Saturday, August 15, 2009

Ceramic Bowl


I made a ceramic bowl at work as part of testing a new workshop which my boss is now offering to our customers. We employees have fun being her test class to help her work out the bugs. This bowl was rolled from a slice of clay, draped over a plastic oval bowl and then embedded with designs with clear stamps. There are birds, butterflies, flowers, etc. and the words, "There is beauty all around." It was fired to bisque, and then I painted the underglazes. I used white for the outside of the bowl and various sherbert-like colors in the indentions of the stamp designs. Next I loosely sponged white over the inside of the bowl, keeping it very light near the designs. This view of the bowl was before I finished the glazes. After it is fired, I will post a finished photo.

My vision was to create a look similar to the color of an orange creamsicle... they were my summer favorite when I was a child, and I love the clean bright look of the colors. That's my vision anyway. But as anyone knows who has had experience with a kiln, what you envision is not always what you get. It's OK, however it turns out. I always learn something.

I'm very satisfied that I finished this bowl, which has been patiently waiting for me for a few months now... as are many half-finished projects. Well, this is what this blog is all about for me... motivation, inspiration, documentation, exploration of all those wonderful ideas that just keep coming... and utilization of the many, and I mean MANY, various and sundry supplies and what-nots I have collected that are calling to me for a new life.
Until next time... let it flow!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Separation of Computer Area and Art Area

Today, as I do quite often, I got the idea to change things around in the studio. I made a separate little area for the computer so that my work/play art table is totally dedicated to art now. And I don't have to move the laptop every time I want to do a project. To help distinguish the computer space, I have started a wall hanging which will have my blog name on it," What it can become." I'll post a pic when I get it done. I think it will be inpiring to see, with my little inspirational saying on it. I'm using some upholstery fabric, painting over it, collaging onto it. I'm trusting that inner voice that tells me what it needs next. I'm staying loosey-goosey, as I like to say... the total opposite of my tendency to plan. I'm just letting it happen, encouraging that flow of creativity that I am after. We'll see how it turns out. Until the next time, Pamela