So far in August...

There's a lot that's been happening that I haven't gotten the chance to sit and blog about, so I'll list the events chronologically.

August 8th
Cloud Catchers:
I met with Ashley from SCAD's Event's Department and there is this event that is happening in Lacoste, France, and SCAD wants to provide "cloud catchers" for each attendee.  She sent me these images and a vague description of what cloud catchers are.  In order to get a little more info, I Googled various terms, but each time I only got what I could do with the "cloud" as in that big electronic storage area in the sky.  
Basically, they are architectural decorations that were meant to ward off bad spirits and witches back in the day, and they are still around in current day France.  The image on the right is the samples SCAD had made, but they're not exactly what they wanted.  They look like little hands to me, so that's what I may end up calling them.  So far I've made 2 prototypes that SCAD seems to enjoy.  They need 40 of these by September, so this looks like it will be my project for a few weekends. I'm actually pretty excited to work on this. More pictures to come.

August 11th
Atlanta:
So much fun. Josh doesn't make for a good traveling partner, especially when things are related to Ceramics, so I took my good friend Melissa and we made a weekend trip up to Roswell to pick up my pieces from the show. I'm pretty sure it's going to be the beginning of the year before my wallet recovers from the shopping extravaganza, but it was really awesome.  We went by Atlanta Clay and I picked up 2 bags of USG #1 plaster (more on that later).  Then swung by Mudfire Pottery.  Their gallery is huge and has so many nice pieces. I bought a Luba Sharpan mug to add to my collection and a tshirt that says "Make Pots Not War."
Then...my first trip at IKEA. Oh my. Can I just say it is an experience, and I've never wanted to live in a studio apartment so badly.  :)  I bought a nice rug for $20 and some great fabric. We indulged in Atlantic Station and didn't get the chance to fully live it up on Saturday, so that's where we finished the rest of our trip.

August 13th
Porcelain Clay:
A little while ago, I thought about taking my slip casting body and testing it to see if I could use it as a clay.  I mixed up a batch at home in my studio (not a fun adventure), and I threw a large bowl with it.  It felt really nice!  The only issue is, that if I mix up a large batch of clay in our mixer at SCAD, it will cost me about $0.62 per lb.  Not cool (125# would cost me almost $80).  I'm trying to figure out substitutes for a few chemicals to see if I can lower the price.
I am also torn on giving up red clay.  I feel that I may be at that point where I could convert fully to porcelain, but meanwhile I have a ton of earthenware in my studio.  I may convert once I use all of that clay, but only when that happens.

August 15th
Dollies:
I've been needing a few dollies to assist me with moving my clay bins in and out from under my working table.  My clay was in a pile underneath the table because the bins were too heavy to move by themselves when filled with clay, so I decided to change that. I had some scrap 2x4s in my storage building, so I visited Home Depot and bought some $3 casters.  It took me no time at all to make the dollies and under $40 for 3 of them.  They each should sustain at most 500lbs.  Here is where I found another dilemma.  First, that white painter's canvas that I bought last year is gray.  I feel that most of the dirt is from traffic and not so much my clay.  Second, it was proving impossible to move the dollies with the canvas bunching in different areas.  So, I decided to get rid of it. This leads to last weekend's project...

August 19th
Studio:
I've see some images of different ceramics' studio in magazine and online, and I've been kinda jealous. I feel that my studio needs something more to invite me into it. My decision to throw away the canvas, required that I get something to line the floor underneath my wheel and wedging table.  I was at Target and I finally found the clear vinyl floor protectors that I had been searching for last year when I decided to move my studio indoors.  I found 2 left for only $8 each and bought both.  They only cover a small area and I felt that I needed something more to protect the carpet.  Meet my new IKEA rug (the large gray section on the floor).  It was only $20, so I feel justified by putting it near my clay.  It's also really stinkin' cute.

I still feel that my studio needs something else.  I've had a few yards of fabric in my closet since the Merry Market.  I realized that I wanted to make some curtains for the windows and to cover that shelf under my working table.  The bins are so organized that it makes that shelf above it look even more cluttered.  Soooo...I ordered my first sewing machine.  I am patiently waiting for it now along with two books that will teach me what the heck I'm doing.  I felt that it was time I learned some basics.  More to come on the studio progress when I get my machine. :D

Things to come...

Cloud bowls

I think that my cloud mold is causing my bowls not to release.  I decided to remake the mold.  I've heard that USG #1 Pottery Plaster is supreme among plasters for molds.  I've been having issues with pitting in my casting slip and I think it's from the mold as well.  Hopefully the next mold will release easier and have less clean up involved with the surface.  I also read an article on Ceramic Arts Daily where Hiroe Hanazono uses tubing to cause her closed form casts to release easier. I hope to use that nifty trick to make the mold better. 

