Work Work Work 5.14.15
During the month of April I applied for 8 ceramic
residencies and 1 post bachelors program. I will reveal the results soon. It
has been a hard working road since August and I’m pretty excited!
My hopes are high and I have been accepted for two summer jobs. I will be teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) students for a month long summer camp and creating sweets in addition to baking pizzas in the kitchen at Damgoode Pies downtown, which is in walking distance from my apartment! The money I make from those jobs will be purely savings for the move. Damgoode has been hard work but very laid back. I’m so thankful for the easy going attitudes of the managers and staff. Also, it’s nice being able to eat and not worrying about making dinner at home on those work days. In the meantime, I have a collaborative commission for an urn with a friend and I still plan to do a collaborative project with my photographer friend Megan Douglas this summer. I really really want to get that project started because I am so thrilled to be working with her! The question is: Where will I reside in the fall? It’ll probably be somewhere cold. I’ll reveal the info find on my next blog post. 
Last week I finished the door mural I was working on outside by the playground where I teach. This was by my own choice and during my breaks. I chose a Keith Haring piece. I was really drawn to this piece of his because of it's playful ambiguity, vertical canvas, and primary color scheme. I wanted the children and community to experience his art as he wanted it; free and for the public. Surprisingly once I posted the final product on Facebook, a couple people said it looked like the Human Centipede. Ha! Regardless the debate was funny and I loved doing the mural. I surely hope the school appreciates it too.
Last weekend the Arkansas Art Center's Friends of Contemporary Craft had an open studio event. A handful of Little Rock artists opened their homes & studios for people to visit. It was great to see Louise Halsey, a member of FOCC, who is my undergrad ceramic professor's wife. Check out her awesome work (http://www.louisehalsey.com/index.html). I also ran into another member of FOCC, Kyle Boswell, who owns Boswell Mourot gallery in the heights. (http://www.boswellmourot.com/) He represents Delita Martin's work and has helped sell many of her pieces.
I only had time to visit David Scott Smith and Delita Martin's studio that day after making a pit stop at Chelsye Garrett's installation at Esse Purse Museum. Delita's work has grown so much over the time that I've known her. Her work was accepted into Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, so I'm pretty sure she is doing pretty well in her career! I loved seeing that she is incorporating fabric, threads, and buttons into her new work. I told her she would probably be in the next round of the 30 Americans. The sky is the limit! (http://www.blackboxpressstudio.com) After Delita's, I stopped by David's and he was giving a live demonstration of the raku firing process where he pulled ceramic fish out of the raku kiln and threw them into a can with newspaper causing them to catch fire and finish the process. The final product was beautiful and hung on the wall. He finished about 10 fish and they were selling like hotcakes! (www.davidscottsmithceramics.com) It was also great to sip wine, talk, and see the baby chicks he is raising with his family. I've had the joy of taking classes from Delita & David. I'm thankful that these types of events are being created in the Little Rock community. It gives a grand sense of inspiration and builds a better art connection. Thank you artists & Friends of Contemporary Craft! (https://www.arkarts.com/friends-of-contemporary-craft)
Megan Douglas & Ian Park want to do a collaborative piece together!
Our goal is to combine the mediums of photgraphy, video, & ceramics to create a conceptual mixed media piece. We use ceramics throughout our daily lives. Mugs, cups, plates, and bowls have become objects that many of us take for granted, much like everything else utilitarian. Taking the ceramic object out of the normal situation and using it to portray stillness, movement, abundance, waste, indifference, or even burden, brings awareness of our ceramic perception. Maybe you will think about how you eat, who you are around when you use the objects, or how you treat the ceramic vessel. Are we kind to the things that provide us a place to put or nourishment and hydration? Do we even use ceramic objects? How does the ceramic vessel treat us? Love Mug 2.4.15I received my Love is in the Air and on the Airways mug from Forage Studios today. It made me so happy! I knew I had to walk to the coffee shop and tell the world about it. For some reason, I felt the need to order a piece of pie even if I'm not going to eat it right away. Boston Cream if you must know!
