I'm happy with the cake stand (and the cheesecake recipe too)! Go to my Pinterest board 'Sweet' to get a copy of the recipe!