Just a reminder…
Images of the In the Field ephemeral installations are available as prints on metal for unique 2-D versions of my artwork.
Works from the Nest Series, Relic Series and Umbel Series are available for $45 and up.
Art Prints for Sale
the dirt
Life in the studio these days
I almost thought that there wasn’t a reason to even write a blog post this week about what was happening in the studio because for me it’s like Groundhog Day in here. Making hundreds of parts is tedious and monotonous and that’s about all that I’ve been up to. But then I scrolled through my phone photos are realized that I do have a few things to share. So here ya go…
These are the latest batch of Medusas to make their way out of the kiln and I’m pretty happy with them. I love the variety of their wire tendrils and how they add movement to the pieces. Right now these are resting on a towel in the studio but eventually I’ll get them all hung up so that they appear to be drifting through the studio.
I’ve also been experimenting with embedding my porcelain planktons into ice. The trick is making clear ice so that you can see the pieces, which I’m kind of getting the hang of. This is a small block, but I’m hoping to work towards getting a big ol iceberg going. If anyone has any tips or ice related info to share, I’m all ears… who knew freezing ice could be so tricky!?!
And yeah, remember all those parts, still working on that. The piles are getting bigger though!
Need Art?
You’re looking at that bare wall in your home or that empty space in the garden that needs something but you can’t figure out quite what…maybe it needs a custom piece of art??
I’ve worked with clients over the past 20 years to place existing works or create custom works for their homes. During the pandemic when everyone was locked up and staring at their walls, I had so many clients reach out to thank me for the art that graced their spaces. They shared that the work brought them joy during a dark time and gave them solace as we all moved towards an uncertain future. I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to place those works.
Here are a few examples of some works that I’ve created for clients over the years to get some ideas going for what’s possible in your space. Feel free to reach out to get the conversation started, consultations are free!
Video: Work In Progress – making plankton parts
Just a quick, fun video of each of the steps of making my radiolarian (single cell planktons) inspired porcelain parts. Starting with a thin slab of porcelain clay, I roll it even thinner with a rolling pin, then cut out the forms and scrape the edges even thinner with a metal rib tool so they are translucent when they are fired. Next I perforate the circles with even more circles using an x-acto knife, smooth each of the holes with a bit of water on both sides and then set them aside to dry and eventually be fired in the kiln. Hundreds and hundreds of parts later they will be used to create a large scale wall installation, but for now I’m just going to be over here making parts… lots of parts. Enjoy!
New Press with The Pajaronian!
Annual sculpture exhibit returns for 16th year
For the past 16 years, Pajaro Valley Arts (PVA) has partnered with Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens for an annual art exhibit. Artists install sculptures throughout Sierra Azul’s two-acre demonstration garden, creating an open-air gallery surrounded by native trees and plants.
For this year’s Sculpture IS: In the Garden, curators Susana Arias, Hedwig Heerschop, and Sierra Azul owner Jeff Rosendale selected more than 90 sculptures by 48 contributors to be displayed. Read more…
June Studio News
Here’s the monthly wrap up of everything going on at the studio…
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Reminder! Book Bundles are Available!
Just a reminder…
If you need a gift for the art lover in your life, a dad, a grad or you just want something creative for yourself, all three of my books are available in the online shop for just $60.
Video: Thanks Plankton
I’ve been sharing this video individually to people whom I’m trying to explain what my upcoming show is all about and why I’ve become fascinated with plankton beyond their beautiful skeletal structures. The video has gotten quite a few.. ‘huh’s and ‘I did not know that’s and ‘wow’s… so I thought I’d just share it with all of you. It’s quick, entertaining and educational… what more could you ask for?!?
And if you get really inspired, there are more videos about specific types of plankton with beautiful imagery here at the Plankton Chronicles. Enjoy!
Sculpture IS: 2022 Opens!
Over 90 sculptures by 48 artists are in the 2 acre demonstration garden at Sierra Azul right now! This is one of my favorite shows of the year, be sure to check out my four fennel inspired Umbel flowers growing in the garden, on display June 1st – Oct 31st.
Sierra Azul Nursery & Gardens | 2660 East Lake Ave Watsonville CA | Open Daily 10-5 | www.sierraazul.com
Throwback Thursday: First Solo Show circa 2006
It can be embarrassing to look back at work you’ve made in the past, like really embarrassing sometimes…but it’s also a sign that your work has grown and evolved. These images are from my first solo exhibit in 2006 at a gallery that doesn’t even exist anymore, it was a space that had a lot of challenges – mainly ‘how do I put sculptures on a wall?’ since that was the only space available to place work in and I was building very three dimensionally at that time.
But, that challenge led me to designing floating pedestals that my husband made and I still use to this day. It also led me to working with high temperature wire not only as a design element but also as a structural element to attach the pieces to the wall, allowing me to go big (and secure) on the wall. Lots of things were learned in the process of putting this show together.
I still have a few of the vines in my studio and get to visit a number of the other pieces at friends and families homes, I still think about what I could do better or different with all of these works, but overall I’m still pretty pleased with these pieces and really not too embarrassed.