Anyhow, the mug was created by Mariko Paterson who is from Nova Scotia. I first saw her work last year while I was in Milwaukee at the NCECA mug sale. It was a mug with two queens on it that said "Drama Queens". Very playful, colorful, and happy! I randomly found her on Instagram a couple months ago. As soon as I scrolled and saw the present mug I own, I knew it had to be mine. The love titles, size, handle, colors, especially Pillow Talk, sold me. Of course my favorite Doris Day film is Pillow Talk! This leads me to write about the sex driven gay culture I live with that struggles to connect sex with intimacy or conversation whether it's in a relationship or a hook up. I mean, sex culture in general, would it kill people to talk a little after being in the heat of the moment. I wonder if Rock Hudson was actually a pillow talker with his men. Maybe that's off subject, but all I can say is that Mariko's work makes me remember who I am deep down. I am reminded of the love I have and am capable of giving and the love that so many can give. As I sip the coffee from my love mug, I'll think about the love I must pour into my art everyday! Mariko's work can be found on www.foragestudios.com Bentonville & Memphis 1.31.15
Last
week my old friends Justin, Lilia, and I went to see the State of the Art
exhibition in Bentonville, AR at Crystal Bridges. We've recently formed an artist
group with other art friends that we call BLAC (Between the Lines Artist
Collective) We had a lot of fun and thoroughly enjoyed the show. Some of the
artists I enjoyed were Janet Sobel, Nathalie Miebach, Vanesa German, Lenka
Clayton, & Elizabeth Alexander. We decided to check out the 21c museum
hotel as well and it was great. It was nice to see some new Kehinde Wiley paintings.
Today the BLAC group decided to go on a quick trip to Memphis to the Marshall Arts Gallery to see Morgan Page and Dusty Mitchell at their Two Smoking Barrels show. Morgan teaches at Lyon College as well as being an artist. Both of their art work dealt with school shooting scenarios. One of Morgan’s pieces had a picture of Jonesboro Middle School with a gun on the right side pointing at it while the viewer listened to radio talks discuss the Jonesboro shootings. One of Dusty’s pieces was of a school crossing sign that had the children holding guns. The exhibition was colorful like childhood and as emotional as a funeral in some instances. We also got the chance to visit Pinkney Herbert’s studio that is located in the gallery. He has some great abstract mixed media paintings full of vibrancy. The size of his studio was enough to make any artist jealous! Afterwards, many of us went to eat BBQ at a local Memphis restaurant while we got to know each other more and discuss our lives. I can't wait for more BLAC trips!
I've been using my studio apartment to it's full potential after moving my materials from the UALR studio space. It is quite a transition because I am home more often, which is giving me a cabin fever feeling. It's been difficult using different materials such as nail polish, mineral spirits, epoxy & sand paper in and around my apartment. I'm always trying to proceed with caution, but it ain't easy!
Leaving work and doing any kind of activity or going to yoga classes in the evening has helped me break up my time. I've been thinking about joining a gym to get some of the cabin fever energy out.
It's been 4 months since I started my studio assistantship trade for studio space at UALR. It has been a very winding road since I have been juggling teaching, studio assisting, portfolio expansion, and social life. Since then I have completed one sculptural piece with at least 4 more near completion and a few others in the works. I have created a line of mugs & tumblers based on an original watercolor sketch and a line of cup & saucers based on a set of vintage decals.
It was one year ago that I wrote about contemplating discontinuing teaching and finding a way to build my ceramic portfolio. I have come a long way and I am proud of myself, but even though right now I am on my 2 week winter vacation, I need to continue the persistence and hard work the last 4 months have brought me. I plan to apply to multiple universities and programs by mid April for residencies or post bachelor programs out of state. From this very day until then I will need to have all of my work, once each piece is finished, photographed professionally. In addition I will need to have recommendation letters written, write a paper discussing my work, take process shots of my creations, revamp my website, and save money. |
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A Day With Erickson 6.20.14
Last Saturday, at the Arkansas Arts Center Museum School, I
attended a six hour workshop of Michelle Erickson along with other fellow clay
lovers. I had previously seen Michelle demo at NCECA on a stage where she
worked with Ayumi Horie. That time was more Q & A with the audience and I
didn’t see many techniques. I suppose
when you are in a room with hundreds of others as opposed to 20 people it makes
a lot of difference. That explains why I never go to superstar’s concerts. The
workshop was absolutely marvelous. Seeing her work up close, asking questions,
and watching her many techniques had everyone excited throughout the duration
of the demonstration. I had to stop myself from asking too many questions
because I was intrigued with every step.