Stamps

I've watched the Kristen Kieffer "Suede to Leatherhard" DVD, and she has inspired me to make some of my own stamps.  I took an old shoebox and poured some plaster into it.  I started working on the carvings last night and hopefully I'll have some spiffy stamps to work with soon!

Speaking of spiffy stamps...I bought some from my previous visit to Atlanta Clay and I used them on Roxie's platter.  Here's the results after a glaze firing.  I plan to put decals on it soon with her name and such.  

Weekend visit with the family

Apparently having my studio indoors is fantastic for when family/friends visit and it's a rainy day.  This weekend I had cousins visit from South Carolina for the first time.  It was pretty fun and a whirlwind of activity.

Enjoying River Street.

At Tybee Island (The little one's first time at the beach.)

Kristin's first time wheel throwing.

The boys painting their pottery.

Josh told me that it's really funny that it seems most of the young people who visit seem more interested in pottery than anything else.  The boys were alternating between taking turns playing a video game and making pieces out of clay. It made me smile.  Also on the agenda this past weekend was another tattoo!  Of course it would be a bird cage. :)  

Color Theory

I mentioned a few blogs ago about wanting to add more color to the "Caged" pieces.  I've been marinating on this idea while doing my R&R, and last week, I stopped in at Home Depot to raid their paint sample cards.  I took the million that I pilfered and punched a decorative hole in each with a fun little guy I got on clearance from Michael's.  

I want to see what the colors will look like when contrasted against one another.  I still want to use the terra sig on the chains so they will be sealed and still move, so that was my starting point when dealing with all of these colors.  I've seen lots of greenish celadon's added to earthenware pieces with terra sig, but I'm really digging this selection of blue I found.  I'm not sure about the placement of everything, but that will come when I actually start making. 

Looking back at the pieces for Roswell (thank you AJ Argentina for the images!), there is so much room for additional decoration.  I was afraid to add too much to the surface of the pieces because it would distract from the interior, but forget that.  I'm going to add on a lot more. 

While I am trying to figure out my colors combos, I decided to revisit some color theory.  I've read a few articles and review sections of old text books I own, but I think I need some more options.  I've decided to swing by the library tonight and check out some books so I can have a few more options for color.

Repairs and Roxie

It's been awhile since I've written, and that is partly because I have felt slightly guilty about my studio presence.  After finishing with the exhibition in Roswell, I was completely tired of clay.  Even my new tools that I bought from Atlanta Clay couldn't convince me to sit down and work.
Since the beginning of 2012, it's been exhibitions, teaching, commission, teaching, more teaching, and more exhibitions.  Keep in mind that all of this was while I wasn't working 40 hrs a week at SCAD.  I'm glad that I experienced all of these things, but at the same time, I had to cut other things out of my schedule. I quit exercising. I quit cooking. I quit relaxing.
I visited my family doctor back in April, and basically I had gained weight and I was stressed.  He gave me some options, but I was still in an unhappy place. As soon as the final hurdle was jumped (the Roswell show), I crashed.
Since June, I've been working to make repairs to my physical and mental health.  I believe that making work is obviously one of the most important things as a ceramicist, but maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle is also pretty paramount.  So far gotten into a somewhat normal exercise routine, started cooking at home so that I don't eat out as much (I made a pretty delish banana and lemon poppy seed bread last week), been reading more (part of my relaxation), gone to the beach/pool numerous times, and been hanging out with friends and family.  I actually visited Florence, SC, for the first time since Christmas a few weekends ago. Oh and the biggest thing: I'm slowly regaining my desire to make.

Last week, I had my good friends Suzi and Aaron visit from SC.  They brought along their 9 month old daughter Roxie with them.  She is completely adorable and I absolutely must be referred to as her Aunt.  There's honestly no way around it.  As I'm creeping up on the big 3-0 in a few years, I've started thinking about the possibility of having a kid.  Josh and I have discussed it and decided that there are other things, like school, that we view as more important right now.  However, seeing all the cute little family members in Florence really had me wanting a little Davis running around the house.  After hanging out with Roxie for a few days, I remembered that while motherhood is very rewarding, it's a HUGE commitment.  I still have a lot of growing to do as a ceramic artist, and while I am currently somewhat apathetic towards ceramics, I know that I want ceramics to be my lifetime commitment.  As much as I desire to love a little person who is my own, it's a really big responsibility.  If I have learned anything from the beginning of this year, it's that when things get complicated, I go crazy.  So to conclude, right now, no kid, just ceramics.

