Just survive the winter.
These past weeks, honestly the last two months, have been intensely moody. I’ve been keeping my distance and conserving the little energy I have to show up for work responsibilities. I will say that leaning into my art practice has allowed me to keep my head above these icy waters, my trusted life jacket. I’m so grateful that I enrolled in these weekly art classes, having something to look forward to that tremendously curbs the seasonal scaries really takes the edge off. It’s still challenging to find additional time to practice during the week; I’ve managed to show up for myself every Saturday which means a lot to me.
Discovery Scrolling
I have very mixed feelings and a lot of thoughts about the clock app’s 12 hour shutdown, so manipulative to say the least; I’m still scrolling my time away. I recently came across an artist named Julia Fernandez. Fernandez utilizes analog animation in her ceramic work to create a zoetrope stop motion effect. One of the most interesting and eye opening concepts I’ve seen in a while. Clay is so versatile, very inspiring!
As I continue to scroll, but this time on the pin board app, my algorithm spy shares the work of Michael Hunt & Naomi Dalglish. A tiny 3.75 x 3 wood fired local red clay vessel covered in wax resist stars with a dark brown iron glaze. The child like drawn stars feel lighthearted, forgiving and naive in spirit. I could use a bit more of that energy these days.
Things I Imaged1
Those child like stars continuously made themselves known to me. A defined symbol with still so much open ended mystic. A shimmering light in the night sky, gathered galaxies granting wishes, communities of constellations, taking on the light.
Oh to be a star!
Wheel Throwing
Should I draw a little person free falling inside the vessels? That seems like the right idea, right? Possibly the start of a new series or the execution of a single idea imagined. I’ll keep you all posted on the final glaze fire.
I still have no clue of what exactly I’m making, the only goal is to practice centering and pulling smooth even walls on the wheel. Some days I feel hesitant to start; thoughts like it’s so messy, I don’t have enough time, and what am I even going to do with the piece arise. Once I start that all goes away; I’m present, I’m doing it, and that’s enough.
Hope you enjoyed this short read. Ciao!
Things I Imagined by Solange Knowles
this series >>>
i appreciate your musings and creativity. sounds like these past two week have been a whirlwind for a lot of us. praying you keep showing up for yourself :)