For those not familiar with her work, Michelle recreates historical ceramic pieces and adds her own style to them. Examples include an 18th century pickle dish and puzzle jug. The story behind each piece is my favorite part because she discusses how the wares were used during the time period and how she examines the originals to understand how to create a copy. Her work can be seen in Confrontational Ceramics, Ceramics in America, and many other publications.
On an educational note, I can’t think of a better way to teach history than this; taking the object and explaining its origins, functions, geographical location, people that used it, as well as how it’s made. In addition integrating measurement, the science of clay, critical thinking, etc…
For those not familiar with her work, Michelle recreates historical ceramic pieces and adds her own style to them. Examples include an 18th century pickle dish and puzzle jug. The story behind each piece is my favorite part because she discusses how the wares were used during the time period and how she examines the originals to understand how to create a copy. Her work can be seen in Confrontational Ceramics, Ceramics in America, and many other publications.
On an educational note, I can’t think of a better way to teach history than this; taking the object and explaining its origins, functions, geographical location, people that used it, as well as how it’s made. In addition integrating measurement, the science of clay, critical thinking, etc…
Homely 5.27.14
Yesterday I walked around the downtown neighborhoods, mainly the south side of Commerce street. I wanted to capture images of buildings and houses that I was attracted to while perusing. Most of these structures are abandoned or had a lonely feeling. I took note of the detail that went into either the painting or the architecture. It was interesting to see the choices of color on the abandoned houses and wonder who chose that specific color such as black, teal, or green. I thought about who might have used each place and how special it was to each person at one point in time.
In March I was introduced to artist Brian Ulrich's photography. I thoroughly enjoy his Dark Store Pieces. Each one had a haunting tone while leaving the viewer to think about how much energy and time went into each establishment before being left behind. I've always enjoyed looking at abandoned buildings in detail and thinking about the boom and bust of either a business or family. I want to share what I see downtown that many others pass by everyday, hopefully sharing similar thoughts as me.
In March I was introduced to artist Brian Ulrich's photography. I thoroughly enjoy his Dark Store Pieces. Each one had a haunting tone while leaving the viewer to think about how much energy and time went into each establishment before being left behind. I've always enjoyed looking at abandoned buildings in detail and thinking about the boom and bust of either a business or family. I want to share what I see downtown that many others pass by everyday, hopefully sharing similar thoughts as me.
Only Shooting Stars Break the Mold 5.25.14
My show at River City Coffee went well. I made enough money back to cover what I spent on framing and printing with a little left over. I'm able to use that money to visit some family in New Jersey and wander through New York City for a couple days collecting inspiration. The show is behind me now so I need to keep on truckin' with my creations!
To my surprise, my Visiting Grandma Agatha piece was accepted into The 2014 Delta Exhibition at the Arkansas Arts Center. It will run from June 27th-September 28th in Little Rock. This gives me incentive to create more 3D work and pump up the jam on production!
With only 2 weeks left of work at my teaching job, I am giddy as a school girl. I will be taking a mold making class with David Scott Smith. I need this so much! At first, I was bummed because I thought taking it wouldn't be possible but he and I talked it out and the 5 week class is gear this week. I'll juggle work and school for a couple weeks, but it will be worth the load. This man makes great work and is awesome to be around. Here is one of his pieces.
To my surprise, my Visiting Grandma Agatha piece was accepted into The 2014 Delta Exhibition at the Arkansas Arts Center. It will run from June 27th-September 28th in Little Rock. This gives me incentive to create more 3D work and pump up the jam on production!
With only 2 weeks left of work at my teaching job, I am giddy as a school girl. I will be taking a mold making class with David Scott Smith. I need this so much! At first, I was bummed because I thought taking it wouldn't be possible but he and I talked it out and the 5 week class is gear this week. I'll juggle work and school for a couple weeks, but it will be worth the load. This man makes great work and is awesome to be around. Here is one of his pieces.
Show Nuff 4.25.14
Last weekend I had the opening reception for my 2D art show at River City Coffee in Hillcrest. It was great because of the high turn out and sales. I was so thankful to see friends and supporters. Conversation, wine, and sweets filled the shop and the patio. The white and red social lubricant allowed me and everyone else to easily glide and mingle around one another comfortably while discussing recent life with art. It was delightful talking to acquaintances and strangers about my pieces. It was much easier and less stressful having a different place to display my art rather than my own habitat. Though the fruits of my labor payed off from my house show over a year ago, it wasn't something I wanted to do during the school semester again. A small studio sale does sound like it might be on my list in the not so distant future.
