Hit and Miss -- All Part of the Process

I’ve been thinking about some clay shapes I’ve made in the past especially since I was commissioned to recreate a long oval tray I first made years ago. This time I made a coordinating bowl for the set. Revisiting a familiar form with a fresh eye is a way to revive an idea and perhaps improve its design. 

When we lived in Hilton Head, South Carolina for several years, fish and sea turtles were a prevalent theme in my creative output. Moving back to Maryland added a blue crab shape to that beach-inspired repertoire. Often, I’ll think about a specific subject as a catalyst to rev up my creative juices and figure out how to formulate that into clay.

Fish themes have returned as an inspirational subject this week. I’ve been asked to create a wall hanging using fish shapes for a local customer. In my head, I envision a school of these sea creatures dangling from a support that attaches to the wall. For me, the creative process usually starts with a mental picture. I might draw a rough sketch to test out some ideas, but my best way forward is to hit the studio and begin with a slab of clay. There I can test forms, dimensions, and proportions to transform the idea into a workable piece of clay art. Trial and error is always part of this process but usually, leads to a final success. 

One of the fish shapes I've made in the past is formed into a long tray. I thought of it as a sushi serving dish or platter for any other seafood delight. I liked the way different textures on the surface made each one unique. Since fish are currently on my mind,  I’d like to explore this theme again. I'm open to suggestions. Do you have any ideas on ways you might use a fish tray or dimensions that would be useful for you? I value your feedback! Click here or on the fish photo to let me know!

RFP = Request For Pottery!

Just yesterday I heard from a longtime friend asking if I could make her a replica of a platter she bought from me more than ten years ago at an open studio sale. She told me it’s still her go-to serving tray when she cooks Salmon. I like hearing that! She asked if I could make a duplicate for a friend who’d raved about it at a recent dinner party. I said of course!

Accidents happen! I'm working on a canister to replace this particular baking mishap!

It’s been one of those weeks where requests for pottery have been front and center. Friends and customers have been asking me to make specific pieces for them. These custom requests are welcome. Some, like the long oval platter, are items I haven’t made in awhile so I get to revisit a shape and technique from past. Other forms, like the canister pictured here are best when made to order so the size and shape will fulfill a specific need.

Other requests challenge me to create something totally new! One friend asked if I could make some sort of paper towel holder out of clay similar to one she'd seen in metal. I love this idea and am developing several shapes to keep paper towels easily accessible. Do you have any ideas of shapes you'd like to see? Click on the photo above to make a suggestion!

Some requests require specific dimensions to fulfill a useful purpose. I've been asked to make a set of planters to surround the spa area of a Hilton Head backyard. These herb pots are the starting point of the design that will be tweaked to fulfill the customer's specific size and color requests!

When I look back at photos of studio sales from the past (this is from 2004), I can see the progression of my clay style and the shapes I've revisited and revised over the years.

What can I make for you? Do you have a request for pottery I can fulfill? Click here to begin our conversation! I can make something you've seen in my inventory from the past, or we can create something totally new! I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Horn Of Plenty

I just completed this cornucopia-shaped container for a customer who wants to give it as a surprise gift to his wife. It was designed to fit a specific corner space of his newly remodeled kitchen. Our phone conversations and in-person meeting led to the form, color choice and size.

I love the symbolism of the triangular shape 'horn' and it’s association with fall and the harvest season. This time of year for me, ideas are flowing and productivity is in high gear. Pots in every stage of the making process are filling the studio.  Abundance is evident throughout my creative space.

As always, my life reflects the profusion of art in the studio. As we approach the shortening of daylight, the bounty of fall and winter holidays, and the time gathered with family and friends I revel in the fortune of all that is positive in my life. 

Like the horn of plenty I’ve just created in clay, my world is overflowing with so much that is good and sustaining. My goal is to keep that enthusiasm going when the inevitable stress levels get high!

 Here are a few of the shows that are scheduled so you can mark on your calendar too!

I'll be in Upstate New York October 14 for this fiber-happy show with some of my yarn-related and other household items. Click on the photo for more show details!

I'll be in Columbia, Maryland for the annual Linden Hall Holiday Craft Show November 5. I'm honored to be joining this talented group of artists to display and sell my clay art! Click on photo for more show details!

If you'd like to tap in to your own holiday creativity -- here's a perfect opportunity! Students will be making a variety of clay ornaments/gift tags in this fun class sponsored by The Muse.  We'll be using the same painting technique I've demonstrated in past pot-sticker and wind chime making classes! Click on photo to get class details and sign up!

Shedding Summer -- Forecasting Fall

Do you welcome the change of seasons? I’m a fan of the lower humidity and warm sunshine of fall. I don’t like the progressively early darkness. For me, this time of year signals high productivity in the studio. I welcome the structured days of making, glazing and firing as I prepare for several seasonal shows. It’s a fresh start after languid days of summer when my studio time competes with much loved outdoor activities. I think it’s reminiscent of the start of a new school year and the chance to start again, build on past lessons and create anew. 

I’ve got lots of custom projects in the works in addition to some of the new shapes I've been experimenting with in the studio. I'll load the kiln today with these recently glazed pie plates, yarn bowls and tiny dishes. The transformation between how they look here and the pops of bright color when they are fired is always exhilarating!

So how do you deal with the change of seasons? Do you celebrate with different decorations around the house? Do you feel a boost of energy? Maybe you express your creativity in the kitchen. Tell me about it. I'd like to know!

Hold The Pickles, Hold The Lettuce . . .

How many of you know the next line to this 1970’s Burger King commercial? It’s been one of those weeks in the studio where I’ve been finishing and starting some special orders. These collaborative efforts between me and my customer occur on a regular basis. Creating a piece ‘your way’ often starts with the question, “could you make…?”

It can be as simple as making something from my inventory in a different color glaze. I was asked to create this medium sized baking dish in my red/white glaze combination. Done!

Some times, I’m asked to revive a shape I’ve made in the past. I forgot how much I enjoy making these sea turtle photo/recipe holders. They were a regular item in my inventory when we lived in Hilton Head,  South Carolina. These have been requested as a give-away at an upcoming fall wedding.

Other times, I’m asked to create a totally new item. This chalice and paten set are in progress for a nearby church. The design has progressed successfully with creative input from the customers.  

If you'd like a turn at some creative fun, I'll be teaching another craft party through The Muse in July. I provide all the materials you need to make a colorful potsticker for your garden or indoor plant. Check out the details and sign up here.

It’s fun to go in the studio and create a custom piece. It’s one of the ways I am able to enhance my imaginative juices, tweak a design to fit a custom request and gain satisfaction from the clay art I produce. Do you have a special request you'd like me to create? Click here to let me know!

Have you joined the ClayByLaura Club yet? Don't miss out! If you're a member, look for a special discount for on-line purchases made in the month of July! It's easy to sign up.  Click on photo above. Then, check your email to complete the registration! You're in.

If you're of a certain age (like me), it’s stuck in your head now, isn’t it?!  Hold the pickle, hold the lettuce, special orders don’t upset us….