Birdbrain

It is known that birds have tiny little brains - but isn't that because they have tiny little heads? I'll wager that they are no dumber or smarter than any other critter. I'll go even further to suggest that they are pretty smart to keep their distance from most humans.....

In keeping with her name, Birdbrain is very small: 2 1/2" high x 1 3/4" wide. There is a tube affixed to the back for hanging as a pendant or anywhere else. FYI, this piece is #444 in my glaze tests - I seem to be making myself crazy with these little guys! Of course, this number is on the back of the mask, along with my signature.

Offering

My little Birdgirl would like to offer a twig for your nest. We all need building material and whether it's for a nest or something more substantial, it's the thought that counts (or so she tells me anyway)! This is another recent addition to my Etsy shop and for lack of another bigger piece to show, I've decided to share some of my glaze tests with you.

The size of the mask is 2 3/4" high by 2 3/8" wide and there is a tube affixed to the back for hanging as a pendant.

Flights of Fancy

Often I feel that there is not enough whimsy in my life. It is then that I create a piece such as this: pure fantasy - or fancy and for a moment, I can rise above some of the mundane. I consider myself lucky to have this ability and it pleases me to share it......

The size of this small mask is 2 5/8" high by 1 7/8" wide and there is a tube affixed to the back for hanging. I just finished the piece this week and it was added to my etsy shop.
http://unmasked.etsy.com

Night Owl print

I'm busy in the studio now - creating new works for the upcoming show (and to add to the blog!). In between the studio work and my "regular" life, there is still time to play. I did this pic last night....it's an alteration of a mask that I showed here in January. If you'd like to compare images, check out the original at:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VMpyXXCZJSs/SXZo-6LQBjI/AAAAAAAAADk/-uAERHCAVmM/s1600-h/Night+Owl+-+2.jpg

Now, I'm back out to check a kiln.....

I Dreamed I Could Fly

Here's a mask that I finished just in time for the show last weekend. I've always had flying dreams, but never quite enough of them to suit me: there is nothing quite like the feeling of elation at lift off or the idea that anything is possible. And that is why I gave the piece an expression of apprehension. I chose to depict it in that way to show that the dreamer knows she must awaken and is not quite ready for that to happen. I guess what I'm trying to say is that all good things must end but there will be other nights and new dreams.....

Open Hearts

I was pleased to find that I still had photos of these small sculptures since I thought they had been lost in a computer crash. I made them circa 2000 and they were the first sculptures that I meant to be stand alone pieces. Previous small sculptures had been created as stands to display the masks......and a number of people commented that it was a shame to cover them up! So began my journey with freestanding pieces. I love making them but it's difficult to find places for them in my small studio: walls are so much easier! That said, I'm having more and more ideas for new ones and have a few in the works......

These particular pieces are each around 10" high and were made of earthenware clay.

With A Little Help From My Friends....

This mask made its debut in November of 2005 and it's one of those pieces I still happen to have: probably because it's a mask that is just too personal for others to relate to. It's always interesting to me observing the public and how different masks attract different types of people. I never know which pieces will find their way into new homes or why they were chosen over others.........although, sometimes I'm given a bit more information than I would like!

I don't make work with the idea that it must be pleasing to others, or sell-able but to release ideas that are trapped in my mind. However, it pleases me greatly when I am able to connect some of my ideas with those who share them.....

Inspiration

I think of inspiration as something that is always there, hovering just outside of consciousness. All that I need to do to reach it is to relax and let it settle in place. For, isn't it everywhere? And if it is (as I believe it is), then one must only have a receptive mind to find it. Then, of course, what we do with that which is always there is another story - and one that I will need to address very soon....

Where Do We Go From Here?

This is the follow up piece to "Which Came First?" (shown a few days ago) and it too poses a question. Once we're here, then what??? So many choices, so many directions are possible - but what happens when you arrive at a crossroad? I'm asking these questions now because it's where I find myself and I'm puzzling through a load of options. I love making and sharing the masks, but it feels as if I'm working inside a vacuum: I've been sucked up and everything is whirling around inside. It must be time to empty the bag, but I'm not quite sure how to do that.

Yes, it's a difficult time, but I'm certain that it will pass - and soon, I hope......

Coming in For a Landing

This mask resided for quite a while on the homepage of my website - until finally being replaced by the "Blue Queen". The only thing that the two have in common, besides my own favoritism, is their "crowns".



Coming in For a Landing was the beginning of Birdgirl in mask form. As you probably already know, Birdgirl is one of my alter egos and I use her to express many of the emotions and questions I have. This piece is a bit sad, I know: her twig crown has lost its leaves and become tears. Although the leaves cannot be replaced, they can fall to earth to be reborn while Birdgirl continues on her way....