I want to thank Regi Ott & Jeremy Bragg, the owners of River City Coffee, for all of their help, kindness, & support. You simply must go by there sometime and meet them or at least drink their coffee and surf their web! They are quite jazzy.
Lately I have been back to 3D with my friend Heather in her studio. It's obvious I'm loving it. We try to get in there at least one whole day every weekend. Whether we are throwing back a few beers, cooking, or shooting the bull in between, we still manage to get shit done. I'm proud of that, especially for the summer where I plan to pump it out and add a little blood, sweat & tears.
I want to thank Regi Ott & Jeremy Bragg, the owners of River City Coffee, for all of their help, kindness, & support. You simply must go by there sometime and meet them or at least drink their coffee and surf their web! They are quite jazzy.
Lately I have been back to 3D with my friend Heather in her studio. It's obvious I'm loving it. We try to get in there at least one whole day every weekend. Whether we are throwing back a few beers, cooking, or shooting the bull in between, we still manage to get shit done. I'm proud of that, especially for the summer where I plan to pump it out and add a little blood, sweat & tears.
Makin' It Werk 4.3.14
NCECA 2014= Inpired - Friends - Whiskey - Clay - Love - Realization - Diligent - Collaboration - Optimism - Idols - Understanding- Beer - Intense - Humble- Recognition - Networking - Liveliness - Dancing - Freezing - Joy - Insanity - Awareness - Unity - Variety- Sickness - Tears - Awkward - Skepticism - Fatigue - Spumoni - Kindred - Intelligence - Obscurity - Repair - Bars - Bands - Birthday - Liveliness - Pots - Consumerism
NCECA 3.18.14
Two days until my birthday and I am in Milwaukee for the National Council on the Education of the Ceramic Arts. Even though it's my 5th time, I'm still excited. I'm thinking this conference may be the boost I need since teaching and being in the real world has sucked energy and some of my soul away from me. I plan on buying a few pots for inspiration and going hardcore on visiting galleries and exhibitions. I don't feel like I got to see as much as I wanted to last year in Houston. My goal is to find as much awesomely funky shit as I can on my short journey here. Bring it on NCECA, you betta make me friggin' glad I came this year!
Blue Jasmine (My first WA film post) 2.1.14
I can't think of a better way to end the month of January than to watch the film Blue Jasmine for the first time. There is such a wide variety of themes in this movie, as usual for most of Allen's films, including greed, family, trust, and class structure. Though it is not my very favorite Woody Allen, it certainly struck a chord with me like no other. The high contrast of the different American classes together caused the majority of my emotional reaction. I could see myself in both Jasmine and Ginger due to the classes in my family. This is because half of my family has a college degree and the other half doesn't. I caught myself looking through the highly materialistic vain eyes of Jasmine and seeing that part of her inside me. It scared me horribly. I asked myself, "Will this happen to me if I keep climbing up the class ranks?" I can't see myself needing a man to support me though. Thankfully, I found more of myself in Ginger. Regardless of what she had or who she was with, she was always thankful and content. She didn't live beyond her means and truly wanted to find the good in people and found happiness in the simple things. I know that a lot of families struggle with this class climbing in America and I don't feel like it is discussed enough and this causes issues in families. Not once in this film did the sisters sit down and have a heart to heart conversation about their emotions or how their different lifestyles cause them to misunderstand one another. Sadly, that part is true to life for me.
Throughout the film I kept trying to figure out which character was the almighty grand butt of the joke. It took me a quite some time to learn that it was Jasmine. This was such a fun part of the experience. I even felt relief learning that she was the one causing the train wreck in everyone's lives she came into contact with and joy when she left homeless at the end.
Overall, I would give this movie five stars for Mr. Allen. I found it to be more of a dark comedy than many of his others. There seemed to be a type of evil laughter in me rather than joyous. For now, Bullets Over Broadway is still at the top of my list and I can't wait for the next film!
Throughout the film I kept trying to figure out which character was the almighty grand butt of the joke. It took me a quite some time to learn that it was Jasmine. This was such a fun part of the experience. I even felt relief learning that she was the one causing the train wreck in everyone's lives she came into contact with and joy when she left homeless at the end.
