If you've read my blog for any length of time you know I have lots of clay experiments under my belt and a bit of a shard pile. I'll be honest, there's been some disappointments. I've been described as persistent, which is true, so I keep on. I keep on making more and more pieces and trying harder. Lately I noticed the experiments and shards are leading me somewhere.
The first months I worked in clay I immediately started pushing the limits of what my instructors said was possible. I was told - don't, can't, won't work - but I kept on exploring and trying. I'm sure I would have been told this vase wouldn't make it through a firing. But I was willing to give it a try. Why? Because after all my trials and tests I knew it would make it and I love to challenge myself.
This oblong vase, about 10 x 10 x 4 inches, is meant to fit in a narrow space and be heavy enough to hold as many flowers as you can squeeze in there and not tip over, a country bouquet if you will. Yes, the vase has some heft to it, but on purpose. I let it dry for months before even a bisque firing. As an amateur flower arranger, this vase works for me and I hope it does the same for someone who's looking for a vase sturdy enough for tall arrangements, yet one nice enough to be displayed on it's own.
Here's the second modified trapezoid vase I made. Another vase with subtle colors. My thinking is the flowers might take center stage and the vase can complement the arrangement. The angles on the top of this vase are even more asymmetrical than the first vase of this series.
I have a feeling future pieces will be even more asymmetrical and I think I'll be adding some brighter colors into the mix. Yes, I'll still be pushing the limits of clay and enjoying it all. I'd love to hear your thoughts about stepping outside the lines and limits in working with clay.
These two pieces are the last two I placed in the Clay and Blogs, Telling A Story show. A big thanks to Meredith for all she has done putting this show together and for inviting me to participate. I'm really looking forward to meeting those who are able to come to the opening in person. I'm sorry some aren't able to attend, but I feel we're all together virtually and in the clay spirit.
I love the message of your clay successes. That you didn't listen the the "can't, won't and don't even try" words. You trusted your instincts and creative spirit and found a way to make something beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, thanks, I appreciate your supportive words of my process. It really was a difficult time; I had to forge ahead in the midst of other's negativity. It wasn't easy for me to keep up a positive attitude. Now it's a little easier for me to forget the struggles of the past, but they were definitely there.
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