Glaze test Friday

I thought I'd show some of my glaze tests today. I use these to test my engobes and glazes and to try out different ideas. I don't always make bigger pieces based on these, but often I get new directions from the results. These little guys are some of the latest out of the studio and I'm thinking of making this a regular Friday feature. Yes, I've got a lot in the works!

They do have names also:

top - A Rosy Outlook

middle - Bewitched and Bewildered

bottom - Simon Says...

Till Monday, adieu....

Fallen Angels

I love to draw leaves and on this mask I went a little crazy! Autumn is my favorite season with leaves falling all around in a gentle hurricane: reminding me of cycles and renewal. The leaves make me think of falling angels touching us on the way down and softening the path ahead...

Back to Nature

Before beginning this mask, I was thinking about how weeds grow through cracks in the sidewalk and how tree roots can lift the foundation of a house. Nature is a force that doesn't seem to be deterred by all our man made structures. Of course, it is continually restrained and restricted, but eventually (if left alone) it will overtake all. I like the idea of nature being the winner in this scenario....

Face Mask

This mask seems like a timely additon to my blog collection - face masks are big news right now! However, I wasn't thinking about disease prevention when I made this piece. For me, face coverings and veils suggest hiding something or protection from others. And this mask is meant to be a metaphor for vulnerability. Would that it were so simple to protect oneself!

I've been working steadily in the studio but finding it difficult to start anything new. It's not that I don't have ideas, but something is holding me back!? It might have to do with a lack of pressure.....

Midas Touch

This mask is based on the mythical King Midas and carries the message that we should be careful what we wish for: yet another theme I'm fond of using. I try to be content with my life and who I am, but can't help but think what if? What if...... and of course, that lead to wishing. I sure wish I wouldn't do that!

This is an older piece and I'm sure I had a reason for the coin on top of the head - but I can't remember exactly why I put it there. It probably has something to do with mechanical functions and automatic responses.....

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....

Beginnings

Here's another piece about growth and beginnings. I think of the mind as fertile ground for all the seeds that have been planted. In this mask, the ideas have taken a physical form - a fitting metaphor for the mask itself. What remains to be seen is the fully realized idea.....and what it becomes is not as important as the process.

Back to the studio to contemplate some new beginnings!