"Who Am I?" is the title of this mixed media piece, currently showing here in Sedona. This is the theme of the show itself, sponsored by the Sedona Visual Artists Coalition.
I am the artist, and I am the image in the mirror. What a provocative idea. To me, using a mirror reflects the varying aspects of asking that question. Don't we all change every day of our life? It can be going on inside, our feelings and emotions, as well as the outward reflection.
I have been mixing collage with my calligraphy for a while. I chose to use sepia tones in my photos, ripping the edges as I like to do. Can't have things too orderly. There are pictures of me from long ago both on the edge, and in the compartments on the front.
I am telling the story of where I came from; what I have done; experiences that make me the person I am today.There is even a compartment for ideas and comments from the viewer. Interactive art.
Incorporating my skills as a ceramic artist, I made the letters in various calligraphic styles out of clay. That is a big part of what I am about as well.
I like that each time I look at this piece, or you do, we will see the current image of "who I am?" right now.
Blue is the color of these miniature pots. They just recently came out of my kiln. All are less than three inches tall.
This high fire glaze is a shiny one, and the white porcelain clay I use seems to show off this luster.Often I decorate my small pots with feathers and turquoise. I am an Arizona artist, after all.The warm colors of red and yellow make a nice contrast with the cooler shade of blue.
This photo is a very accurate portrayal of this hue. Cobalt is the main ingredient is making a glaze blue. Other ingredients influence the result, as in this glaze.
I was listening to public radio yesterday. They were discussing all the meanings and descriptions of the color blue. It can be a mood, a type of music,even a slang word.
The choice and variety of this color are incredible. This particular blue seems to draw me into the pot. I hope it feels that way to you, as well.
Imagine. On either side of a grassy lawn are eight ceramics dogs on pedestals, lining each side. You can see their size compared to my own. Made long ago in the far east,they are as fearsome and well preserved today as when created to decorate an emperor's garden.This photo was taken in the place called the Fu Gardens.
When recently in Illinois, I visited The Allerton Park and Retreat, donated to the University of Illinois, at Urbana-Champain, by Robert Allerton . Built as a private house in 1900 by his father, a wealthy Chicago businessman, these 1,500 acres and grounds were called "The Farms " in their time. Now the grounds of the stately Georgian manor, complete with sculpture gardens, are free for the public to wander.
These ceramic dogs, with their fierce expressions and brilliant cobalt glaze, intrigued me. Clay is such an ancient form of expression, and functionality. Somehow, in my own way, I feel I am carrying on these ancient traditions.
