Show Of Hands

The set of ‘tools’ I repeatedly use in all my creative endeavors are my hands. I don’t often think about them as tools, but they are an integral part of the process when I create. Examining them closely, I see all the wrinkles, close to the surface veins, unkempt nails, and emerging age spots. Working with clay takes a beating on my hands, but for me it is well worth the trade off.

Examining any aspect of our life or body part close-up can lead to a negative focus. Minute details that are blown up and out of proportion can hang heavy and make us lose sight of the big picture. It can even go a step further when we compare those attributes to someone else and think others are better. 

Today is the start of the Jewish New Year called Rosh Hashanah. It is an important start to the religion’s high holy days of atonement ending with fasting for Yom Kippur. It is a time to reflect, offer forgiveness and move forward. I like that idea and believe it is an opportunity for all of us (even non-practicing Jews) to think about and contemplate because we are all in this world together. Saying we’re sorry for what we’ve done wrong, hoping to do better next time and offering forgiveness to ourselves and others is a good goal. 

I attended the opening of a group show at Frederick Community College this past weekend. I'm one of six incredible female artists; the assembly of our art envisioned by the show's curator, Margaret Hluch is a testament to the vastness of creativity and artistry in our world. If you live nearby, take the trip to see it over the next month. You will be glad you did!

For now, I'm thankful my hands help me express me.

Pulling It Together

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!

Making Choices

Time away from the clay studio is an opportunity to think about and plan for future projects and events. It’s good to take a step back, review some of the successes and failures, and dream about new possibilities. Daily walks on Hilton Head beaches, visits with local friends and disruption to my habitual daily routine have all contributed to a refreshed attitude and dedication to my clay-making passion. 

Click on this photo to learn more about Panoply.

When I get back to the studio next week, my focus will be an upcoming 3-day show in Huntsville, Alabama called Panoply. I plan to bring an array of serving dishes, decorative pieces, and garden accents. It’s impossible to bring and display everything I make, so I’ll do my best to choose a 'panoply' of shapes and colors for my customers there. 

Here are some of the ClayByLaura pieces I've chosen to bring with me to Panoply.

Making choices is not always easy. Decisions can be as simple as what to have for dinner or as complex as what job will make me happy and help pay the bills.  I’ve learned that bad decisions can be reversed and provide a learning experience for the future. Think about and choose the best option for you in the moment. You can always change your mind! 

Taking Root

This week has been a whirlwind. I travelled to Huntsville, Alabama for a private sale of my pottery at the home of my daughter’s imminent in-laws. I was welcomed with open arms and helped by an incredible team of hosts to showcase my ceramic art. I am humbled by their generosity and support. Twenty percent of my proceeds will be donated to a local charity. 

I sold lots of pottery, made many new friends, learned some new words, and tasted some delicious southern recipes. As I head back north, I’m ready to get back to the studio to fulfill the numerous special orders I received, replenish my inventory for upcoming local shows, and savor the extended roots I’ve planted in a new community. 

Thank you, Huntsville, for making me feel right at home. I’m already looking forward to my next trip south! All in all, I'd say my experience can be described with one of my new words: groovylicious!