Overall, I would give this movie five stars for Mr. Allen. I found it to be more of a dark comedy than many of his others. There seemed to be a type of evil laughter in me rather than joyous. For now, Bullets Over Broadway is still at the top of my list and I can't wait for the next film!
Studio Time Lately 1.31.14
As of lately for studio time I have been focusing on combining food with sex. I've been doing illustrations of cakes and collages with men around food. I find that eating and sexual activities have similar stimulation. Images and more to come later.
Two Weeks for Contemplation Vacation 12.23.13
Christmas break. Finally. I managed to hold my head above water until Saturday, then jumped up and took a long deep breath. I don't even want to think about what the next semester is going to hold. I just know that I need to think about what I want to do for the fall of 2014. It's time to seriously consider whether teaching here another year is in store if I should carry on somewhere else. These thoughts hit me hard last night.
I can't say that I am sad or happy. The money from my profession is great and the hours and days are good too. It's just that I am not getting to create art like I want. I have made very minimal clay work this semester. Although, I have been dabbling in collage, watercolor, and colored pencil and like it very much. Bringing myself back to these mediums has reminded me that I need to slow down on my ideas for bigger works and take time to play and reevaluate why, how, and who I create art for. I create for myself and then for others. I have not been giving myself enough time to create and it's stifling my being. I am biting my own hand. A large amount of this is my fault because I choose to do an after school program on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in addition to partial laziness.
In July I began taking once weekly yoga classes at Recreation Studios that have not only helped me feel better physically but spiritually. Each time I attend is a reminder of breathing in joy and breathing out pain. Releasing so much of that anger, sadness, or anxiety that I have had been withholding. It reminds me to be a better person an not to let misery into my life. By not giving myself enough time to create art I am inviting in wretchedness.
This is my goal of my two weeks for contemplation. How can I continue to let in happiness to the fullest extent while living a life in the real world? How can I continue to energize my artistic being?
I can't say that I am sad or happy. The money from my profession is great and the hours and days are good too. It's just that I am not getting to create art like I want. I have made very minimal clay work this semester. Although, I have been dabbling in collage, watercolor, and colored pencil and like it very much. Bringing myself back to these mediums has reminded me that I need to slow down on my ideas for bigger works and take time to play and reevaluate why, how, and who I create art for. I create for myself and then for others. I have not been giving myself enough time to create and it's stifling my being. I am biting my own hand. A large amount of this is my fault because I choose to do an after school program on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in addition to partial laziness.
In July I began taking once weekly yoga classes at Recreation Studios that have not only helped me feel better physically but spiritually. Each time I attend is a reminder of breathing in joy and breathing out pain. Releasing so much of that anger, sadness, or anxiety that I have had been withholding. It reminds me to be a better person an not to let misery into my life. By not giving myself enough time to create art I am inviting in wretchedness.
This is my goal of my two weeks for contemplation. How can I continue to let in happiness to the fullest extent while living a life in the real world? How can I continue to energize my artistic being?
Frantic with Mosaics 11.6.13
On October 31st I taught a mosaic workshop to my colleagues in the school district that was based on Russian Avant Garde style. I wanted the students to get out of the picture mindset that everyone always thinks of when they hear the word mosaic. A large majority of the art teachers attended. Preparing for this lesson filled me with stress and insanity. I just knew everything was going to go wrong and that I wasn't going to look professional. The whole process of the workshop was relying on me! I probably wouldn't have felt so much anxiety if the higher ups would stress less. I really wish superiors would learn to take a chill pill once in a while because it is not causing any positive or good productivity from anyone to radiate negative and controlling vibes. Anti stress lessons should be a must amongst professional development workshops!
