Common Denominator

Did you know there is a difference between straw and hay?  I didn’t know they weren’t the same. Hay is feed for animals to eat. Straw is what they sleep on. Each comes from a different part of the grain plant. I learned this valuable tidbit in a conversation while working at a local Fiber Festival this past weekend. I watched one of the demonstrations of sheep shearing and struck up a conversation with the farmer/sheep owner. Even though we live in two different environments, wool was our common denominator as we talked.

We all have things in common. It could be a shared activity, skill, passion, age, living circumstance, children, job or even disagreement. The list is endless. And probably common ground can be discovered even in a conversation with a complete stranger. Think ‘six degrees of separation,’ where the deeper you delve into what you share with a person, the closer you seem to get to a connection. 

Clay and fiber are two strong common denominators in my life. Sometimes they collide, like this past weekend at the Fiber Festival.  Several of my yarn-related clay items were part of The Knot House yarn shop's festival booth. It was an opportunity to meet new people who share my love of yarn (and clay) and reconnect with friends in attendance who also share those passions. 

Do you like jewelry? Want to take that passion one step further? Sign up for my wrap bracelet craft party sponsored by The Muse in Frederick, MD! I'd love to see you on Wedesdnay, June 21. I'll bring the supplies (and a batch of my chocolate chip cookies!) and help you make one of these special creations of your own. Click on photo for more details.

It feels good to find common ground. And I was reminded this weekend that what I share in common with people is far stronger than any difference we might have. Clay and yarn are just two subjects that open commonalities for me. What are some of your common denominators?

You've Got A Friend...

I had a chance to reconnect with a longtime friend this past week. Our conversation picked right up where we left off.  And when I walked into her new home for the first time, it was heartening to see a colander I’d made back in 1993 sitting on her kitchen counter. We may not have talked in awhile, but our connection through that piece of pottery was there – part of her daily life. 

Clay has been a continual matchmaker for me throughout my life. I have made new friends through ceramic classes and workshops. I’ve met tons of like-minded clay enthusiasts who share my passion for a tactile, messy medium, exploration of vessel shape and curiosity about color. It’s a lasting bond.

My clay art has also helped sustain the long distance relationships I have with friends from several moves. We may not talk on a regular basis, but I know that each time one of my pieces is viewed or used, it evokes a strong memory of a closeness we shared when we were together. It helps keep us connected. 

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I’ve gifted my pottery to friends since I began making it. Once I began selling it, my friends have been there to support my business too. They have purchased items for themselves and also bought gifts for others. And now that sales of my pottery occur in galleries or through the internet without my physical presence, clay has become my ‘ambassador’ paving the way toward the start of a new relationship through my art.  

These limited edition yarn-related clips will be available for sale starting Friday evening at the Indie Pop Up Shop at the Knot House in Frederick, Md. 

I value friendship and like the idea that my clay art continues to reinforce the bonds and connections I have with people even when I’m not around.  The song lyrics about this mutual affection written by Carole King in 1971 ring true and have always held special meaning to me:

A Happy Medium

I’ve been knitting about as long as I’ve had my hands in clay (over 40 years) and I’m passionate about both art crafts. I recently participated in a yarn tips and tricks class taught by Veronika Jobe of Yoth Yarns at The Knot House in Frederick, Md. In addition to learning some new techniques I started thinking about how the business of knitting has evolved over the years, especially with the internet, and specialized websites like Ravelry (a yarn-lovers mecca!).

I've knitted lots of sweaters over the years. My yarn and needles have carried me through sporting events, air travel and long car rides. Now, I usually end each day with some stitching. 

The world wide web has created opportunities for all kinds of yarn craft enthusiasts to learn, practice, exchange ideas and sell in an industry that used to be mostly brick and mortar-based. Along the way, I’ve sold some knitted garments I’ve made here and there, but never really pursued it as a occupation. Maybe if I were starting on that path today, I would think about it differently and develop a fiber business dying wool, selling yarn and knitting patterns.

