Coming Together

I’ve been working on several commission pieces over the last several weeks and the results of thinking, planning, testing, making, remaking, glazing and firing are coming together nicely. Projects like this make me happy. They usually start with an idea or suggestion to create something. The trick is to translate that into a clay form that is pleasing both to the recipient and satisfactory for me, the maker. Mostly I’ve found this transaction to be successful.

First, I try to accurately communicate the picture of the final product I’ve formed in my head either through a (very) crude drawing or picture of a clay model I make.

Secondly, and probably most importantly, I’ve learned to trust my creative instinct knowing the customer has commissioned a piece of art based on their belief in me.

Often, my final inspiration evolves once I have my hands in the clay in the studio. Because I tend to think in pictures, it may take several attempts to get my hands and the clay to cooperate with my vision. I don’t find this frustrating.  It is gratifying and keeps me coming back to the studio. Again, I try to keep the customer informed of my progress because there are instances where this process takes several weeks. 

There's nothing better to a potter, than opening up a glaze kiln to find shelves full of success! To quote “Hannibal” from the 80’s TV Show, The A Team – “I love it when a plan comes together!” Cue the music!

Spontaneous

On Friday, my daughter suggested we “go to London on Monday.” She’d just completed an exhaustive work project and thought this would be a nice treat. My immediate reaction was, "no I can’t, I have too much going on to just pick up and go." But this spontaneous suggestion has got me to thinking. Just as important as learning to say no in life, is the opportunity to say yes. For the practical and routine-loving me, a quick decision or about-face change of plans is a challenge.

I often texture the clay in random patterns. Here are three examples of square images I've used on a small square dish.

Just as I seek freedom in the actions I take in the studio to loosen up and take some risks, it’s a good reminder to take advantage of those same lessons in daily life. It’s still a balance of learning to say no to unproductive activities but also understand the times to just say yes and enjoy the results! 

I've used some of my favorite pattern-makers here to create some interest in these underglazed  berry bowls. When I am working on a series of pieces, I often make snap-decisions on which tools I'll use to emboss the clay. 

I am spending the day with my daughter today, just not in London. I'll take a look at the calendar and see if we can plan a trip there in the near future!

Made From Scratch

In honor of the season finale of the television series 'Mad Men', I tried a new manicotti recipe for dinner last night (stay with me, there will be a connection here). I made everything from the sauce to the pasta. It took some planning; I had to shop and make sure I had the right ingredients; I had to allow enough time for the sauce to simmer and develop flavor over a couple of hours and I had to trust it would all come together.  Believe me, there are times I’m just as happy to cook using prepared ingredients and snap decisions. But when I can plan it, I really enjoy the process that leads to the end result.

Of course this ‘love of process’ relates to clay and what I do in the studio. Now that I think about it, it’s part of my make-up with any task I take on.  My creative juices peak when I accept an offer to make something I’ve never created before or have a new idea in my head. I think about the final shape, figure out the necessary parts, make a template and start cutting and assembling clay. It does not always translate the first time around. But that’s okay. There are times I’ve spent hours on a project and when it’s finished, it’s just not right. I’ll either smash it or put it aside to use as a reference and start over again – happily.

It all starts with a blank canvas. I roll out the clay with my slab roller to a little more than a 1/4 inch thickness.

I'm working on a yellow jasmine flower for a totem project. Here is the first version. I didn't like it. It wasn't working. For me, I learn from the assembly of the clay. I have enough experience to know when I need to continue to work on the design. Back to the 'drawing board.'

I cut out a new leaf shape. It's less 'pointy' and not as long as the first rendition. 

The new design is working. It took a few attempts, but it was time well-spent in the studio!

So back to the 'Mad Men' connection. It wasn't the recipe that held any meaning to this 1960's based drama, but the story of starting from scratch. Sometimes this can lead to success, but it might also bring about failure. For me, the final show of this television series showed how the main character, Don Draper dealt with his highs, his lows, his constant self-reinvention. He was always willing to start over. That's a great life lesson. I'll try to remember that in the studio and everything I do. 

Click on image below! If you're a 'Mad Men' fan, you'll understand!

Technically Savvy

In this day and age, broadcasting my creative activities is incredibly easy and utterly daunting. Early on in my clay making days, craft shows, craft shops and home/studio sales were the chosen avenues for marketing artistic efforts and making a potential sale.  Promotional materials were put together by a graphic designer and taken to an off-site printer for completion. It all seems so antiquated now! I am constantly remarking “what a world” when I tap my smart phone to take and edit a photograph and then tap another application to send it ‘out to the universe’ for consumption. My initial reaction to new technology is fear – I’m afraid I will mess something up. But once I try something new and get the hang of it, look out!

