My affinity for angels probably started while I was growing up. A print of Lauren Ford’s Guardian Angel hung in my room for as long as I can remember. It shows a little girl in a forest surrounded by animals and nature with an airy translucent angel floating in the background. I felt comforted by this image. This print currently hangs in my studio as an inspiration and connection to my past.
Lauren Ford's Guardian Angel was created in 1891
Fast forward. I started creating angel-related clay art in the 1990s. My friend Patti was diagnosed with breast cancer. She faced the disease and the treatments head-on with her usual positive and happy outlook. At the time she was a recent widow and single mother of three young children. Unfortunately, she lost this battle and died in 1995.
I used the Raku method of firing to create these angels over the years. It was the start of my multi-media approach to clay. The first year I made these I used actual springs from the hardware store to create the hair. Then I discovered colorful wire and beads! Look out!!!
Patti was the first of my friends and acquaintances to give Breast Cancer a name and a face for me. So I started creating a clay angel form each year to help me honor my friend Patti and the subsequent people I knew who were diagnosed. It helped me work through my feelings in the studio and do ‘something’ to help raise money and awareness about cancer. A percentage of my yearly proceeds is donated to a variety of Breast Cancer and Hospice charities.
This angel candle holder series shows my love of texture way back when!
I have stayed in touch with Patti’s family off and on through the years. And this year, after connecting with her grown daughter on-line, I’ve just sent off a package of Patti’s-inspired angels to be distributed to her family throughout the holidays. It’s a full circle moment and makes me feel good.
Angels have taken on a variety of shapes and functions throughout the years. Angel ornaments can decorate a holiday tree or become part of an art collection. The potsticker version can be used outdoors in the garden or indoors in a houseplant.
So here's the 2015 Angel/Patti-inspired clay item. It's a reminder that time does tick by and savoring our family, friendships and special moments is always a good choice to make. You can add one to your collection by clicking on the photo.