It's About Time

I inherited a lot of the family things that no one else wanted- a box of old photos, button jars, etc. I have had some things for years and other things more recently before my dad died. My children never knew these people and I know that they would not care to keep these things so I decided to create some altars/shrines using the things that I have inherited. The actual altars were created out of clay then I painted them (instead of glazing) to give them a worn look. At my show at ClaySpace Ceramic Arts Center, I met ceramic artist Gina Lee Robbins who creates incredible organic sculptures. When Gina contacted me about the Oak Park Art League's show It's About Time, I was deeply touched. Her comment that my altars were perfect for the show and that the community was filled with "wonderful, caring artists," convinced me to give it a try. However, I had to push through some fear to actually wall through the door. The welcome I got nearly made me cry. The executive director raved about my work, called it "perfect" for the theme and wants to showcase my work. Wow! I cannot wait to go to the opening tonight. A new adventure.

In Search of Lost Time

Time flames like a paraffin stove / and what burns are the minutes I live.
                     ― Irving Layton, The Selected Poems


While creating my second altar, I thought it might be more accurate to call them shrines. When I looked up shrine in the dictionary, the definition was "altar." I think I like the word shrine better. This particular one deals with Robert Field, my father's legal guardian and his marriage late in life (he was nearly 60) to Rachel Knuth (she was 52 or 53 when they married). Ken worried that I am using "real objects" and won't I miss them when my shrines sell. They are just things. Most were things that I retrieved out of the trash when my dad was cleaning out their house. Things are not memories. Things aren't people. If someone purchases my shrines, to me it means the things have found a new home.

Next I am thinking about changing the title of "Secrets" to "In Search of Lost Time." As I go through all the things that I have collected from family members over the years, I keep thinking "if I only knew." So many questions will go unanswered.

Magic and Miracles Altar

As with my fiber work, I also have been setting goals for my ceramic work. It took me three attempts to create this altar which has a workable drawer. "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life," by Picasso is in yellow. Being able to create this alter was a real confidence builder.
 
Having it around is also a great reminder especially since I got a recall today on the mammogram that I had yesterday. I wish I did not have to wait until Monday for the follow up x-rays to be taken so I am thankful that I have lots of projects to occupy my mind and time.

The other day I realized why I like pottery so much. It is tactile. It requires me to use both sides of my brain. It puts me outside my comfort zone. It helps me create things that I could not make in fiber.I have so many ideas rattling around my brain.

I have also been asked if I now consider myself a potter. The answer is "no." I consider myself an artist who uses whatever medium works best to express what I have to say. Isn't just important that we create?