Found in a Cabbage Patch

I've always felt as if I didn't "belong" in the family I came with - thus, this mask. The cabbage girl is dedicated to those of us who feel somehow "other". I made this piece while I was a resident at the Shigaraki Institute of Ceramic Studies in Shigaraki, Japan - and I finished it at home in my studio.....

This porcelain wall mask measures 7 3/4" high by 3 3/4" wide by 2" deep and is ready to hang in a special place.

You can view other items in my shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/unmasked

Inner Beauty

Everyone knows that it's what is inside that counts.  When you peel away layers, the important parts are revealed.....

This small ceramic sculpture is the first in a series I'm working on titled "Uncommon Cameos".  I have always enjoyed and been inspired by traditional cameos.  Now, I'm feeling like they are in serious need of an update!  Beauty measures 2 3/4" high by 1 1/2" wide.

Survivors

A little battered and slightly bruised, but these hearts are beating still and remain together "for better or worse". Yes, this is an offbeat Valentine:  the perfect hearts and flowers variety no longer holds the meaning it once did....

This small ceramic sculpture measures 2 3/4" high by 2 3/4" wide.

All Fall Down

I made this sculpture a few years ago and I was thinking about it today.  It seemed an auspicious time to post!  It's strange sometimes how so many things are connected - or seem so - and I welcome those moments of realization.  I don't even remember what the thinking behind this piece was (and, I don't think I was that crazy about the end results), but something brought it to my mind so, I am paying attention!.....

Left Behind

On one's personal journey, many things get left behind.  Some of these things we no longer need and others have simply been forgotten - but the images stay and, often, leave a trail.......

This one of a kind raku and mixed media wall sculpture measures 12" high by 5 1/2" wide by 3 1/4" deep.  The mask and individual "leaves" may be removed from the shadow box but I think that the box enhances and defines the piece.  Either way, it is ready to hang.

A Wooden Heart

She's gotten out the hammer and nails and has fashioned herself a protective covering.  It is not so strong that it cannot be damaged, but beware of splinters....

The size of this small ceramic sculpture is 3 1/4" high by 2 3/8" wide.

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.

Swirls and Eddies

When you're "going with the flow", have you considered what you leave in your wake?  I'd like to think that we leave behind more than just a few ripples......

This small ceramic raku mask measures 3" high by 2 1/4" wide.

Rising Above it All

No matter what is going on in life, it can be helpful (and sometimes necessary) to rise above it all.  Of course it's not possible to literally raise yourself up - but it is quite possible to elevate your own mind to get a whole new perspective on  everything......

This small ceramic and driftwood sculpture measures 3" high by 2 3/4" wide.

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.

Fly By Night

I've made quite a few pieces with Dreams as the subject or the inspiration and will most likely continue to do so:  it is difficult to ignore such a ready source of ideas!  The only thing that worries me about mining my dreams is that they are so personal - and I'm not sure if anyone else can relate.  I suppose it shouldn't matter but, since my work is my way of communicating,  I feel that I must also be an "editor".......

This small ceramic wall piece measures 5 1/2" high by 5 1/2" wide by 1 3/4" deep.  The wings are glazed with gold luster.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83744504/fly-by-night-ceramic-wall-mask

Do You Believe in Magic

Magical realism, like the uncanny, projects an uncertainty suggesting that ordinary life may also be the scene of the extraordinary.  There is magic all around us - but we must choose to see it.  When our eyes are open to magic, even the smallest things become miraculous.....

This ceramic wall mask measures 6 1/4" high by 5" wide by 2" deep.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83663857/do-you-believe-in-magic-ceramic-wall 

Making order out of Chaos.....

This photo of my desk (shot today) is a glimpse of what my workspace is like.  Yes, I'm messy, but that is the way my mind works:  via the chaos, order Will come.  Often, I'm too caught up in mental machinations to even consider taking the time to tidy up my desk.  Eventually, the desk will become so crowded with "stuff" that it bothers even me - and I will put it all in order.  But one thing is certain - it won't remain that way for long.......

Stick Figure

Although she is lacking in substance, she means well - and she's a pro at blending in.....

My small ceramic "stick figure" measures 2 5/8" high by 2 7/8" wide.

The "Stick Figure" can also be found here:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84001700/stick-figure-ceramic-face-pendant

Moonshine

Yes, I'm back!  I took some time off from blogging (guess I burnt out a bit), but I'm hopping back in to share some of what I've been up to for the past year.

Here is a small celebration of all things clandestine! There is much to be said for all the good things that can be accomplished by the light of the moon.....


This small ceramic raku moon measures 2 3/8" high by 2" wide.

Silent Scream

Keeping too much inside oneself has consequences. Usually it's not possible for others to see the inner turmoil - but sometimes it is written all over her face.....

This small ceramic sculpture measures 2 3/4" high by 2 3/8" wide.

All The King's Horses

I'm feeling a bit like this today (fell off my bicycle this morning) - so I decided to post this long gone piece to commemorate the event!

Some things are so broken that they cannot be fixed. So, the question is: What do we do with all the pieces?.....

The size of this small ceramic face is 2 5/8" high by 1 3/4" wide.

The Carrot or the Stick

And so, you may ask (as I do): why must we choose? And is the stick always the poorer choice?....

This small ceramic sculpture measures 3" high by 2 3/4" wide.  It is available for sale in my Etsy shop.... http://www.etsy.com/listing/87362182/the-carrot-or-the-stick-ceramic-face

Metamorphosis

Between sunset and sunrise is a time of magic and transformation. The butterfly becomes a moth and flits about warming her shoulders by the light of the moon......

This small ceramic sculpture measures 2 1/8" high by 2 3/4" wide.

Up a Creek

I made this piece as a statement about being helpless. Although it is presented in a way that is somewhat amusing, there really isn't anything funny about finding oneself without a paddle. I've chosen to depict the idea in this way because I feel compelled to acknowledge that life isn't perfect - but can't bring myself to do it without a bit of humor.....

This is a one of a kind ceramic sculpture for the wall. It's a good sized piece - measuring 15" high by 9" wide and 7" deep. It is ready to hang in a special place.


This piece is for sale in my Etsy shop:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/87712085/up-a-creek-ceramic-wall-mask