Playful Mind

    So the full story of how these pieces came about includes my students.We were in the middle of state testing in April and after they had finished their tests on one of those long days (they had 3 hours to take the English portion and all finished within two) I decided to entertain them and demonstrate some thrown pieces on the wheel. Usually when I demonstrate it is for something they are expected to create...perhaps a small cylinder. Well... this was more to kill some time so they requested something "bigger". I threw 3 pieces quickly finishing one on the wheel and moving directly to another wheel. It was very playful and fun and the students enjoyed seeing me throw (I think!)... not as a teacher, but as an artist.
      I was also thinking about how I needed to create work for the exhibit at the Arts Council coming up in July, so I figured I would take these playfully created pieces and finish them for that exhibit. The days after state testing, I decided to continue "playing" with carving, textures, adding grog as decoration and so forth. I am really excited about how they transformed from entertainment for my students into pieces of art that I am excited to share with the public. Hope to see you at the opening of "Playful Minds", July 6th at the Younger Gallery!

The Latest

So remember this vase?  I made two for that particular exhibit and both were purchased. One is below; the new owner sent me a photo of it in his home. I love to see where my work ends up!  

I just finished making this vase for a friend. It hasn't gone through the kiln, but I couldn't resist taking a photo of it. I love they way the clay looks when it's leatherhard (not too wet, not too dry). It is such a pretty color at that stage and has a softness to it. I do like this particular clay called "black mountain" as it retains that quality after it's been high fired. I'll post a finished photo when it comes out of the kiln.

I'm heading to NCECA in a little over a week... so looking forward to it. I just shipped off my student's piece that was accepted into the K12 National Exhibit being held during NCECA in Seattle. I am so glad it's off and on its way...fingers are crossed that it arrives safely.