This is just a quick note to say that I've a load of new pieces that need photographing, editing and uploading so will take some time to get through them. I've been experimenting with some new bits and pieces that include christmas ornaments, tiles, rings and brooches. Today I'll post some of my new work. On saturday december 12, 2009, I'll be at RH McGregor Public School for their annual holiday and craft show. Details here. Come for a visit!
This is just a quick note to say a big thank you to DECA, the organizers of the first annual Danforth East Arts Fair, that was held at East Lynn Park Sept 19 and 20. It was a beautiful weekend and the event was very well attended and put together.
I'd also like to thank all of my friends and family for taking the time to come and visit me at my booth, as well as everyone who came to just have a look or to buy. I was also very happy to meet other artists and craftspeople. I also want to thank Michelle Mendlowitz at Clay Bodies, 1910 Danforth - she's my teacher and a friend and very supportive of my efforts. As well, Krystal Speck, a talented ceramicist, friend and a vendor at the show. Both Krystal and Michelle will be at the One of a Kind Show this year.
My husband, daughter and I live in a blossoming and supportive community - thanks to everyone.
Please check back shortly, I have a number of shows coming up between now and Christmas and will post as soon as I have confirmed dates and details. As well, I have many new images to post - they will trickle on as I get the time and I'm also working on some very cool new stuff - including lots more buttons and ornaments, earrings and rings. YAY!
I'm afraid I've not spent any time recently posting anything new. I have a backlog of finished pendants and bowls to photograph so I can post them, this hasn't happend, due to the weather :) Any canadian reading this will understand. We have such a long winter here, that when we finally get the first couple of days above freezing we go a bit crazy - like coming out of hibernation.
I've been getting house maintenance stuff done that has been neglected over the last two years. That said, I'm ready to get back to work.
When I get them back, I'll be posting some things I've thrown on the wheel - be kind, I've got a long way to go at throwing, but I'm not giving up on it.
I'll also be picking up a few more handbuilt items, as well, about 18 new pendants. Some of which you can see above in their green state. I think I'm becoming more sure in my lines and it feels good. I'm thinking more about negative and positive space, and the weight of my lines. I think I'm getting a bit less fussy, which is working for me. I look back on some pendants I glazed even only a couple of months ago, and think to myself....Jeez, its like I really didn't know when to stop! I'm also trying to pay attention to drawing images that are effective up close, but also have impact when seen from a distance.
I thought I'd add in here a link to one of my favorite ceramic artists, Diana Fayt - she draws such a beautiful and delicate line, and I really admire her approach to glazes. I really can't say enough. Please go and look at her stuff. As well, she's featured in the latest Ceramics Monthly Magazine.
Someone made a comment to me recently questioning whether porcelain, or ceramics, was too delicate to wear as jewellry. I find that ceramics in jewellry (or on clothing) is quite hard-wearing. You wouldn't want to take a porcelain pendant and throw it on a tile floor - but you wouldn't do that with your coffee cup either (depending on the day you're having.)
As well, glass has always been worn as jewellry - and there is no real difference between ceramics and glass (in fact glaze is glass.) I've been wearing these two brooches on my purse for months, they're very close together and constantly bang into eachother - especially considering how much I throw my bag around, and they've both managed to survive my abuses completely intact.
I have about 8 glass bead bracelets that I wear on one arm, at the same time, and I'm really hard on them...occasionally I get a chip but thats to be expected considering how I clumsily bang into things all the time (walls and such.) If you're going to take a porcelain pendant and hurl it at a wall, well, I guess a little breakage is to be expected :)
All about clay! My musings, learnings and diversions over the creation of my ceramic pretties