Blessed and Changed

I feel so deeply blessed because of all the connections my art life has brought.  As I create pieces, God draws me into a sacred appreciation for Him, for His creation.  I become more aware of a life beyond self, seeing how one slight movement of clay can change the whole.  Hard clay is difficult to work, just as a hard heart is.  I see God’s hands shaping and forming me, knocking me down to make me more pliable, drawing me up to reshape me.  Every step in pottery (or a painting) matters.  Ultimately, we are refined by fire, like pottery is.  Some pieces have flaws that become an essential element to the unique beauty of a piece, just as individuals are beautifully unique.  “Wabi-sabi” is associated with a religion I do not claim, but there is truth to embracing imperfection in art.

‘‘Tis the Season”

We wait all year for a Christmas, Thanksgiving arrives and passes, and in a huge rush, Christmas is at our doorstep.  It shouldn’t be a stressful time, but it is for so many people.  It’s a spiritual mind game...let’s remember the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ.  Our expressions of love should outweigh the stress.  I’ve shared this painting on Facebook, enhanced with a reminder.  I hope you are enjoying the holidays🎄❤️🎄

Christmas Ornaments

After a successful Hobson Craft Fair Sale, there are plenty of Christmas Ornaments available!  I won’t have time to personalize more now, but made many of them with a chalkboard type back that can be written on with markers, pencils or ink.  Here’s a sample:

  

Pitcher and Cups

The pitcher and set of cups turned out beautifully, don’t you think?  The combination of glazes worked:  Amaco Snow on the inside and upper outside, blue oxide, clear celedon over Alberta slip, green slip, and Blue Rutile over Alberta slip on the bottom.  Made with ❤️.  And most importantly, Dianne Scotten loved it!  She asked, “How did you know those are my colors?”  I didn’t; God did.  Mission accomplished, praise God❤️

Pottery Inspiration: Brewery Flats

I’ve made a pitcher, inspired by a walk at Brewery Flats in Lewistown, Montana.  It’s a beautiful spot next to Big Spring Creek with secluded trails and lots of trees.  I made a pitcher because of the water pouring through that stream.  I also was thinking of a friend who confidently asked me a long time ago to make her a pitcher and I said “yes” long before my skill level was adequate.  I appreciated that she had that kind of confidence in me....something I was personally working on.
The carving, demonstrated below, represents not only the trees and paths, but the peaceful yet mysterious sensation of walking through those spaces.  Inspiration comes from experiences, probably more than locations.  (I’ll share more later on glazing, Lord willing, after the first bisque firing.)

Pouring, Painting! Pottery

When acrylic pouring mediums became popular, creativity by chance (??) became quite popular.  I enjoy the process and the unexpected results -serendipity!  I love using the technique as one more way to add interest and depth to painting.  Glazing pottery can be similar, only more complicated.  It all works together in my mind, one idea spilling over to the other, from painting to pottery, and pottery to painting.

Sketching for fun

Every time I push to accomplish a goal, like participating in the Utica Days Craft Fair, or getting http://www.potterybypaulette.com going, I feel exhausted...in a good way.  There is satisfaction in reaching a goal, even if it takes a whole lot of time and energy.
Everyone has a recharging strategy.  Mine is not new, like taking time to be thankful, to rest, to breathe in fresh air and soak up the wonders of nature (especially since smoke from fires has cleared and mountains are visible again!).  Here's a bit of what happens while transitioning back to productivity...

 Today 

Add paint:)

Top 7 Reasons to do Craft Fairs

The Utica Hay Days Craft fair was worthwhile on so many levels, so I'm sharing my Top 7:

1. Preparation...no procrastinating allowed!  Keeps me engaged in my goals.
2. Pricing...find out the right price ranges for products.  Watch and learn.
3. People...appreciating everyone who has a part in the entire event.
4. Purpose...completing the circle from making art to finding its home.
5. Prayer...praying that God will oversee everything and everyone.
6. Provision...trusting God will provide, including strength to do this.
7. Praise...thanking God for all He is and all He does!

Thanks to Jacqueline Mercenier for helping!  She is an excellent plain air painter!

Having a good variety was a good idea.  Not having a tent...not a good idea!

Utica Craft Fair/Hay Days

Im excited to participate in Utica's craft fair this year (Sept. 10, 2017) and I'm almost ready!  Here's what I've been working on:

J

Fractured - dinosaurs or more?

Thank you to those who shared what they saw in this painting, from dinosaurs to deeper analysis.  I've been accused of thinking too much for as long as I can remember.
Who doesn't see images that others do not see in abstract art?  Viewing art is an interactive process, just as making it is.
I was thinking of how fractured things have become in fundamental values.  I felt like a dinosaur, buried in the past.  Even the predominant grey is weighty.  Yet, there is a geological beauty in the structure and flow.  On the lighter side, I love rock formations and puzzles, fossils, and especially the cross.

One Day at a Time

Am I the only one who sees life slipping away so quickly?  Surely, I'm not!  That is why we all try to redeem the time, make the most of it, do what's important as we see importance.  There is so much turmoil in the world, striving to feel good about life can be a challenge...it is for me, at times.  That is why I love art.  It is fun, liberating me from thinking too deeply, freeing me from feeling down, reminding me to enjoy the process and not worry too much about the outcome.  It's like traveling, without physically leaving, to a place where time stands still and the impossible is possible.