Cause and Effect

What happens when the sun shines? Where do the ripples go when I drop a stone into water? Why does a good day have to end? Can everyone see me if I cover my eyes?

Sometimes it feels as if the whole universe is a conundrum, and each of us is in the center of our own special universe. Does anything we do make a difference? I hope that the things I do create good effects!

Well, I made it to Oregon (spent most of yesterday driving) and I'm staying at Nancy's beautiful ranch in the Applegate. Beautiful views and a very inspiring place to be! I think I'll post some pics of the ranch when I get home.

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!

Down to Earth

She's on her way to being "grounded"... something I aspire to. Perhaps the wings will cushion the landing - or maybe she'll change her mind and head back to the stratosphere. Part of what I was thinking when I made this piece is about never being satisfied with where I am at the moment. There is always some place or some state of mind that is better. This way of thinking could be my fatal flaw....

I didn't get enough done this weekend and now I'm feeling some pressure. I'm heading up to Oregon mid week for a small winery show put on by my friend Nancy Adams. Whew, looking forward to the short getaway!

The Merry Prankster

Here again, my coming of age in the 60's is showing. I never was quite that "merry" but many of the concepts intrigued me and have stayed with me over the years. I like to think of the prankster as something that sneeks up from behind the persona and delivers a much needed dose of surprise and wonder. It is not so easy to dismiss the prankster because you never know when he/she will appear. The message is: it's important to keep an open mind.

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.