I've learned something new and profound about clay. I guess I knew it deep down, but it just hit me today. I think the best part of working with clay is sharing and making new friends, and having others share with me. Others who I have met through their blogs and in person, willing to share.
I am so amazed at the willingness of others to share their art and knowledge. And yet I am not so amazed. I, too, get immense satisfaction sharing my love of clay with others, sharing what I make with others, sharing my excitement about clay, sharing what I've learned about clay, and having others do the same. What a wonderful thing. Clay rewards me every day.
A package arrived from Alaska the other day and I was so excited. The package was from Cindy Shake, a very talented metal sculptor. I admired Cindy's Raven on her blog and we came to an agreement to make a trade with each other. That's my Raven you see hanging in my home in a place of honor. My photography doesn't do justice to the piece. Cindy's note said I could hang it outside, but there is no way I'm letting my Raven get exposed to the elements.
When I opened the package Gary looked at the Raven and said, "Wow, that is a beautiful bird, it looks so realistic, and it is so you". You see ravens have been special to me for many years. I even do a raven impression, with their walk and call. (No I'm not doing a video of my impression, you'd laugh yourselves silly).
If you haven't been to Cindy's blog, Artmaking in the North, be sure to check there often, she even incorporates clay features into some of her sculptures. Cindy, thank you so much for my beautiful Raven.
xoxo
ReplyDeleteWonderful thoughts, and lovely Raven. I like the Fairy in the Midnight Garden too!
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are to have a piece of Cindy's work! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! And the raven is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever met people who are more willing to share than those who work in clay. I never experienced it in all my years of theatre, nor never experienced it in radio. I've experienced it to some degree with musicians. But in no way to the extent of those who live & breathe clay. The Raven is extraordinary. So is your sharing of it on your blog.
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy, thanks, back to you too.
ReplyDeleteHi Peter, thanks, it really is all so true, I think the goodness I have found in clay now that life's circumstances has forced me to wind down is all so wonderful, but the garden keeps creeping back into the clay as in the garden fairy, and yet how can we deny the life around us and surrounding us is all so grand!
Hi Meredith, yes I sometimes can't believe how lucky I am but hope karma has something to do with it all, thanks so much.
Hi Judy, sometimes I'm a little sappy, but everything I write is straight from the heart and true. Thanks so much.
Hi Becky, yes I am experiencing a revelation of sorts as time goes by with clay and am so wonderfully thankful for all of you out there wiling to share and help. Thanks so much.
I'd say you made a good trade - I love Cindy's work!!
ReplyDeleteHi Cynthia, thanks, yes, it was really fun to trade.
ReplyDeletehey.. i've been out of town and just now am catching up with reading blogs. I read your friend's blog post--- and learned about your wax coated vases. does that mean that the vases can now hold liquid? if so, I'd like to know how that all happens as friends want my barrel fired pieces to hold water.
ReplyDeleteHi Amy, I am not sure the wax makes them water tight, it is put on there just to enhance and protect the color of the vases, the same as you all did with your barrel fired pieces, but it might be worth a try, I guess just experiment - let me know if you do - what you use and how it turns out. I can't barrel fire any more due to the fire danger till the end of this years.
ReplyDeleteso what do you recommend using? I have no idea where to start. I've never put wax on a piece... except the wax resist on the bottom of pieces to keep the glaze from running onto the bottom of it.
ReplyDeleteHi Amy, I used MinWax Paste Finishing Wax which comes in a can that I got at Lowe's. That is the type of wax recommended in James Watkins and Paul Wandless book on Alternative Kilns and Firing Techniques. This is a soft paste. I tried it on one pendant first to see how I liked it. I put a light coating on all over the piece with a dry soft cloth wrapped around my fingers, let it sit for 15 minutes till it was dry and dull, and then I took another smooth soft cloth and polished it or buffed it lightly with my fingers wrapped in the cloth to bring out a sheen. You have to be careful because some barrel fired pieces are not as strong as pieces fired in a kiln because they don't get to as high a temperature. Paste wax is the same thing you would use on fine furniture or wood work, not the kind of wax that is liquid that you pour on floors. I still don't think it makes the piece water tight, it just protects the surface and keeps the colors from fading in the sunlight. It does darken the piece slightly. Wax resist is something completely different - I would not use that.
ReplyDelete