It has been quite a while since I felt really inspired to work in clay…
I mean in the "fun" kind of way - not just, oh, I have some orders - gotta get into the studio…
Not since I really started to play with my shards (what a great feeling it is to make those!)
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| MarshaNealStudio Porcelain Shards (in my Etsy Shop) So I started there. Balls of clay, rolled out for textures… |
To tell you the truth, I was trying to make tops for some Oak Tree Seeds (acorns).
These "bumpy shards" kinda picked up this twisted organic shape to them.
My brain went right to mushroom stems. Will go back to acorns later - this I love…
I love coming across mushrooms and fungi on walks in the woods…
So naturally, I wanted to make some. I have for a while - just didn't ever do it - and when it just happened - well - that means it is time to RUN with it - run like a rabbit…
The artist inside of me is a person inspired by nature, textures, patterns, designs, depth, colors, curvy things, and so on.
I collect things. I want to try to make things that look like things I have collected, or use their texture in some manner (inspiration for drawings, pushing it into clay, whatever)…
I have ideas that I just can't seem to shake out of my head and into the clay.
This is something I wish to change in my way of thinking about working in the studio this year.
Get rid of production mode mentality…
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| A little peek at some porcelain "nests" that are in a bisque firing right now... |
Pods, nests, seeds - things that envelop life are edging to the surface…
They have been for a while.
I think these will be great.
My next thing: stop just showing pictures of stuff I am making - follow through.
Get them out there for people to use to make fun things with them.
I like the way that Nancy of Round Rabbit just makes what is in her head and heart and sells the crap out of them - when they are gone, they are gone. What a great way to free yourself!
And with Feb. 3rd approaching…
It is time. My time...
I was born in the year of the rabbit - (wood) - May 1975.
Things happen in cycles and circles for me.
It is time to "enhance" my life - right Jenny?
My word for this year!
Enhance…
Are you living up to your promises to yourself for 2011 so far?
If not - you've got until 11:59, 12/31/11 to get on it…
Aw, thanks for the kind words, Marsha. Since I changed the way I work and only make things once (twice, for myself, if I like the way it came out) I have felt so free and open. Ideas seem to come out of nowhere and I have never enjoyed making components so much. Production mode really was getting me down and I knew I needed to change. I highly recommend it! It's so liberating and I can just imagine the amazing things that you would make working that way!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome Nancy! I think that I have been beating myself up with expectations and ideas on "how to make it work better" - the "it" being whatever - marketing, making, being creative. And it just does not work that way… I think that if you make what is in your heart - the stuff that drives you into the studio and the craftsmanship is superb, you will be successful. And I have learned over this last year by reading your blog and FB that this drive is one of the strong characteristics you and your work have. It is a breathe of fresh air. So thanks… really… (fist pump to the air to you… you rock!)
ReplyDelete"enhance: to increase or improve in value, quality, desirability, or attractiveness "
ReplyDeleteExactly! You are diving back into clay with a sense of play, and there is less pressure - dang sure guaranteed to stifle creativity. Doing more clay work will enhance you life. Doing more new work will enhance your work! People will want to see and use the new pieces that arent carried by online retailers, that are just available through you... One of a kind, working in a series of a small number - all fun. Agreed - Nancy rocks.
"spice" it up Marsha!
Couldn't have said it better myself...(no really...you have a great way with words) I'm on a path of new brave ideas...feel like I've been playing it safe since I started...time to grow!
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