Motivation

Most days it is easy to go to the studio and get to work. I rarely get bored and love to think up new ideas to keep my creativity flowing. Occasionally there are days where my motivation is lacking. I’ve learned to accept these blips and know to take a break from my clay routine to rejuvenate. Among my favorite remedies to help me reboot are a walk with the dog, coffee with a friend or trip to my favorite yarn shop.

I've made this sugar/creamer set many times in the past. What excited me this time was using a new texture pattern on the surface. I love the results!

The repetition of creating a hunk of clay into a useful, beautiful object is rhythmic and familiar. I like that part of the process. Figuring out a new shape is inspiring too. Cutting out a fresh design and piecing it together is exciting – especially when the picture in my head of what I’d like to create matches or exceeds the finished product! Goal setting is another motivator for me. I think this is why I enjoy creating special orders for customers. I love the challenge of developing a clay creation inspired by another person’s idea. 

I learned to 'pour' concrete for a garden project I'm working on. This will provide the base for a mosaic I'm creating. I'll post photos of the completed project when it's set in place later this fall!

In addition to replenishing my standard inventory and preparing for several upcoming sales, I’ve got several custom projects in development. I’ve been working on a special garden accent that has me exploring mosaic-type installation. Several trips to the local hardware store (one of my favorite haunts) have given me ideas and the confidence to produce this fun design. Several other custom orders are in process of development, final approval and production as well. 

I’m working on my 2017 angel design. My friend, Patti Cain was the inspiration for making angels when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994. After her death, I have continued to make a new series each year and donate a portion of these proceeds to breast cancer and hospice charities. The motivation behind this series happens naturally each year. 

A Rested Development

Learning to step back and take a break from an overworked project is hard to do. This is the case for any creative idea. Working with clay has taught me the importance of this lesson (repeatedly)! Rest renews and rejuvenates creativity.

The rocks of this circular bricked area will be replaced with one of my clay creations. It was good to see the space in person, get a sense of scale and experience the blooming surroundings. I've got a few ideas brewing!

I visited Huntsville, Alabama this past week to spend several days with my daughter’s future mother-in-law. I was invited to acquaint myself with a garden clay project she has in mind and spend some fun time together. This relaxing break from my typical routine, proved to be rewarding in numerous ways. 

This small Lisa Neimeth dish is one of the treasures I purchased on my Alabama trip.

Travel is an opportunity to recognize our shared commonalities as well as appreciate unique local traditions. We spent time visiting art galleries, area shops, historic sites and tasting regional food selections. I gained a sense of the community through all these encounters and look forward to future visits to supplement my first-time enjoyable experience.

I made these 12-inch tall planters I've been commissioned to create. An additional 15-inch tall planter will complete the set. I had a general idea of what I wanted to make but had not quite figured out some of the design details. Once I got back in the studio this week, the plan all came together!

Rest from routine has its rewards. When I returned to my studio, it was easy to jump into several of the custom projects I have on my plate. Ideas that may have been stalled seemed easily accessible. This is the beauty of rest.