Ceramics, my favorite thing to be new at!
I am so excited to be learning clay! It has been a bit of an interesting winding road for me.
My first experience in a ceramics class was in high school, but due to needing another math class I had to switch out of it before we got farther than pinch pots.
While I was getting my Bachelor's of Art at Humboldt, I shied away from ceramics. I definitely focused my energy into my 2-dimensional work. I felt more fulfilled by the expression I could achieve on paper and canvas. I did take a sculpture class though aside from plaster body casting I did not really make anything that felt like "art" rather than an assignment.
After graduating and being away from art education for a few years, I missed the classroom studio and had a renewed desire to try new forms of art. I wanted the chance to be "bad" at art again! I have put in over a decade of steady improvement in my 2-D art skills, and I find that with painting or printmaking, even my experiments have to be related to past bodies of work somehow. But with ceramics I am finding a freedom that I wasn't quite expecting. I am also extremely excited to try surface image transfer techniques with slip! I have a little birdie design you will be seeing soon that I am excited to unveil. I can't wait to get better with clay and have functional pieces for my own use and for sale!
Being back in the classroom has been amazing, and a great reminder that no matter how long you have been an artist, there is always something you haven't tried yet.
Tell me in the comments what your ceramics journey is! I want to know how you play with clay.
a peaceful pastoral day in photos, at Hidden Hills Ranch
I was thrilled to go with my dearest friend Lesley to Hidden Hills Ranch in Prunedale. I am working on a little project proposal for them involving their lovely critters and scenery.
The value of nature and time with animals can be so instrumental to the special needs children who benefit from this program. I am excited to possibly collaborate with them in the future!
I took my Christmas gift with me -- a hand-me-down DSLR camera from my brother Abner! It's fun to re-learn digital photography after using point-and-shoots in the past. Any photographers who have some critique or pointers based on my images please comment! I would love to hear your thoughts.
Enjoy these photos of the scenery & wildlife at beautiful Hidden Hills Ranch in Prunedale, CA! The view of the Salinas Valley from the top of the hill was absolutely breathtaking. I look forward to going back again and again!
"Occupation?" "artist" aka, the story of being grilled about my art during jury duty
I was serving my civic duty back in November, and had jury duty. There was a moment when, in front of a courtroom of about 170 people going through jury selection, I had the full attention of the room as the judge asked me vetting questions. Below is a bit paraphrased, excuse my memory.
"What is your occupation?" the honorable Carrie Panetta asked.
"I'm an artist." I replied. There was a bit of a mumble.
Smiling, Judge Panetta asked for some more details.
"Just an artist? You're able to make money?"
"I have several freelance jobs -- I do social media, graphic design, and music videos for a local musician, I sell my own art, and I work as an assistant to someone who makes small sculptures and jewelry, and I manage my family's farm website." I replied (though probably at the time with a lot more uhm's and stumbles for words).
"That's really great, I don't meet many artists who manage to get paid," was her smiling reply.
Then she went on to ask me all those lovely vetting questions pertaining to the case. At some point I must have mentioned my school because two different men came up to me to talk about Humboldt State and how awesome it was to be a Lumberjack. I heartily agreed.
I didn't end up serving on the jury -- there was an embarrassing moment when the defense lawyer mistook me for someone else and asked how old my children were. I must have made a bold facial expression because I was shocked, and the whole court started laughing. I managed to muster out "I don't have any". I have a tendency of wearing my emotions LOUDLY across my face! The defense lawyer excused me.