ReEntry: Life is Good!

Life is so ironic, it takes sadness to know what happiness is, noise to appreciate silence and absence to value presence.

I thought I was done. I would hang out with my family, play in my garden and make art that I wanted to make without any thought to entering or even what I would do with it. The universe thought otherwise. Suddenly I was inundated with requests to lecture and even more wonderful, teach! My youngest son started pushing me about getting back out there and selling my wares.  So I have jumped back in with both feet after some major surgery. I entered "Gathering Stillness" in Burning Bush Gallery's show "The Inner Journey" and it got in! This small gallery is in an old 1890 (216 Main Street) house in Wheaton, IL. The opening was on Sunday and I left feeling so good that I danced to my car. The people were wonderful and the artwork incredible. I got many much needed hugs. The show is up until November 20 and is well worth the trip. The gallery is open Sundays from 1- am - 12:30 pm, Monday through Friday 9 am - 4 pm and by appointment (708.705.8669). Looking forward to sharing more good news with you!

Kiln Gods Were Not Kind

There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in. - Leonard Cohen, "Anthem"

I took up ceramics to exorcism a past experience that caused me to give up my love of clay. Most of the time, I feel I have released the past, but at other times I wonder why anyone would ever want to use ceramic as a creative endeavor. There are so many variables especially in a cooperative. I will admit that partly it was my fault. I love playing with different clays. I was told that a new brown clay that come into the studio was extremely easy to use and that it played well with our glazes. I was told that I could get a nice blue, which was what I needed. The gallery I am in requested that I recreate the two masks that had sold. Not something I usually do, but with an unemployed husband this was not an option. So the first image are the masks that were made from the new brown clay done with the exact same glaze and done on the same day. It's a go figure. None of the experts can give me a definitive answer.

There was a time in my life where the voice in my head would have said, "You're no good. You should just give up." The voice is still there, I just don't listen. And while I don't like the idea of starting over, I feel blessed that I can. I also know I won't be using the new brown clay. Lesson learned! Have you done any exorcisms of your own?

By the way, one of my best activities that I have done at ClaySpace Ceramic Arts Center was an evening where I got people to create kiln gods that protect our kilns. Here is mine.

 

Mixed Media at Heart

I think I am a mixed media artist at heart. I am also a collector of things and it felt good to use some of the things I have collected over the years. Some of the things I used for "Crow Spirit" I have had for more than 20 years. The clay part has been hanging around waiting for me to have time to finish it. My life is truly out of balance so I decided to stop doing for others and take time for me. I am so glad that I did because I really love how it turned out and I feel lighter, happier.

I am putting this in the ClaySpace Ceramic Arts Center's Holiday Open House that is happening this weekend. Not sure I am quite ready to see it go but cash is needed to continue my newest vice--clay. I also donated on of my journals for the raffle. Last year my journal raised the most money. There is stiff competition this year. However, I am happy to support the arts and my community this way.

Mixed Media

There is something about mixed media that makes my heart go pitter patter. I started a new series of sculptures with the intent of using my vast supply of things that I have collected over the years. She was well received at ClaySpace today. The piece deals with trying to find calm in the craziness life so often brings. The second piece which I am working to complete has to do with what we keep inside. The work makes me excited.

Since I committed to the 60 Days of  Crow/Bird challenge, I wanted to try mixed media too. The piece I did for it is approximately 6" h x 9" w. It includes interfacing, three different kinds of paper- tissue, watercolor and commercial paper, hand dyed fabric and hand dyed pearl cotton. It's not easy to see but the paper with the squares punched out has the words "everything is possible." I also wrote on it which is had to read but being able to read what I wrote wasn't important. I have been exploring handwriting for a while. Mostly to overcome all the negative remarks about my handwriting while in elementary school. I shared another crow fact- "A group of crows is called a "murder," a designation thought to date to the 15th century." The term is more literary or romantic than scientific. Crow experts usually refer to a flock, pair or family group of crows. Anyway, I painted the interfacing and the tissue paper. I want to do more because it was so much fun!

I am enjoying stretching myself in new directions. Today I was complimented on my fearlessness which made me happy. It is not that I don't have fear, because I do, it is that I no longer fear failure. I just want to keep learning.  What is on your list to learn? What makes you come alive?

Secrets One

Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination or forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. - August Wilson

I marvel at how the universe can sometimes make it impossible for you to look away. That is my reality. My dad is dying and not in a nice way but slow and painful way. My friend, Ken Maloney, has asked me to join him in a show at ClaySpace that focuses on where we grew up. So to deal with all the issues/demons, I am making art. I decided to do a series of alters which I am calling "Secrets." This one is "Secrets One: The Adopted Grandmother." The alters are made from clay and the contents are from different people in my life growing up. Now that I have finished the first one based on my adopted grandma Rachel, I am anxious to continue. The healing has hopefully began.

Sometimes in the Winds of Change We Find Our Direction

I love mixed media so I always sign up for a mixed media exchange with Postmark'd Art whenever it is available. This round I just could not get out of my own head. Every attempt I began I hated. I was making it too complicated. Yesterday I decided to simply begin with two fabrics, sew them together and play. It worked! I used three different commercial fabrics,  Korean wrapping paper, two different kinds of paint, a metal star sticker (hope they make it) and TAP (Transfer Artist Paper). I love adding words and quotes to my work and this one has the saying, "Sometimes in the winds of change we find our direction." It wasn't important to me to have this be a large element in  the piece but simply a part of it. The deadline was not until September 30th but I like to get things done early. I had to make five and I'm pleased that each one is a little different. I can't wait to see what I receive. So my postcards (6" x 4") are in the mail and I hope they bring joy to everyone they encounter.