I’ve just launched a new video on my You Tube channel! I’m making these pieces for a custom order and thought it would be a great opportunity to share the process. This is a quick time lapse video of me making a sprout form in the studio, the video is less than a minute long but the piece took about a 20 minutes to make. The next steps are for it to dry completely, be fired in the kiln for about 10 hours, then glazed and fired once more. I’ve made hundreds of these little sprouts to be used as the inside pieces of my Nest Series. A few of these pieces were also featured in the Fire & Water In the Field Series. I hope this helps you understand all the work that goes into making even the smallest of pieces. Enjoy the video and let me know what you think!
the dirt
Why do I teach community clay classes?
I was recently asked why I teach community clay classes, as opposed to university level instruction. Well, one big reason is I don’t have the Master’s degree, so I actually can’t teach at universities. In the beginning, I thought I would go for the terminal degree for fine artists and get my MFA but after a few attempts in that direction, I finally made the choice to not pursue it. I realized that I really wanted to be my own boss, make my own schedule and share my clay experience with everyone, not just in an academic environment and I’m really happy with that choice. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve taught everyone from seniors to pre-schoolers how to make a pinch pot, roll a coil or add texture to a slab cup. I’ve worked in mobile classrooms in under-served communities and private classrooms in private schools. It’s been an amazing way to piece together an income for myself and I have learned that no matter what your background or experience level, everyone leaves clay class feeling pretty good about what they did.
As my own art career has launched forward, I’ve cut back on the number of classes that I offer at my studio but I know that no matter how busy the art world gets, I will always teach. Each week I welcome some of the most amazing and talented people into my studio space. I love that they are passionate about being creative and intrigued enough to try something new. What I hope that they take away from their time spent in my studio is an appreciation of what it takes to make something with your hands along with the confidence to try it, compassion for others creative ideas and a respect for the vulnerability of making something with your heart. Some of my younger students tell me that they are going to be artists when they grow up, which is sweet to hear but of course most of them will go on to do other things. So I’m not churning out the academic artists of the future here but what community clay classes create instead is art enthusiasts, supporters and collectors, and the world needs a lot of those kind of people!
Seed Pods for the Gardener on your List
Only 6 seeds pods remain in the shop (3 large and 3 medium) and they are the most unique gift for the gardener on your list. Let them dream of all the new spring growth with this perennial sculpture that will keep them inspired through the cold winter months. These pieces were inspired by the seed pods that I find while exploring the forest near my home studio. I like the idea that they seem to be hatching an unidentified new life form.
The surface of these pieces has been decorated using a wax resist process which enhances the depth of texture. Each piece is made from stoneware clay, hand-built and unique.
Work in Progress: New Shapes
I encourage my students to doodle with clay, especially when they’re stuck on an idea or just starting out with a new project, observers think that they’re just wasting time fooling around with a piece of clay in their hands but they’re not. I believe that three dimensional doodling is one of the most important things to do as a sculptor, it’s like sketching for sculpture. It’s when you go through the problem solving stage of making art, figuring out what you are doing, how you are going to do it, what surface treatments will be the most successful and maybe even start to figure out why you’re making these pieces. So I’ve been doodling these small smooth shapes for a few weeks now and the first batch just came out of the kiln. I’m not really sure what they are or what I’m going to do with them, they seem familiar yet are unidentifiable. The forms remind me of plastic toys, weird fruits or even microscopic sea creatures, I’m enjoying the bright color palette that they seems to be calling for too. They feel nice to hold in your hand during the making process and the final product, like a smooth stone. I have been thinking about creating multiples, boxing them up organized by shape or color like boxes of vegetables- all the same but each unique. I don’t know where this will lead, but let me know what you think and I’ll keep you posted on their progress.
Special Orders Coming Right Up!
I love making custom orders for clients because they get to be involved in the process of making the piece too. A lot of times they are asking for pieces in a style of work I’ve stopped making in my regular studio time, but I’m happy to revisit these styles- it’s like meeting up with an old friend. These two pieces just came out of the kiln and are from the Sprout Series I made in years past. I had a few people request them for custom work at this years Open Studios event, so I get to have fun making a few more.
If you saw something in my studio that struck your fancy, but maybe it was a little to big or the wrong color, let’s make one that’s just right for you!
Start by filling out a custom order form and we’ll go from there. I’m happy to work with you to make the perfect piece for you or a gift.
The Hive Arrives Home
This dynamic piece has traveled cross country and back again after being a part of Artprize 2015 and now it’s looking for a new home! If you have a space in your garden, home or commercial space for this sculpture, you can Shop Now!!
The Hive Series
200 ceramic handbuilt pieces
4’x 4’x 1′, 2015
$5000, includes free shipping within the US, free installation within 60 miles from the studio.
Holiday Shopping…Why buy Art?
I know Halloween just passed and it’s barely Thanksgiving but with the pressure of holiday decorations looming in every store, I wanted to share why I think it’s so important to buy less, buy local and support artists. I’m a minimalist at heart and when I’m gift giving for holidays or birthdays, I usually give things-to-do instead of things-to-have but sometimes it’s just more appropriate to give a thing, in which case I usually give art, plants or food. I know its easier to pick out the decorative candle in your friends favorite color than it is to pick out a small watercolor painting of your friends favorite flower, but isn’t that what gift giving should be about- taking the time to find something special, not just some thing. Art doesn’t have to be an expensive item, most artists have work in a wide price range, offer gift certificates or sell affordable prints of their originals. Buying from local artists helps your money stay within your community, keeps artists employed and with the gift of art, you can share the art, the artist and the story behind the art with your friends and family. This year, I encourage you to reach out to your favorite artists and find out what they have available and shop in the galleries or retail stores that carry locally made items because as the saying goes, the earth without art is just ‘eh’.
The Bone Installation Comes Down for the Season
Two days up and thirty minutes down…
The Bone Series installation was up at Sierra Azul Nursery in Watsonville since June for the Sculpture IS: 2016 exhibit, I hope you got a chance to see it, because today it came down for the season. This piece is modular and can be modified for any space, so if you have a place in your home, garden or commercial space for an installation like this, please contact me to discuss the options.
And, mark your calendars for next Spring because Sculpture IS: will be celebrating its 10 year anniversary with two exhibits showcasing sculpture! Plans are in the works for something really exciting!
Create with Clay Classes for Kids FULL
Just wanted to let everyone know that Create with Clay class spots for kids are all filled up for the rest of the year. If you’re interested in joining in on a class at the studio, please join our safe subscribe mailing list so you get the 2016 schedule in your inbox. JOIN
Adult Clay Classes still have space!
B CR8IV!
Why Make Art? – Richard Serra
If you need a little inspiration pick-me-up, check out this short interview with sculptor Richard Serra brought to you by the SFMOMA. Why make art? He explains that he creates art as a way to solve interesting problems about life, and believes that artistic creation influences the way we see the world. I couldn’t agree more.