Once I taught the workshop I felt a sense of relief and was glad that I had the opportunity to teach other adults. I don't think anyone ever said that adults would be easier to teach than children and I didn't expect it to be less difficult. I had some great students that day though. The good ones were so supportive, nice, happy, and willing to share information. Still yet, a couple were dead set to make my teaching experience difficult, and they did just that. I am thankful for the colleagues that were happy to participate. Everyone did such great work. I was so proud of each and everyone of my workshop students. I got a taste of what it would be like to teach college and know what to expect. When it came down to it, I realized I was stressing too much about the big picture and should have realized everything was going to be fine in the long run. Pictures of the mosaics:
Once I taught the workshop I felt a sense of relief and was glad that I had the opportunity to teach other adults. I don't think anyone ever said that adults would be easier to teach than children and I didn't expect it to be less difficult. I had some great students that day though. The good ones were so supportive, nice, happy, and willing to share information. Still yet, a couple were dead set to make my teaching experience difficult, and they did just that. I am thankful for the colleagues that were happy to participate. Everyone did such great work. I was so proud of each and everyone of my workshop students. I got a taste of what it would be like to teach college and know what to expect. When it came down to it, I realized I was stressing too much about the big picture and should have realized everything was going to be fine in the long run. Pictures of the mosaics:
Calamity 10.30.13
Lately it has been hard to breathe. I feel like I am still a student in college, yet I have graduated. Things have been chaotic. Paperwork after paperwork after paperwork. Meeting after meeting after meeting after meeting. Person after person. Rule after rule. Deadline after deadline. Email after email. The list goes on. As a first year teacher I am seriously questing how teaching in America is even defined. I am questioning teaching. I am questioning the time that teachers are given to do so many tasks in such little time. I am questioning a teacher's salary. I am questioning.
Though I am questioning, I am still trying to create art. I am still trying to breathe. I am still attending yoga. I am still exercising. Though I am questioning, I am keeping my head above water. I am keeping my head above water.
Though I am questioning, I am still trying to create art. I am still trying to breathe. I am still attending yoga. I am still exercising. Though I am questioning, I am keeping my head above water. I am keeping my head above water.
Getting Schooled? 9.25.13
Yes, I would say I have been getting schooled in this game called life. I wouldn't say that it is kicking my butt completely, but it is certainly trying. After growing tired of being broke all summer from my bakery job, I decided that it would be wise to apply for a teaching job. After driving to five schools and dropping off my teaching portfolio I landed a job as an elementary art teacher; pre-k-5th. The money has been nice. Being practical person that I usually am, I want to start paying my student loans off ASAP. A co-worker this summer told me that it is not such a good idea to defer them and I have heard this from multiple people. I might as well pay them now because who knows, I may want to have a kid, or a house, or my own land later on and I sure as hell don't want to be paying the student loans that far into the future. Teaching began one month ago and so far I am loving it. The school and kids are great, I can act goofy and they love it! I do crack down and let them know when to be serious though.
I have also been working at the bakery in the evenings and on weekends, but this can no longer continue and this is my last week there. Teaching takes too much out of you (it's not just from the kids either). As much as I love baking and getting crazy in the kitchen I MUST let it go! Rosalia's has been wonderful.
Next week, I shall begin teaching an afterschool art enrichment program for two days a week and I am very excited about that. It is going to be all about how fun and awesome art can be outside of the school system. Crossing my fingers that I am able to do a full fledged clay program for the year, but I am not going to get my hopes too high.
As for my art, teaching has reminded me about the basics of art. This is giving me a chance to explore art again by myself with out the pressures of higher education pressing on me. I have been working with colored pencils making similar drawings I love to do on my abstract platters. I have also continued with my pinch pots in hopes that I will be able to do a wood firing in October at Steve Driver's house. I have also been doing a lot of sketching. Good golly I am itching to get some pots fired!
Until next time, I shall be balancing life and art and trying to school life instead of it schooling me.
I have also been working at the bakery in the evenings and on weekends, but this can no longer continue and this is my last week there. Teaching takes too much out of you (it's not just from the kids either). As much as I love baking and getting crazy in the kitchen I MUST let it go! Rosalia's has been wonderful.
Next week, I shall begin teaching an afterschool art enrichment program for two days a week and I am very excited about that. It is going to be all about how fun and awesome art can be outside of the school system. Crossing my fingers that I am able to do a full fledged clay program for the year, but I am not going to get my hopes too high.
As for my art, teaching has reminded me about the basics of art. This is giving me a chance to explore art again by myself with out the pressures of higher education pressing on me. I have been working with colored pencils making similar drawings I love to do on my abstract platters. I have also continued with my pinch pots in hopes that I will be able to do a wood firing in October at Steve Driver's house. I have also been doing a lot of sketching. Good golly I am itching to get some pots fired!
Until next time, I shall be balancing life and art and trying to school life instead of it schooling me.