I’ve used current technology to create and manage my website. I post studio updates on Facebook. I’m tweeting on Twitter and now I’ve joined Instagram. (I'm still figuring out the whole #hashtag# thing!) Just as I practice with clay in my studio, I’m learning the best way to embrace technology and learn is to jump in, make and recover from mistakes, continue to improve skills and use the new techniques to your advantage. What a world indeed!

Here's an example of how the new and old marketing technologies collide. I used my cell phone to take photos. I used my computer and the internet to create a design. I've ordered a printed postcard on-line to distribute for an upcoming sale in Arlington, Va. in June. 

Every Pot Tells A Story

 My first profession out of college was writing. I still connect that craft form with my current communication outlet, clay. I believe art is a kind of storytelling. I also think 3-dimensional creations made from clay share just as much of a story as a 2-dimensional painting or photograph.

Along with a tactile communication, the visual pleasure a pot conveys is the opening paragraph of a story. For some that may be enough – the abridged/cliff notes version.

Other ‘readers’ may want more details.  How was this piece made? What are the chosen materials used to complete the final product? Direct conversations with potential buyers often lead to this explanation.

The truly curious, will want the full story. They may investigate why a particular piece was made. What was the motivation or inspiration? How might this relate to the person’s own life experience? For the artist, some of this storytelling can be relayed in the form of an artist statement.

I like to share the story of my creations, even if I am not available to speak with an interested customer. I tag each of my pieces with a descriptive explanation about its creation. I think it can answer some questions and invites people to become part of the story as well. 

Moving Forward and Looking Back

I spend part of every day in some sort of clay activity. I may be in the studio creating, at the computer researching and promoting my craft or exploring and cultivating sales opportunities. Lots of what I accomplished in the studio this past week will come to fruition this week.

On Thursday, April 30 I will deliver a variety of my serving and gift items for sale through a fantastic local food shop called potomac grocer. It is located in Potomac, Maryland where I lived for many years. In addition to selling high quality meat, fish, chicken and produce, this friendly neighborhood market prepares ready-made meals, sandwiches, soups and snacks and desserts. 

Need a quick gift? Be sure and stop by potomac grocer for a delicious treat and lasting ClayByLaura piece!

Beginning Friday, May 1, I’ll participate in a Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival Pop Up Shop event at The Knot House in Frederick, Maryland. If you're a fiber fan, be sure and stop by to see the abundance of hand-dyed yarns that will be sold and the variety of new yarn bowls I created for this once yearly event. 

The clay process, like many things in life, requires lots of moving forward while simultaneously building on past effort. It's nice when it all comes together with positive results!

Learning to Adapt

There are several reasons I write a weekly blog. It helps me keep an accounting of my studio practices and progress. It provides a historic record of my creative actions. It helps me think about why I look to clay as my artistic outlet. And it helps me communicate those ideas to my followers with an interest in me, my art and the clay process.

I've noticed the idea of change is a recurring theme throughout these writings. I’m most comfortable thinking I know what lies ahead and keeping a daily routine. For me, unforeseen disruptions are really a constant in life, but often cause the most anguish. Learning to adapt in life and art continues to prove rewarding even though it can be scary.

I attended an art fair this weekend with a friend. Years and years ago, it would be packed wall to wall with artists and attendees selling and buying. This time around, it felt sparse. I wonder if this is a fluke, or an example of the impact on-line retail has affected art transactions. Finding the right sales outlet is an ongoing process for me and I’m learning to make adjustments to this process constantly. 

The good thing about attending an art fair is purchasing an item you like right then and there, AND the opportunity to meet the artist! Annie Simcoe makes the paper she uses in her unique stitched art form. 

I'm happy with the progression of the new bird feeders! I'll add the finishing touches this week and post the results.

I made several of these sugar/creamers in the studio this week. I've added a spoon to the set.

I'm working on a new design for dessert plates.

Cass Molander of Cedar Rapids, Iowa is the WINNER of the watering can giveaway!

So Far So Good

I'm pleased with the test results of the new clay I'm using. The clay is working with the hand built shapes I create. The glazes seem to be a successful match as well. Testing is an ongoing exercise when creating with clay. Different materials have their strengths and limitations. There is always room to test the overall design and improve functionality. Here of some of the 'test results' from the past week in the studio.

The green combination on the far right is new. I like the results and will begin to use it on other pieces!

Here's the end result of the split bowl with half the texture on the outside and half on the inside. I think this test gets an A+.

The new bird feeder designs got their first layer of color for their first firing in the kiln. 

*Want a chance to receive this watering can for FREE?!? To enter this 'give away' opportunity, please repost this blog on your Facebook page with a comment about ClayByLaura, click 'like' on the ClayByLaura Facebook page, sign up to receive updates on the ClayByLaura website (if you haven't already). And, invite your friends and family to do likewise! Each action counts as in entry in the final drawing. Make sure to send me an email at ClayByLaura@gmail.com with an accounting of your activity. The winner will be randomly drawn and announced next week!