Sweater patterns are one way fiber enthusiasts profit from their craft these days. I created this pattern based on a sweater vest I saw and liked long before that trend. 

Marshall McLuhan’s theory ‘The medium is the message’ has stuck with me since I first learned it in college.  Wikipedia sums it up this way. “…the form of a medium embeds itself in the message, creating a symbiotic relationship by which the medium influences how the message is perceived.” McLuhan was talking about ‘media’ and that the delivery system of a message was critical as well as the content of the message. Think newspaper vs. television vs. radio vs. internet as the different forms of media and how that shapes the delivery of a message.

I've combined my passion for fibre and clay by edging this rectangular vessel with stitched leather cord. 

Should have, could have, would have. Instead of looking back at art and media choices I've made in the past, I continue to be happy, challenged and satisfied with the ceramic art world. The business side of ceramics has also evolved since I began. Similar opportunities for widening the scope of interaction and sales around the world have opened up through the internet. It's just a matter of keeping up with it all! 

Clay is the medium I have chosen to express and sell my inner art. Daily knitting continues to be my personal downtime. 

Recipe for Success

I’ve made my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe so often, I know it by heart. It was given to me by a former neighbor many years ago. In turn, I’ve shared it with others as well. I don’t know the exact science behind the success of this particular recipe, but I do know that it produces a reliable, delicious treat each time I make it.

For me, working in clay is a little bit like baking.  I know the desired outcome so I’ve practiced techniques and combinations of ingredients to achieve a reliable product. Again, there is absolute science behind the success; I’ve learned by adjusting some of the components of my creations from time to time, I can achieve the most dependable combination of clay and glazes to complement my creations. 

In addition to using a new clay, I've been tweaking the design of these bowls. Half of  the texture design is on the inside of the bowl and half on the outside!

This week I’ve been trying a different brand of clay to test the results with the variety of glazes I use. As with my baking, I may return to the blueprint I’ve used in the past or learn something new from this process that will make every firing favorable. There are always new combinations to explore!

Try my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe for yourself! Please share your favorite recipes with me as well. I love experimenting in the kitchen almost as much as I do in the studio!

Yoga and Clay

I think yoga and clay have a lot on common. I practice both with ‘practice’ being the operative word here.

I began attending yoga classes a couple of years ago. I wish I’d started earlier. But in the true spirit of yoga, I’m working on living in the moment, letting go of the past and not worrying about the future. This applies to my life and my vocation – clay.

So here are a few lessons taught in yoga that can also apply to clay.

Breathe. Deep inhales and exhales are a constant in any yoga I’ve practiced. I’ve found this same full body nourishment helps with centering (literally and figuratively) in the studio.

Each Day is Different. Every time I hear this spoken in a class, it is a helpful reminder. Human expectation of regular perfection can lead to such negative feelings and self-doubt. Some days are just better than others. I’m learning to embrace the good and learn from the bad.

No Comparison. Stop worrying about what everyone else is doing and focus on yourself.

Live in and Enjoy the Moment. Don't look back. Don't worry about what's ahead. This is hard for me, really hard. It’s good to remember the process can be just as enjoyable as the outcome.

Every teacher has something to offer. There is always room to learn.  New skills, thoughts and nuance can happen with every encounter between students and teachers.

Learn to listen. For me, this skill takes practice and concentration. Listen and follow instruction. Listen to the quiet. Listen when others speak. Listen to your inner voice.

Balance. Poses requiring stability are important and can be challenging. Finding balance in life and art require the same attention and constant adjustments to achieve.

Hands-on is the best part. The sense of touch is powerful. I love the end of class when some yoga instructors offer a soothing body adjustment or relaxing temple massage during savasana. Likewise, I enjoy the feel of clay throughout each creation stage as I translate an idea from thought to completion. It gives me the same happy satisfaction. 

Here are some new texture stamps I've created. 

I'm confident Spring will arrive eventually. In preparation, I'm developing a new watering can shape that can be used to nourish a growing garden or plant and hold a bunch of freshly picked flowers for display!

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.