To be featured week of June 28th
@BlythFestivalArtGallery · Art
Thanks to the Gallery for arranging this great opportunity for area artists. I am happy to be a part of this exciting project. My work will be featured on their facebook page during the week of June 28th. Although in the past years I have concentrated on raku work which requires help for the firing I have instead focused on a variety of unique techniques and processes working alone during the pandemic.
Nerikomi is “a decorative process established in Japan that involves stacking colored clay and then slicing through the cross section to reveal a pattern.” https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/
Although this technique requires a lot of patience and time for the clay layers to ‘meld’ together the results are worth the effort and then if desired only a clear glaze is needed.
For these pieces I have created with various natural clay colours as well as clay that I have coloured.
I have always had a strong interest in printmaking processes such as serigraphy, intaglio and woodcuts. It is the similarity to the appearance and the process of a woodcut print that also attracts me to the clay technique called sgraffito. It involves coating a greenware piece with a coloured slip and then carefully removing or carving away the areas that you wish to have lighter in the finished piece. In addition, I find it relaxing and maybe even mesmerizing. Recently it has become a daily motivator with my morning coffee. When the design has been carved and the piece is bisque fired it then only needs a clear glaze before being fired the second time. There are other variations in the process, but this is how these platters have been done.
This raku necklace is my donation to the upcoming online auction in support of the Blyth Theatre. This unique fundraiser of pieces 10″ x 10″ will feature 100 works by local artists. I called this piece ‘Smoke and Flames’ because the raku firing technique is quite an adventure, working from a hot outdoor kiln and a flaming reduction chamber to obtain the multi-colour effects.
Totems take additional time than most creations, especially if the pieces are raku fired. With this unpredictable outdoor firing technique it took quite a while to accumulate a collection of shapes and colours to choose from to create my totem. Although 2020 has had some big setbacks it has on the other hand allowed many opportunities to stick to my own work and complete so many projects. Raku is an ancient Japanese firing technique and translates as ‘Joyful Surprise’. There are so many variables on how the glazes will turn out. When I fire in Arizona with the same glazes they have a different appearance, and the weather also seems to have an effect on the results in both the north and the south. Until now I have had the luxury of raku firing year round–at the Mesa Arts Studio in the winter and here at home in the summer. My outdoor kiln here at home is at the back of the property, sheltered nicely from the elements, but I have never fired there yet when the snow is piled high around. This year might be a first.
What a ‘Spoonanza‘! Artaroundtown has once again experienced an enthusiastic response for volunteers to come together to support the Huron County Food Distribution Center. On July 10th almost 100 people from all over the county came to Dashwood to help create pottery spoons for ‘Empty Spoons’ to be held on Sept. 6th at the Christian Reformed Church in Exeter. Working in three shifts in three different stations they created unique spoons in different techniques and shapes – over 500 spoons. Wow. This is all in preparation for ArtaroundTown’s 4th annual soup event in support of the Huron County Food Distribution Center. Tickets for this wonderful evening of soup, entertainment, celebrity silent auction and art show and sale are only $10 and you get to take home one of these special spoons too. Contact artaroundtownx@gmail.com or talk to an artaroundtown member. What a great way to support the HCFDC.
I am pleased to have this large piece hanging at the Blyth Gallery in Blyth, Ontario for the next three weeks. This Community Show is an exhibition of art from the Huron region. (May 26-June 16). Drop in and see a wide range of media – photography, painting, sculpture, mixed media, pottery, fabric and more. It is a very uplifting show.
My piece is called ‘Richly Seeded’ a reflection of our wonderful multicultural community.
The ceramics pods are mounted on a wooden surface approximately 36 x34.
The ancient Japanese pottery technique called raku is translated as ‘unexpected, joyful surprise‘. There is no doubt about it. Every time that kiln drum is lifted at the necessary glaze melting temperature the thrill begins. There are never two firings alike – always a surprise.
My 8 week experience at the Mesa Arts Center has been wonderful. Not only have I worked with super instructors but also inspiring potters and sculptors all around. I cannot wait to come back again next year. I am so thankful for all the new friendships.
Off to a great start – creativity, travelling, learning.
My mosaic end table took about two weeks of devotion but it was a great way to force myself to work outback and soak up some of Arizona’s wonderful sun. Now on to pottery classes and entertaining. Winter in Maricopa will go far too fast.
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