Maybe a little background information is necessary here: I first discovered clay about 20 years ago. Back then, it was mostly slip-casting, but I would also handbuild with the scraps. After a few years of distractions, I returned to clay about 11 years ago, redirecting with a more original, artistic orientation focusing on hand-building with coils of clay. I have been fortunate to increase my time and attention within the last 3-4 years on my pottery (although, I still can't seem to provide my undivided attention to it).
Three to four years ago, I concentrated on building exquisite coiled bottles, and over time, developed long, graceful, curvy necks on round-bellied bottles. As these bottles became more and more complex, I realized that I had focused so much attention on building them that I had neglected my finishing techniques and I was fearful to fire these gorgoues bottles for fear that I would ruin them through poor finishing techniques.
So, I redirected my learning curve and decided to improve my glazing and firing skills. Only, I didn't want my practice pieces to be my coiled bottles that I had spent extensive amounts of time creating. I needed a faster production method to create pieces for experimenting. I have physical limitations and can not throw pottery on the potter's wheel, so I opted for a slab roller instead. Oh, and I have really enjoyed that darling little NorthStar Portaroller that I purchased a couple of years ago!
Life events have a tendency to affect my artwork. Last year and the year before, I created pottery based on a flower shop theme because I used to own a flower shop and could easily associate with that. The most frustrating part was that I felt like I couldn't provide my undivided attention to it. I found myself spending a lot of time assisting my teenage and young adult kids to resolve issues. So the pieces that I built were nice, but not too grand. I didn't like starting a piece to find myself interrupted and being unable to complete it, so I kept most of my work where it could be built within a couple of hours.
This year, I find that I must be out of town for a couple of months. I can't build my pottery while I'm out of town because I lack the setup and tools to do so. But, I will still have creative time where I may work on other interests. Since pottery is my first love, I want to create items where I can incorporate pottery with my interests in beadwork and crocheting. Again, though, due to the lack of long periods of uninterrupted time, I must keep my projects small. (Also, I think people are currently more willing to splurge on little happy moments rather than invest in a little bit more expensive niceties.) I am currently working on some necklace designs where the chain is woven beadwork with a coordinating ceramic focal bead. I also have some button designs to use with my crocheted scarflets. I am always brainstorming up new ideas!
Well, that kind of explains where I will be heading and where I have come from. This blog rambles somewaht, but if you already know me or are just getting to know me, you will see that I'm just like that! Throughout the year, I will add ideas and progress to my blog.
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