Taking It Personal.

Writing a blog about being a clay artist often gets personal. One of my goals for making weekly entries is to reveal who I am as an artist and what drives me in the studio. Life and art cannot help but intertwine. Some of my readers know me in life; others have met me through my pottery. I like documenting my art and my life in this way, but I sometimes struggle with how much to reveal. Is it TMI (too much information)? Is it NEI (not enough information)?

Look what came out of the glaze kiln this week! I am really happy with these two new shapes. What do you think? Click on this photo to let me know.

The blog has been a great way to keep up with my friends scattered throughout the world. I love hearing feedback from them. It’s also great to get feedback from people I don’t know as well that have a piece of my pottery they bought at a show or received as a gift. When I do, it reinforces the goal I’ve established to write about my art and my life each week. 

This past week built up to a significant lifetime passage in my universe with a wedding shower for my daughter. She’s getting married in the fall. Her fiancé’s family is from Huntsville, Alabama. I’ve written several posts about my introduction to this welcoming southern city (and family!) throughout the past year. As you’ll see in some of the clay pieces I’ve recently designed, I know that shape of the state of Alabama pretty well by now! I’ve gained new friends, additional sales outlets and customers for my pottery, and tons of fantastic ideas for new creations from the studio. What more could an artist-girl ask for?!?

This special Alabama-themed pottery is being developed to help raise funding for The Huntsville Historic Foundation. 

When you read each week’s blog post, just remember I’m writing these entries each Monday morning, reflecting on the past week. What was significant in my life? What was I thinking about as I worked in the studio each day? What did I make? What did I learn? This is what helps motivate me to continue writing and shaping clay. Sharing these details with you reinforces and documents the artistic journey I travel each day. Thank you for being a part of it with me! I couldn't do it without you.

Take Note

I started writing this weekly studio diary about 3 years ago. Throughout my life, I have kept private notes of events and special activities. These written triggers help me remember the past more clearly when I read back and revisit those words. When I began this journal, my goal was to document the artistic process I experience and share it with my friends and customers so they would gain some understanding of who I am and what I do in the studio. So, writing down and recording my creative time in words and photos has now become a natural part of my weekly routine. 

Tumblers are a new shape I'm developing in the studio.

My memory is not my strongest attribute. I readily admit that. But, when I can look back at pictures and written reminders, I can revisit the past easily and continue to share it with others. 

I completed the set of dishes I have been working on in the studio. I'm happy with the results!

This blog is my attempt to share a slice of time with the reader. Hopefully, you’ll gain insight into the time and creative effort that goes into the clay art made in the studio. Sharing the process on a regular basis has helped me refine and define what I love to do. I go and create in my studio because it makes me happy. By sharing this diary of my studio time, I hope to communicate that joy and hopefully inspire the readers own creative juices.

Despite the fact that snow and cold seem to be lingering, I know that Spring is just around the corner. If you'd like to create your own wind chime for your garden, check out the craft class schedule at The Muse in Frederick, Md. I'll provide the materials, you bring along your creativity!

Another goal of the blog is to spark ClayByLaura sales. Maybe you have a special gift to purchase or desire a clay creation for yourself. By showing you what I make, how I create it and the type of pieces that are possible, you'll remember to visit the ClayByLaura website next time you want to make a purchase.

I'm experimenting with creating some new baking/serving dishes. I'll continue to play with size, shape and the handles in the coming weeks. Here's one of my first attempts.

Finally, I'd like this blog to inspire and pay creativity forward. I encourage you to take notes, snap pictures and keep track of your memories. It does not have to be formal or complicated. Begin by writing one sentence a day on your calendar. I think you'll like it!

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