A Week of Arrowmont then Back to the Basics and Reality! 7.25.13
I recently attended a week long workshop called Large and In Charge at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. The class was taught by the lovely Miss Kathy King and assisted by the great Marlee Mincer. I can say nothing but great things about the whole experience. Each colleague attending had something vibrant to add to the table and we thoroughly enjoyed one another's time in and out of class. We all completed two projects based on stacked vessels and I could tell that that everyone was pushing themselves to the limit. Of course, an intense class would not be complete without karaoke or a few nights of beer, chit chat, and art talk! It was quite the emotional roller coaster since many of us were cracking up more than ever or having tears stream down our face. I have to admit, saying bye to it all caused my eyes to burst with bittersweet tears. I could not have asked for a better instructor or group of peers. It was, indeed, something magical. Then reality hit once I came back to Arkansas, like a fresh Acme brick.
I was filled with so much inspiration and joy that I started to think more about my time. What does my time mean to me? How have I been spending my time? I know that we all need breaks here and there, but how have I been filling the gaps between those breaks? Have I been using them to their full extent? I find my mind needing more enrichment as well as my art.
Before leaving on the trip, I was doing pinch pots and was working out of the trunk of my car doing slab pieces. It was actually kind of fun having people walk around my car while they watched me create a pot. I also started to think more about what other types of art I could create that I had not yet been instructed on. Somehow, I started to think about temporary street art and have decided to dabble in it. I'm finding it quite fun! I've gone around collecting bottles, wood, and junk here and there. It was also great to score some free cement. Connecting these objects to the environment to create a conversation is my ultimate goal. These projects are great for now, but I want to move on to bigger things. As for clay, I shall keep pinching see what the Arkansas Arts Center has to offer me. I am repairing kilns and helping out there as work study now. More creating to come!
I was filled with so much inspiration and joy that I started to think more about my time. What does my time mean to me? How have I been spending my time? I know that we all need breaks here and there, but how have I been filling the gaps between those breaks? Have I been using them to their full extent? I find my mind needing more enrichment as well as my art.
Before leaving on the trip, I was doing pinch pots and was working out of the trunk of my car doing slab pieces. It was actually kind of fun having people walk around my car while they watched me create a pot. I also started to think more about what other types of art I could create that I had not yet been instructed on. Somehow, I started to think about temporary street art and have decided to dabble in it. I'm finding it quite fun! I've gone around collecting bottles, wood, and junk here and there. It was also great to score some free cement. Connecting these objects to the environment to create a conversation is my ultimate goal. These projects are great for now, but I want to move on to bigger things. As for clay, I shall keep pinching see what the Arkansas Arts Center has to offer me. I am repairing kilns and helping out there as work study now. More creating to come!
Life has been Sweet...Literally 6.12.13
After graduation, it was quickly apparent that I needed to get a job. Not just any job, but something I was skilled at. After a couple of interviews I decided to go back into the baking world, making cakes, cookies, tarts, etc... I now work at Rosalia's Family Bakery and must say that this is one of the best jobs I have ever had. Rosalia and her husband are very respectful, nice, caring, and generous. I have finally discovered what it feels like to be treated like a human being in a job. It's so nice, it almost makes me not want to be a teacher. I work with people from many different countries ranging from Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Honduras, Moldova, and Mexico. The language barrier is difficult sometimes but I feel my Spanish skills strengthening. Now, I am debating on not teaching for a year and waiting until Teach for America next year. I want to also work on finding a place to create ceramic work while working on printmaking in my very own studio apartment I will be moving into on July 1st. Very excited about moving out! Needing to spread my wings.
There was something about graduation that didn't rub me the right way. I don't know if it was feeling like I was being baptized, having an empty folder given to me when I walked, or feeling completely lost as to what was going to happen shortly after. I loved my graduation day, it was great to see all of my family and finally move on. I think it was more about my love and appreciation for family and friends than anything. I watched Avenue Q at the Arkansas Rep and it was wonderful and perfect for someone who has just graduated college. It inspired me to be more motivated, ironically.
I'm suppose to go to Arrowmont school of arts and crafts mid July. Very eager to go, yet scared and hoping that I can go. As of right now, I need to worry about how to not gain weight working in a tasty bakery and figure out what the hell I am going to do come August.
There was something about graduation that didn't rub me the right way. I don't know if it was feeling like I was being baptized, having an empty folder given to me when I walked, or feeling completely lost as to what was going to happen shortly after. I loved my graduation day, it was great to see all of my family and finally move on. I think it was more about my love and appreciation for family and friends than anything. I watched Avenue Q at the Arkansas Rep and it was wonderful and perfect for someone who has just graduated college. It inspired me to be more motivated, ironically.
