Can you believe it’s already December? This is such a busy and exciting month. We’ll be finishing up the last class session of the year in the next few weeks culminating in the ‘Show and Tell’ of our teapots. I really threw everyone in the deep end with this project and it’s delightful to see how everyone’s been rising to the challenge. We still have to glaze them, but I’m excited to see how these creations will turn out! Following another December tradition… It’s time for the fabulous Fairfax Craft Faire again! December 9th from[…]
Half Way There
As of November 5th, I’m half way through my ‘100 Objects in 100 Days’ project, and it’s proving interesting in so many ways! Having to build new work every day is suggesting work methods that are making me more efficient. One practice I’ve started applying is keeping more accurate track of the time I spend in the studio and what I spend it on. It’s also pushing me to consider more closely what I’m making, why I want to make that particular thing, and how to build it. If[…]
Shaking Things Up!
It’s September and change is in the air: the nights are cool, the light is changing, soon it’ll be the Equinox and we’ll be moving into the darker and more internal time of the year. I always love the changing of the seasons, it makes me feel invigorated like it’s time for me to change too. Recently, I’ve been taking a look at my studio practice and noticed that I’ve let things slide into the easy and comfortable zone. Well, it’s time to shake things up! I think somewhere in my upbringing I hooked onto the[…]
I’m taking part in Marin Open Studios
Marin Open Studios is happening soon and I had such a great time last year that I’m doing it again this year! My studio will be open on May 7th and 8th from 11-6 at 106 Dominga Avenue in Fairfax. If you have a MOS guide I’m #104 on the map. Please stop by, say Hi, and see my latest work–there will be wine and strawberries too. I’ve put together this little film of some of my work in progress as I’ve been getting ready. Hope you enjoy it!
Getting Ready Again
I can’t believe it’s been a year already, and it’s time for the Fairfax Holiday Craft Faire again! Last year was the first time I’d participated in the Craft Faire and it was really fun to have so many people I know come by my booth to say ‘hi’ and see my work. It was even more fun to talk with people I’d never met before and have them walk away with a piece that would connect us every time they used it. As a maker, I love the idea that the pieces I’ve put[…]
New Ceramics Mini-Session
The Holidays are coming! Would you like to create beautiful serving platters, bowls, mugs and more? Maybe you’d like to make gifts for your friends and family. Take advantage of this mini-session to work on projects inspired by class ideas or bring your own inspirations. Have fun with clay as you learn a range of hand-building and glazing techniques from pottery to sculpture with this highly experienced teacher. Mondays: 7-8:30pm November 9-December 14 or Tuesdays: 7-8:30 pm November 10-December 15 SIX WEEK SESSIONS—Price $115 Classes are in held in my Fairfax Studio Enroll early as space[…]
Who Are Your Art Heroes?
Who are your art heroes? I’ve been thinking lately about who inspires me and why, and I’ve come up with my top five favorites. It’s impossible to say who is my most favorite artist, that would be like picking my favorite bird or weather or fruit. But one of my top favorites is Andy Goldsworthy. His work is exceptionally beautiful and inspiring. I love his attachment to place, his close observation of what makes that particular place special right then. Time is such an important element in his work. I also admire his dedication to do[…]
Sgraffito Technique
There’s a terrific technique that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately–sgraffito. It literally means to scratch away. In the case of ceramics, to scratch away a layer of color, usually underglaze, to reveal the contrasting color of the clay underneath. I love texture so much it’s hard to build a smooth object but this technique requires a ‘smooth’ surface. Once you have your form built and dried to a leather hard stage, you start painting over it with underglazes. Since you are going to need at least three coats of the underglaze, I’ve found that[…]