Studio time this past week has been dedicated to completing pieces to bring to the Panoply Arts Festival in Huntsville, Alabama at the end of April. What once felt like the distant future, is suddenly almost here. At this point, everything I could possibly bring has been made and fired at least one time. Final glazing and keeping the kiln ‘cooking’ non-stop is the current norm.
In between the final stages of clay-making — packing pottery, making lists for the display and show supplies, fretting over inventory (too much? not enough?) are on my mind. This stage of the creative process is when many artists I know (including me), feel vulnerable. Hours and hours of time and effort go into any creative display or sale. Bringing our creative effort out of the studio and into ‘the public’ is both thrilling and terrifying.
I attended the opening reception of a textile-centered show this week. Several of the artists in the show are my friends. Each of them talked about their creations and voiced their passion, motivation, and process that are universal for all creative endeavors. I can appreciate their effort from both sides — as an observer and a maker.
I love what I create and that simple fact helps keep me grounded in the final frenzy of show preparation. I try to build that joyous spark from my studio into each clay vessel hoping it can bring some pleasure as it is used in daily life. Look out Huntsville, I'll be there before you know it!