I'm suppose to go to Arrowmont school of arts and crafts mid July. Very eager to go, yet scared and hoping that I can go. As of right now, I need to worry about how to not gain weight working in a tasty bakery and figure out what the hell I am going to do come August.
Bang Bang, I'm a Burnout 5.11.13
I am sure that the majority of art majors suffer from burnout once schooling comes to an end, and that is my case. At the moment I don't really have a ceramics studio to work in, I'm mentally exhausted, fed up with many things, and feel like I am in a limbo section of life. Where do we go from here? Well, I sure as hell don't know yet. I did receive half tuition and half room and board for a class at Arrowmont, so I will probably be doing that this summer. Otherwise, I will most likely doing very little clay work and attempting printmaking all summer in my bedroom on my two desks. That's life!
As for my teaching degree, I feel like there have been so many roadblocks from the faculty and department to obtain the damn thing, that I don't know what to do. They passed out a list of things we need before graduation, 11 days before graduation, info and money they need before we can get our license, more crap piled on crap with more bills. I am second guessing teaching public school now more than ever. I still believe Teach for America is my calling for next year. I can't see myself...I just can't see myself yet. I need to find a mirror.
As for my teaching degree, I feel like there have been so many roadblocks from the faculty and department to obtain the damn thing, that I don't know what to do. They passed out a list of things we need before graduation, 11 days before graduation, info and money they need before we can get our license, more crap piled on crap with more bills. I am second guessing teaching public school now more than ever. I still believe Teach for America is my calling for next year. I can't see myself...I just can't see myself yet. I need to find a mirror.
ARtisans at the THEA Arts Festival 4.29.13
This weekend the ARtisans group that I work with went to the THEA Arts Festival. We did our usual routine of setting up our booth and selling our goods. I feel that we all did a really amazing job this time around. The area that we rented was roomier than other ones that we were used to and we were able to expand outside of the booth. It was great! We made plentiful sales and got many compliments. I'm very thankful for the great group of artist friends that I have to work with and the others that came to show their support. The day went by quite well considering that four of us pulled an all nighter work party. Some with 15 minutes of sleep some with 2 hours and another with none. We pushed through and survived the monsoon at the end of our long day. It was like trying to save a sinking ship full of art. Overall, a great experience and hoping to have more. Team work at it's best!
Coming to an End 4.10.13
Today marks 9 days left of my interning and 5 weeks until graduation. It has been quite some time since I have been this thankful for something to be over. As much as I am ready for college to be over, I know I will miss it as soon as I am handed my degree. Thankfully, I did purchase a car on the first day of March, which has preserved some of my sanity and allowed me to create more art. After attending the NCECA conference this year in Houston, I did some personal and artistic contemplation. I purchased a plate by Mark Cole and a creamer by Julia Galloway. Honestly, my thought process has been affected by these pieces I have purchased and caused me to look at my pots on a more practical level. Last week, we had 2 visiting artists come to campus; Sandy Simon and Robert Brady. I purchased one of each of their pots as well, allowing for more thinking and reflecting. The finale of this semester might just be me learning that I am falling in love with creating mixed media pieces while embracing that I am also a potter and learning the golden rules of Tim Gunn. I've been alive for a quarter of a century now and can't wait for the next quarter. Hoping this next chapter will continue bringing me plenty of art and inspiration in my life. If all else fails, as my favorite popular idol says, "Make it Work!"
Semester under Pressure 2.22.13
This is my last semester in college. Will I obtain my BA or crack like a greenware mug under pressure? We shall see! Through present direct observation and experience, there is no telling how to predict this outcome. I have been juggling an internship as a student teacher, preparing a senior show, compiling an art ed presentation and a studio art presentation, all without having a car. All I can do is keep myself busy busing it from one stop to the other without going bonkers. No one in my family ever said life was going to get any easier. As one of my favorite artist's sayings, "Keep on Truckin'."
Exhibition 1.10.13
I had my first solo exhibition on December 15th and 16th 2012. The event was held at my apartment and was open house all weekend. It was a lot of hard work but totally worth it. After looking back, I realize that I had fun as well. Hopefully, this will mean other exhibitions to come. I will keep up my work and hope for the best.
