Happy New Year! Recently I read that the second Monday in January is called Blue Monday because of the let-down after the holidays.
A New Adventure
For me it has been a time of transition to a new body of work and a new way of working. Thrilling? Yes! Scary? Yes, of course! Change brings many problem solving opportunities and I thought you might enjoy hearing some of the kinks and quirks in the life of a ceramic artist.
There Were Kinks
When a ceramic piece will hang on the wall, all the problems associated with hanging it have to be resolved before I start making the piece. This involved a number of tests, trials & errors (emphasis on errors), but I came up with something I think will work well & be easy for the collector to hang. (See image below right.) So my new series of wall pieces are off & running!
And Some Quirks
Next I wanted to make small figurative sculptures displayed on a metal stand. The first problem was how to fire a piece with a tiny bottom – it needed support. So I made form from clay (called a chuck) that worked well for firing both in bisque and with glazes (see image below left). Next, after combing the internet and failing to find what I wanted, my sweet husband found a local welder who was willing to work with me and make the stands I designed. I love finding local folks to support my business! The photo shows the first sculpture on a mock-up stand – the final one will be similar with consistent edges.
But In the End
My Heart Isn’t Blue is the first of what I hope will be many of these wonderful figures. A friend recommended the title and I think it fits perfectly. And it deftly describes the first two weeks of the new year for me…my heart isn’t blue, it’s bursting with excitement! How about you?
WONDERFUL!
Thank you Diana, for taking the time to read and to comment! I appreciate your support.
Congrats on your new direction with your work! Love My Heart Isn’t Blue and I’m anxious to see more. Happy New Year!
Thanks Claudia! I’m really looking forward to it!
Hey dear friend! Interesting information about Blue Monday. I love your new work and can’t wait to see all the wonderful new designs. Happy New Year!
Thanks Louise! I miss seeing you sweet friend. Hope all is well with you and have a Happy New Year!
Wonderful article. I know that whatever direction you decide to take your art, the end result will be beautiful.
Thank you Janet – I appreciate you always being in my corner.
Your new work looks like goddess figures to me. Every female has a goddess (or two!) inside of us. This is a theme of particular interest in my work as well. I look forward to seeing more of your work. I love it so far!
In Costa Rica there is a custom whereby the first twelve days of January “paints” the weather for the next twelve months. For instance, the weather on January 6 will indicate the type of weather for the month of June (the 6th month of the year). Any body else know of interesting January customs or beliefs?
Love the new direction you are taking and other locals supporting you.
Thank you so much Juanita! I hope all is well in your part of the world.