Material Gains

I was a student in a workshop this weekend in a whole new subject matter: Polymer Clay. It was exciting, informative and absolutely addictive. This new artistic material satisfies my creative desire to mix materials, achieve bright color results and explore new (to me) techniques. 

The workshop was held at a fantastic 3-Dimensional cooperative art gallery in Fredericksburg, Va. called Artful Dimensions, a manageable drive from where I live. I lucked into the class through one of those ‘rabbit hole’ internet searches early this spring. Unbeknownst to me when I signed up, the teacher -- Laurie Mika -- has pioneered some of this medium's techniques, written a popular book on the subject, and has a strong following of polymer clay enthusiasts. She is a seasoned, remarkable teacher. 

Although some of the tools used with this type of material are similar to ones used in my ceramic studio, there are lots of new gadgets to explore for creating in this medium. Yay! Various sharp cutting implements, different types of rubber stamps, permanent ink blotters, weldbond glue and colorful laser printed images were used to create the final piece. 

In this particular workshop, we learned how to decorate the clay using acrylic paints and laser printed images. The ‘clay’ material itself has different properties and a different feel than ceramic. It feels more plastic and requires kneading and softening by squishing it in your fingers before it is used. I described it to my husband that it reminded me of silly putty from my youth.

Similar to how I manipulate ceramic clay, the polymer can be rolled in a small slab, stamped with a decorative design, and cut out to a shape. Here’s where it’s a bit different. A mixed media embellishment can be glued and pressed into place. Then the piece is baked in a small toaster oven for 20 minutes. Once it is cooled and continues to harden, it is ready for more decoration with layers of paint. Now, I’m on the hunt for a used toaster oven. If you have one you’d like to part with, let me know!

Of course, you can’t learn everything in one single day-long workshop. I did learn enough to know I’d like to pursue this new (to me) material and see how to incorporate it into what I create with my ceramic pieces. My stash of mixed media jewelry bits and doodads are just waiting to be folded in to future projects. 

Workshops are a great way to learn new skills, meet great people and explore creativity. I’ve gained all of this and more through the class I took this past weekend.

Learn As You Go

Teaching is one of the ways I learn. I was reminded of that again this past week in a craft party class I taught for The Muse. It was lots of fun resulting in an array of colorful, musical wind chimes that will grace the gardens of each student!

Every class or workshop introduces me to a new group of people. It’s been the start of many friendships and lasting bonds. I enjoy the solitary practice of creation in my studio, but breaking out, sharing class-time with students and getting that interaction is special. 

Teaching gives me new perspective on ‘the way’ I approach and make art. I have built my creative skills through practice and learning from classes and workshops. But when the tables turn and you teach a skill that might be easy for you to do, it’s important to step back and look at it differently. How do you approach this skill if you’ve never done it before?  How do you explain it in words? How do you demonstrate the skill? How do you break it down into understandable, achievable tasks? 

I always come away from teaching a class with ideas that have been sparked by a student. Their technique or approach is often one I’ve never thought of before. Sometimes we repeat what we know, just because it’s what we know. Getting a new perspective from someone approaching it with a fresh perspective is fantastic. 

I like to plan. I make lists, I outline tasks, I set goals. Somehow the classroom setting always veers off the planned course and inevitably leads to new discovery. Perhaps that technique I thought would be so simple to explain, show and teach does not register with the student. It opens up new ways to teach and new ideas of how to create. I'm so grateful to share some of my skills with others -- because in the end I am the one who learns just as much! 

Love and Learn

I had a GOOD week of clay.

I completed and installed a new custom-Totem project. I like taking on a challenge of creating something unique and special which often means creating work I’ve never made before. In this case, the new shape I made were letters to stack and spell out the word LOVE. I’m pleased with the results!

The placement and message of these totems were made to encourage the proper 'chi' to this home and garden.

It's great when the image in my mind works out in the final results!

This past weekend, I participated in a workshop lead by Lana Wilson at the Lee Arts Center in Arlington, Virginia. It’s an incredible clay studio that has been around for eons – I had some of my early classes there back in the 70’s. This is the second workshop I’ve participated in at the Arts Center recently. One of my favorite parts of workshops is the lively group dynamic that develops along with new friendships in the clay world. 

Lana began talking and demonstrating at 10 am on Saturday and kept going strong for two full days. Between stories of her life illustrating her own personal clay journey, she shared endless techniques, tools and wisdom from her 40 ‘odd’ years of enjoying what she made. My head is still spinning with this bounty of new direction! This is what I LOVE about clay – it offers me endless possibilities and continual opportunity to evolve, change, discover, renew, recharge, reconnect and be Happy!

Here are some more photos of the workshop.

Lana layers a variety of colorful underglaze on wet slabs. (Note the colorful tape on her tools. It's helpful for finding them quickly!)

Layers of the color are scraped away with sharp tools to reveal the colors below. 

The slab is used to create a form.

This Box with working drawer was created with leather hard clay. Lana not only demonstrated her process of making this signature piece, but also her decision making process during creation. 

This non-functional teapot is another signature Lana Wilson creation. She reminded the class frequently to observe what she demonstrated, listen to her suggestions and then most importantly learn to use that as a jumping off point to discover our own clay voice. I'm excited to get back in the studio this week and play!