We got some really great pictures from my friends' trip.  When Roxie was at my house after a fun 4th of July at the Beach, I introduced her to the wheel and she had a blast.

At the Beach.

Bair Family Photo.

Roxie enjoys the sand.

Tired Trip Home.

What is Aunt Mitzi doing?

Roxie the Potter.

Throwing at it's best.

She really loved the way the slippery clay felt.  A girl after my own heart. :)

Fantastic Ceramics

I've been interested in what other red clay artist's are using for their color palette lately, and I stumbled upon this awesome work by Nick Ramey.  

I really like how he incorporates sculptural aspects into this functional work (something I've wanted to try my hand at).  The bottom two containers are lidded forms.  I love the bright colors, decals, and luster.  

Fantastic Ceramics/Hello Inspiration

It's been a while since I posted a fantastic ceramics blurb, but I found these wonderful ladies yesterday and had to share.

Lili Scratchy: Wonderful, random thoughts that are nicely executed and how awesome is her name?!?  Her work has so much charm and freedom.

I was pleased with the inside of my cages, but I think I need to get a bit crazier.  Also, I do believe that there is way too much red terra sig on those pieces.  I need to do more exploration with color.  I may even try experimenting with white next...or maybe stripes. Hmm...

Julie Wiggins: Very fine craftsman ship. Her colors are soft and show the delicate detail of her mishima.  

I may need to make my work more delicate.  I wonder what adding more subtle color instead of the overwhelming red would do?

Savannah Clay at Roswell Art Center West

Traveling to Roswell took a little while, but Josh and I packed up and got there Thursday night.  Friday morning we got up early to scout out the area and grab some breakfast before setting up the show.  We ate at the Flying Biscuit Cafe and it was AMAZING!  I wish I would have taken an image of the spread we had, but before I knew it, the food was devoured.  It is a chain restaurant, so if there is one near you, please go!

Setting up the show was quick and painless.  Roswell Art Center West is an amazing studio/gallery, that has ample space for their residents and students and kilns galore (raku, electric, gas, and salt/soda).  All of this takes place in a two story house with a basement that is surrounded by verdant grass and trees.  It reminded me a lot of Shorter, but 10x better.  

Roswell is a trendy, suburban area.  I realized that while historic Savannah has it's charm, I really would enjoy living in an area that is more modern.  I wish we would have had a little more time to explore the area, but I wanted to make a special trip to Atlanta Clay to buy some clay tools.  Josh REALLY hated going there.  I had to beg him to come along on the trip in the first place, because he's really not one for traveling and clay.  I finally convinced him that I didn't hate him although I spent almost an hour in the store.  I have yet to try out my goodies, but I plan to this week.  We also stopped by two Super Targets (yes, Savannah has no Super Targets, but Roswell has two...how is this possible?) to search for a purse that I wanted, Trader Joes, Einstein Bagel Co., INC. Street Food, and Thumbs Up Cafe.  Every place we visited was a new and great experience.  We don't have plans for moving to Roswell, but it's definitely an example for where we want to live in the future.

Finally, after much ado, here are some images from the show!  Enjoy!

Setting up with Lisa Bradley (far left), AJ Argentina, Jessica Broad, and Pat Mooney

Right view on entering gallery; my Clothesline Bowls and Daddy's Tools (Cups)

Yves Paquette's work and Lisa Bradley

Josh Davis and Yves Paquette

My Caged Tumblers and Caged Fruit Bowl

Left view entering the gallery; Lisa Bradley and Yves Paquette's work

Yves's Paquette's work

Jessica Broad's work

More Jessica Broad's work and Mary Cale Anderegg's work

Mary Cale Anderegg's work

More of Lisa Bradley's work

Lisa Bradley's work from back

 

Judy Mooney's work

More of Judy Mooney's work

Yves Paquette's work and my Caged Teacup, Saucer, and Spoon and Caged Teapot

Opening night was PACKED!

We even got to see a past SCAD Ceramic Arts student, Anthony Cerilli.

The opening had a successful turnout.  There were a lot of people from the area and the hor d'oeuvres were awesome.  Some of the people I knew from the area couldn't make it opening night, but I really recommend seeing this exhibit.  It will rock your socks.

After all the excitement, I was glad to come home, mostly for my bed.  This past week of vacation has been very eventful and I feel like it's the conclusion of this crazy beginning of 2012.  Now, it's time for me to refocus on entering juried shows for the remainder of the year and the NCECA show 2013.