I went to see the J.M.W. Turner exhibit at the De Young Museum in San Francisco yesterday. There is no informed way for me to express what has already been said about his paintings so I won’t try to give a review, I’ll just give you my reaction. Wow!! I am not a painter and am generally attracted to three dimensional work more than two dimensional–but this was amazing! So beautiful and so evocative. There is a power you feel when you face one of these pieces. The passion with which it was made is felt. […]
June & July News
Last month I had my first experience participating in Marin Open Studios and it was quite gratifying. Before I set everything up I worried that there might not be enough work. I had three big sculptures–two of which were new, a few smaller ones, a collection of mugs and bowls–some from last year and some new, and maybe some older work that was still at my studio. But as I started to gather work together, I kept discovering pieces that were hidden away. The best part was as I pulled them out–I still liked them and[…]
Getting Ready
I spent at least an hour vacuuming up spiders and cobwebs in my studio earlier this afternoon just in case I have any archniphobes visiting me next weekend during Marin Open Studios. I felt a little bad wreaking this devastation on them but I’m sure there are others waiting to take advantage of this environmental opportunity–but hopefully they won’t move in too soon! This is the first time I’ve actually vacuumed in my studio, once in a while it gets a rather weak rendition of dusting but this was the real thing. I did use a[…]
Marin Open Studios
This is my first year participating in Marin Open Studios and I’m getting excited! I have big lists of things to do every day and some of them even get crossed off. Yesterday I made the last pieces I can for this show and now it’s time for the final firing and glazing and then glaze firing. Clay proceeds at its own schedule. Today I’m volunteering to label the gallery show of all the artists participating in this event. It will be really interesting to see all the work and how the show is[…]
I’m Okay with Beauty
I used to think that making beautiful objects was a selfish pursuit. Art had to be serious and fierce and speak about the human condition and the angst of it all. But now, I’m ok with beauty—it’s a way in. As human beings, beauty attracts us. It compels us to look and pay attention to things, and I’ve come to understand that it’s a powerful way to communicate my ideas. I want people to feel an emotional connection with the earth and all the life on it. I want my art to make people stop and[…]
Old and New Classes
It was the last night of the previous class session. We got to do a little show and tell and appreciate what everyone was able to accomplish during this session. We ate some delicious treats, drank a little saki and made (mental) notes about how we got certain affects. Thanks to everyone who kept showing up with enthusiasm and great ideas! The next session of classes starts very soon! Monday March 16th and Tuesday March 17th. They will be from 7-8:30 and[…]
Wild Kingdom in my Backyard
Friday I bisque fired my kiln in preparation for my students to start glazing on Monday. Now, I have a rather low-tech kiln with no kiln sitter (except for me), which means I have to monitor it and turn it up every hour. This means I get to spend about twelve hours in my studio at a stretch which is a rare and treasured occurrence. My studio is conveniently located in my backyard along with a rather large lemon tree that we planted about sixteen years ago. This is a unique tree because it has two[…]
Your fingertips are your eyes
I listened to a really interesting podcast the other day about blind people who can see using echo-location. The areas of their brains that have to do with vision where activated when they were using this technique. This made me wonder, what is happening in my brain when I start work on a pinch pot? During the early stage of building, when you are holding the clay in your cupped hands, passing it back and forth, pinching the walls to make them thinner–your fingertips are your eyes. They give you so much information. You can tell[…]