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!
Tag: Art
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.
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!
Curiosities of Clay Opens TONIGHT!
For my last show of 2015, I’ll be showcasing work from the Specimen Series at Stripe Design Group in downtown Santa Cruz. These small wall mounted sculptures of intriguing organic compositions will be on display for the month of November. This is a great time to shop local while discovering a unique gift for the creative person in your life!
Meet me at Stripe for First Friday November 6th from 5 – 9 pm!
Curiosities of Clay | Jenni Ward
Stripe Men | 117 Walnut Avenue Santa Cruz CA
November 5 – 30, 2015
Artist Reception Friday November 6th, 5 – 9pm
Installing Curiosities of Clay Today!
I got to hang out in one of the coolest retail shops in Santa Cruz today while I hung my last exhibit of the year, Curiosities of Clay! One piece has already sold, so I hope to see you at the opening on Friday to find a great piece for yourself!
Meet me at Stripe for First Friday November 6th from 5 – 9 pm!
Curiosities of Clay | Jenni Ward
Stripe Men
November 5 – 30, 2015
Artist Reception Friday November 6th, 5 – 9pm
November Studio News
Here’s the monthly wrap up of everything going on at the studio…
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Limited Pieces from the Nest Series
Don’t these Nest Series pieces look perfect on this rough wood table? There are only a few more from this limited series available in the Shop, be sure to get one before they’re all gone! Prices range $45 and up and they make for a very unique gift for the creative person in your life. To learn more about the Nest Series, click here.