Fallen Angel

I've made three different pieces using the idea of "fallen angels" - however, I'm using the idea as a metaphor rather than as a religiously based concept.  My version of a fallen angel is something that is slightly tarnished and a little broken but, in spite of that, persists.....

And here is a quote by Jean Cocteau:
I feel that there is an angel inside me whom I am constantly shocking.

This raku sculpture was made in three parts: Head, Wings and Body and assembled post firing.  It now resides in Hungary.

No Trespassing

I know that I'll never be a "Julia Butterfly" (I love the creature comforts too much) but I'm extremely sympathetic to the cause.  Many times I feel that the forests, and what is happening to them, are a sad metaphor for what is happening to humanity.....

The mask is sculpted of stoneware and measures 12" high by 7 1/2" wide by 3 1/4" deep.  I made this piece while I was a resident at the International Ceramics Studio in Kecskemet, Hungary - but finished it at home in my studio.

Daydream in the Treehouse

Here, I've combined two of my favorite themes: dreams and houses. It seems that my themes are evolving - so much so that I wonder about the beginnings of an idea and why it must be forever changing! Perhaps, like a dream, there is no telling which way it will go. There is no such thing as control.

The occupants of my treehouse are not that different from each other and yet each is an individual with a task to perform. I enjoy giving my dream subjects some responsibilities when I'm awake so that I can lie back and enjoy the view......

What Goes Around.....

...comes around. This is a concept that usually puts me a bit on edge. I mean, really - haven't most of us done things we're not proud of? It is those "things" that inspired this mask. I spend a lot of time thinking about the best way to get an idea across using the face as a medium. Of course, some of these portrayals are more successful than others and this mask is, perhaps, a little on the obscure side. Without the title, the viewer might just be clueless!



I like the idea of a wind driven existence, but must keep in mind that the wind could change direction at any moment.

Animal Tendencies

Being an animal lover has led me to contemplate my own animal instincts. I know they exist, but I can't always put my finger on them. Since I believe that we have evolved from the animal kingdom, I think that we must have inherited quite a lot of genetic material from them. And then, when I look at groups of people interacting - I can't help but notice the herding instincts, the dominant male/female, the mating displays and so many more behaviors that we have in common.

Hey, let's all gather round the watering hole!

Well, I have been a bit remiss with the blog this past week. It was difficult to find the time while I was on the road, but I'm baaaack!

Smoke Screen

When I made this piece, I was thinking about the Redwood Highway in Northern California. It's a beautiful drive with trees all along the road...but behind this thin wall of trees, much of the area has been clear cut by logging companies. Our senses are fooled by the facade and I wanted this mask to be an allegory to remind myself that all is not what it seems.

I sold this mask 2 years ago and for some reason, it came to mind. I'm considering revisiting this idea very soon....

Raku today (i.e. playing with fire) and leaving for Oregon tomorrow!

A New Room in the Dreamhouse

I often dream of houses - many of which I visit over and over again. Every now and then I find a room that I didn't know was there and it's usually a wonderful discovery. I spend a lot of time in these new dream rooms exploring every detail and congratulating myself on my good luck. When I awake, there is the feeling that I've truly gained something. Since I'm not schooled in the interpretation of dreams, I can only guess at the meaning. It feels as if new areas of the subconscious are becoming available to me, and I await their manifestations in my work!

Between Heaven and Hell

I think that this is one of my most dramatic pieces. I've done a couple different versions of this idea - but this is, by far, my favorite. I keep coming back to "choices", although I feel that this mask is more about acceptance! Most of the time we dwell in the middle ground until something happens to push us one way or the other. Anyway, that's my short and sweet interpretation of this mask. I usually hesitate to say too much about any of my works in the hope that there will be room for the viewers own interpretations.

The week is almost at an end and I wonder where the time went. Of course, I'm in full throttle right now with all the works in progress. Time really does fly when you're having fun!

Battle Weary

I sculpted this piece on my first stay at the ICS in Hungary (2006) and there it remains. While I was making it, there was a gathering of Hungarian ceramists working there to make sculptures relating to the October 1956 occupation by the Russians. Many of the artists had first hand experiences and the works created were full of emotional content. This prompted me to create something relating to my own struggles and emotions. At the time, I wasn't really sure where this piece came from. I'm even less sure now, but I do believe that it must have come from my heart! So many disappointments, so many chains - but hey, I'm a survivor and I have the scars to prove it!

It was a challenge to raku this work. The head, helmet and body were fired separately and assembled ater firing.

Power Play

Here is yet another mask that suggests struggle. Sometimes it feels like everything I do involves a choice....between right or wrong, good or bad, stubborness or complicity, etc., etc.. To my way of thinking, the devil/angel scenario says it all. Life is a constant battle between forces, but just imagine how dull it would be without the choices!

The mask is raku fired and finished with colored pencils and matte varnish.

I have a kiln going right now and am eagerly awaiting the results. I think most ceramists feel like it's Christmas morning when opening the kiln - I know I do!

Self Medicating

While in Hungary at the International Ceramic Studios, I made this mask. One Hungarian family has produced Unicum ( an herbal liqueur) for many years - even through the Russian occupation. Although, to protect the "secret" family recipe, it was changed slightly during the occupation so that the Russians would not be able to reproduce the original. When I heard about this, I just had to commemorate it. For such a long time the Hungarians have been downtrodden, but now they are free to self medicate with the original Unicum. I found this symbolic...with a dash of irony thrown in for good measure.

The mask was fired multiple times and cold finished. By the way, Unicum is an acquired taste!

The Devil's Playground

For Groundhog day, I'm showing an older piece (2006). Even though I usually claim not to have favorites, this is one! I worked on the mask for a while - till the vision was complete and many of my demons showed their faces. You know what they say about an idle mind....not that I have one, but I'm aware of the possibility. Needless to say, but I'll say it anyway, I try to keep busy.

I made the mask at the ICS in Hungary. It is raku and survived both the fire and the journey home!

detail -The Devil's Playground

Here's a close-up of the "playground": The bad little birdie, the idle mind demon, the not so saintly "father", the bad seed and the twisted nun....

Just a Little Piece of My Heart

This is the offering for today - it's "Just a Little Piece of My Heart". The New Year seems like a good time to share this mask since it's all about beginnings....or is it about endings? I don't know, but I do know that it is about sharing.

I made this piece during my second residency at the International Ceramic Studios in Kecskemet, Hungary (May to July 2008). Of course, it is Raku - as was most of the work I did there. I'll be showing some more of these as the days go by. It's always inspiring for me to work in another country as I get ideas that I don't think I'd get at home in my studio. Then too, I bring away thoughts and images that will affect my work for years to come.

Right now, I'm gearing up to get back into the studio in a serious way. I never seem to get much done during the holidays - so many distractions. And these days, I'm easily distracted anyway. So - Here's to the New Year!!