There was a small amount of clay left on my work table which I'd wrapped up loosely several days ago. I decided I better make something before it got too dry to use. I rolled out a slab of clay and made this tube form and then I decided to scrunch it up for a bridge shaped form but leave it hollow. Suddenly in the back of my mind I recalled the City of Rocks in New Mexico which I visited many years ago. So I decided to add some round boulder shapes. This piece is about 7 inches tall and 14 inches long.
If I step out bounds, out of my comfort zone, once a week and make something without thinking about it, after a year I'll have fifty two pieces of sculpture. It's a wonderful feeling to set myself free to make something random, not a piece with a particular function or recognizable shape. Just making something which happens in the moment. I don't think I'll put any color or glaze on this piece, I'll just fire it like it is. I can imagine myself walking under the curve of the bridge to get out of a hot desert sun. There's also the two caves on either end, safe places to go and relax or explore. This post is part of the Mud Colony what's happening in the studio. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
Excellent form, and I like the ideas you're having. Inspiration! So glad you share them here. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteStepping out of our comfort zone is a really good idea for finding inspiration. Even if it's not clay related, drawing, painting, writing, can all help the creative process grow and thrive.
ReplyDeletelove this
ReplyDeleteYour creativity just bursts forth willy nilly! How talented you are!
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Lori said... and add that if you don't do this every so often you would become stagnant.
ReplyDeleteLooks wonderful! And a great challenge to take on. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the sponteanity of the form! I've been to New Mexico and your piece really does evoke so much of the landscape there.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Julia. Billy Goat gruff may live here, too, it's that whimsical.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea.....make something outside the zone once a week. You end up with lots of new ideas and you have work to show as a result. Once a week means, hopefully, not to much time and energy expended. Working quickly can lead to an energy and freshness that is soooooo easy to lose with overworking.
ReplyDeleteLinda, this is gorgeous!! i really love the shape of it. The combination of forms - the bent tube and the little boulders. Really love it. I'm a new follower! xoxo
ReplyDeleteWorking with too much studied caution can drain you...letting go like this every week is empowering.
ReplyDeleteLove it how you're never afraid to try something new!
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, thanks, there is much inspiration in everything and it's all in how the mind interprets it.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori, thanks, coincidentally we went to a local printing museum and I was immediately wanting to do some printing but there there is the cost factor. I may take up some painting this summer.
Hi Joan, thanks, you know me, way out there sometimes. Ha.
Hi Ms. Sparrow, thanks, yes willy nilly and that is a word I use and like. Ha.
Hi Michele, thanks, that's so true, I'd become stagnant.
Hi Natasha, thanks, yes a great challenge, wonder if I can stick to it?
Hi Julia, thanks, I think of New Mexico as more geometric and rough forms, but that can be another sculpture. Each person sees things differently don't they.
Hi Joanne, thanks, yes a billy goat can live in those cliffs, in fact New Mexico has the big horn sheep which I love, beautiful shape to their horns.
Hi Suzi, thanks, yes quickly and spontaneously and from each piece more ideas come. And there is a certain thrill at the possibility of something wonderful coming out of the 'playing with the clay'. The constructed houses and carts are like that, how to keep them fresh because they do take concentration and much skill to keep together.
Hi Pauline, thanks so much, I never know what I'll come up with, but it really is fun and keeps me out of trouble.
Hi Mary, thanks, you are so right. I think I was a bit drained with all the firing and travel and such, doing without thinking lets the brain rest and refresh.
Hi Amy, thanks, well you know I can always crumple it up or throw it away. I used to hate to think of that but now that I have more work under my belt I can crumple, not fire, or smash much more.