Fresh Start

It’s the first day of Spring. Although the air temperature where I live and the recent blast of snow may be Mother Nature’s last winter hurrah, I am in the budding mindset. All kinds of ideas, custom orders and business improvements have been swimming around in my head. I need to push forward. One of my remedies to this Monkey Mind (described in last week’s blog) is good old fashioned planning. 

It starts with a list. Once I’ve written out tasks that need attention, the jumble in my head is somewhat relieved and I can begin to organize and tackle each item. This simple visual reference point helps move me toward action. It also helps me remember what needs to get made. Are you a list-maker too?

Spring is often associated with cleaning. It’s a time to clear away built up clutter in our homes, our yards and yes, even in our minds. Purging both thoughts and items that tend to drag us down, helps clear a path toward a more fulfilling existence. Marie Kondo’s popular movement to ‘Spark Joy’ is one example of this. Her minimalist approach has you only keep the things in your life that you truly love. I’m not that extreme, but I think the overall advice is sound. Strip away the stuff holding you back so you can move forward with what makes you happy. 

So I’m back to my happy place – the studio – this week to roll out, stamp and create more FUNctional pieces and hopefully spread some of that joy around. Is there something I can make just for you? Do you need a gift for a special someone? How about an idea for something I haven’t made before? Let me know. Click here.

Finally, let me spark some joy in someone else’s life today! Leslie Hamlin is the ClayByLaura Club winner this month. I’ll be sending her this one of a kind bracelet I assembled with up-cycled jewelry, charms, leather cord and one of my decorated clay medallions. Not a member yet? Click here to join and begin your benefits!  Want one of these bracelets of your own? I have a limited supply of these fun new items that combine two of my passions, clay and jewelry.  Click on this link to let me know and I’ll send you a first dibs opportunity to purchase one by week’s end.

Yoga and Clay

I think yoga and clay have a lot on common. I practice both with ‘practice’ being the operative word here.

I began attending yoga classes a couple of years ago. I wish I’d started earlier. But in the true spirit of yoga, I’m working on living in the moment, letting go of the past and not worrying about the future. This applies to my life and my vocation – clay.

So here are a few lessons taught in yoga that can also apply to clay.

Breathe. Deep inhales and exhales are a constant in any yoga I’ve practiced. I’ve found this same full body nourishment helps with centering (literally and figuratively) in the studio.

Each Day is Different. Every time I hear this spoken in a class, it is a helpful reminder. Human expectation of regular perfection can lead to such negative feelings and self-doubt. Some days are just better than others. I’m learning to embrace the good and learn from the bad.

No Comparison. Stop worrying about what everyone else is doing and focus on yourself.

Live in and Enjoy the Moment. Don't look back. Don't worry about what's ahead. This is hard for me, really hard. It’s good to remember the process can be just as enjoyable as the outcome.

Every teacher has something to offer. There is always room to learn.  New skills, thoughts and nuance can happen with every encounter between students and teachers.

Learn to listen. For me, this skill takes practice and concentration. Listen and follow instruction. Listen to the quiet. Listen when others speak. Listen to your inner voice.

Balance. Poses requiring stability are important and can be challenging. Finding balance in life and art require the same attention and constant adjustments to achieve.

Hands-on is the best part. The sense of touch is powerful. I love the end of class when some yoga instructors offer a soothing body adjustment or relaxing temple massage during savasana. Likewise, I enjoy the feel of clay throughout each creation stage as I translate an idea from thought to completion. It gives me the same happy satisfaction. 

Here are some new texture stamps I've created. 

I'm confident Spring will arrive eventually. In preparation, I'm developing a new watering can shape that can be used to nourish a growing garden or plant and hold a bunch of freshly picked flowers for display!

Clearing the Clutter

A colorful array of vases recently sprung from my studio!

One way I know it is Spring time in my household is that list of projects I’ve been meaning to do, are now getting done. And that clean up and clean out attitude is evident in my studio as well.  I am a messy potter. I admit that happily and freely. When the creative juices are running, organization and tidiness are not part of the process. Somehow that clutter helps release or lead to ideas that translate into my work. But after a creative flurry, I like to clean up and organize my studio for the next rally.

I think I do this for a number of reasons. I often hear two of my mother’s mottos in my head, “Every job has a beginning, middle and END (the End part meaning 'clean up')!” and “There is a place for everything and everything in its place.” By putting tools back where they belong (so I can find them the next time I need them), wiping down dusty surfaces, washing brushes and creating a new clean slate, I’m ready for the next round of work.

I find the clean up process offers it’s own satisfaction as well. It’s helps me close out and erase what I’ve completed and begin anew. Isn’t that what Spring is all about? 

My father made this chest over fifty years ago to organize his tools for woodworking projects. It's got a central location in my studio and holds many of my own tools.

Texture is a big part of my work. I've recently organized my stamps and rollers in this lazy susan contraption I found at Home Depot. 

Displaying my color samples on the wall helps me during my glazing process. This foam 'board' works perfectly with my test tiles! I found it at The Container Store. 

 Even my kiln room gets put back together after a firing flurry!

A place for everything and everything in it's place!