"Just Make a Mark..."

I recently completed an art project for a local fundraiser sponsored by my favorite shop in Frederick, Md – The Muse.  It’s a once a year event. Local artists and ‘Muse’ patrons purchase an 8 x 8 canvas to decorate and donate for auction. Each time there is a different theme and charity recipient. 

This year the collected monies will go to COIPP (the Children Of Incarcerated Parents Partnership). The inspirational theme is a children’s book called The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. In the story, a young artist doubts her ability to create art. Her teacher encourages her by saying “ Just make a mark and see where it takes you.”

Want to see more of the art collected for this worthy event? Here's the link to The Muse's Facebook page. Scroll down and take a look at the nearly 100 entries. And you don't have to live near Frederick to see the art in person or place a bid, no worries! Call The Muse to make your own mark -- the art can be shipped to you!

As is often the case, the lessons of a children’s story can resonate with us adults too. Shaking off self-doubt and the ‘I can’ts’ by taking a small step toward a goal is brilliant advice. I use this method when I’m stuck in the studio or tackling a daunting task. If I break down what seems insurmountable into doable chunks, the job becomes much easier. 

This week in the studio I’ve been chipping away at the various stages of clay-making on all sorts of projects. A kiln full of bisqued pieces were glazed and fired. I began creating a set of custom totems that will complement ones I installed several years ago. A surprise gift for one customer’s wife is now in mid-stage firing in the bisque kiln. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by all of these projects, I’m grateful and have embraced every step of their creation. 

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!

Coming Together

I’ve been working on several commission pieces over the last several weeks and the results of thinking, planning, testing, making, remaking, glazing and firing are coming together nicely. Projects like this make me happy. They usually start with an idea or suggestion to create something. The trick is to translate that into a clay form that is pleasing both to the recipient and satisfactory for me, the maker. Mostly I’ve found this transaction to be successful.

First, I try to accurately communicate the picture of the final product I’ve formed in my head either through a (very) crude drawing or picture of a clay model I make.

Secondly, and probably most importantly, I’ve learned to trust my creative instinct knowing the customer has commissioned a piece of art based on their belief in me.

Often, my final inspiration evolves once I have my hands in the clay in the studio. Because I tend to think in pictures, it may take several attempts to get my hands and the clay to cooperate with my vision. I don’t find this frustrating.  It is gratifying and keeps me coming back to the studio. Again, I try to keep the customer informed of my progress because there are instances where this process takes several weeks. 

There's nothing better to a potter, than opening up a glaze kiln to find shelves full of success! To quote “Hannibal” from the 80’s TV Show, The A Team – “I love it when a plan comes together!” Cue the music!