"Changed For Good"

The lyric quoted in the blog title above is from one of the songs in the musical Wicked that I saw this weekend. It sums up what happened in the studio this week perfectly! I’ve made this flower-shaped bird feeder in the past. I like how it looks, but the functionality was lacking. This week, I decided to revisit the shape and figure out how I could improve its design. 

I always make a template when I begin a project.  I can easily adjust the design this way. Once I am happy with what I've made, I know I can recreate it again.  

I bought some new texture tools on a trip to AC Moore. I found these in the painter's tools section. I like the different grooves they create in the clay.

I shortened the height of the piece. The new rectangle is approximately 11 inches wide by 7 inches high. The original piece was about 12 inches tall. 

I use a cardboard tube to roll up the rectangle into the appropriate shape.

The tube helps hold the round shape of the piece when it's stood on end.

Once I've attached the bottom, I flip the piece to secure it properly. I use a sponge to compress the joint and make sure there are no gaps on the outside or inside of the pot. 

Here you can see where I made improvements to the functionality of the bird feeder. I kept the same flower shape for the top of the feeder. I made the center of the flower removable so bird seed can easily be added to the feeder. I will still use buttons and fishing line as I did in the original design to suspend the flower once it has been glazed and fired.  I changed the design of the feeding perch.  I decided to use wire bent to look like flower leaves instead of the clay ones I created in the original design. I'll add these at the same time as the buttons and fishing line.  I'm happy with these improvements and I think this bird feeder has been 'changed for the better!" 

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!