A Wing and a Prayer

This mask came to be as a result of my uncertainties about changes in my processes and materials. While at the Institute of Ceramic Studies in Shigaraki, Japan in 2003, I was truly at the mercy of the Fire Gods! Besides using a much higher firing clay, I also had to adjust my glazes to fit. As a result, I spent a lot of time holding my breath and crossing my fingers. It was during this period that "A Wing and a Prayer" was born.

I learned a lot during my residency (about clay AND about myself) and discovered that I thrive on uncertainties! Perhaps all that breath holding affected me.....

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:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlJhqBySavKNrHCKIZm4VFZnivQ0yzbcXjw8tn1j5O0g20kqtWZDPwU-aX-huyR7IH3ofvY9PoR4uMKEyjPnx_JrZHKW3CdccjLifIHklNdDRQuDap-HX68HtUxPUjBJacIZmpZ_fY1o/s1600-h/Night+Owl+-+2.jpg

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

Life Support

This piece was conceived and made at the same time as the previously shown "Heart Attack" and further illustrates how I work within a theme. All the work I'm currently doing is in this same framework: lots of ongoing themes that sometimes mutate into new themes. For me, creativity is an evolutionary concept and, by its nature, never static.

"Life Support" is another one of those masks that I wish I'd written a few notes about when I made it! Without a doubt, I had hearts on the brain - but the motivation has escaped me.....

A Heart Attack

I love words - and plays on words, and this piece is clear evidence of that! Most times it is somewhat challenging to get an idea across using only a face, but this mask was almost too easy. Of course, this heart attack is not of the medical emergency sort: I'd like to think that we can be overcome by whimsy and heartfelt delight at any moment.

I made this mask circa 1999 and I still think about it occasionally......

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.....

On the Spot - print

This is a postcard size print that I made of one of the small glaze tests that I sent out last week. I feel that this is one of the nicest ones yet and I hope to improve with the photo alterations. Sometimes, they look a little corny to me, so I think that there is a lot of room for growth - and that interests me!

As some of you may know, I was at a show in Palo Alto this past weekend. I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome and I'd like to let everyone know how much I appreciate your support and encouragement. In my solitary work environment I sometimes forget that I have that.......

Curiouser and Curiouser...

Yesterday's mask got me thinking about today's: it seemed like a natural follow-up. I do find myself thinking of things in a thematic way these days, most likely in an attempt to organise my mental closet. In any case, as Alice says: life is "curiouser and curiouser" and I've decided to give up trying to figure out what the meaning is. Seems to me we should just get on with enjoying the ride.....

Feed Your Head

Remember.....what the Doormouse said! Some of you will remember this as the reverberating last words from a favorite old song (circa 1968, The Jefferson Airplane on Surrealistic Pillow - for those of you scratching your heads). It's one of those stanzas that will play back many times in my head, and it did just that recently. Time to bring out this mask for another look and a reminder that nourishing the mind is as important as nourishing the body!

I've been out of town for the past few days and haven't been able to work on the blog. I'll be home till Friday morning when I'll head out again - this time to Palo Alto for the ACGA show at the Art Center. If anyone's in the area, please stop by on Saturday or Sunday and say Hello.....