tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70375063985443966292024-03-15T18:10:04.883-07:00Sedona ArtistV. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.comBlogger284125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-82997171801805968542023-08-16T15:58:00.001-07:002023-08-16T16:00:11.521-07:00Mission San Juan Capistrano<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFSpdSNJjVaiUsi47KilhQPOFGXEfYICfD9ctNc0HktoANJQQ6u7pNt0ZYSRfxYopZ_CgsJz3XCMPe7qWtSBOZaLcZ29vaKafJMSM19F69KOSg7yJ286ERI8e4scTYnvAyNSntcjH-6RNBUnlL5z1Cld-8G_UGabU5vFMBz40JDTMpe3oaFfobosK/s3340/v%20AT%20sj%20c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3340" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFSpdSNJjVaiUsi47KilhQPOFGXEfYICfD9ctNc0HktoANJQQ6u7pNt0ZYSRfxYopZ_CgsJz3XCMPe7qWtSBOZaLcZ29vaKafJMSM19F69KOSg7yJ286ERI8e4scTYnvAyNSntcjH-6RNBUnlL5z1Cld-8G_UGabU5vFMBz40JDTMpe3oaFfobosK/s320/v%20AT%20sj%20c.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Here I stand before the ruins of the original cathedral at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, in California. A friend and I went to the ocean and made a visit to this small town north of San Clemente. I had been there once, over 50 years ago, on my first sojourn west. This visit was a whole new experience. You may have heard of this place because of the festival of the swallows returning to build their nests here every March, after their long flight back from Argentina. There was even a hit song about it, way back when. It is a significant part of California history, as it was one of the many missions founded by Saint Junipero Serra , this one in 1776. These missions were established by Spain to expand their territory and spread Christianity to the indigenous natives, here it was the Acjachemen tribe. But an earthquake in 1812 caused thus great stone church to collapse, leaving only this wall of niches. I seem pretty small in comparison. I loved all the history that is displayed here. I learned that after Mexico won independence in 1821 the Governor, Pio Pico, sold the land and mission to a Mr. John Forster. He just " happened ' to marry the Governor's sister, who was a 30 year old spinster at the time. Connections are all. But Mexico lost this land after California became a state in 1850. The Catholic bishop petitioned the US government to have the mission returned to the Catholic Church. In 1865, not long before his death, Abraham Lincoln did just that. Today the mission is restored to beauty. There is an existing chapel; historical exhibits; gorgeous rose and flower gardens ; and a reminder of the preciousness of life, today.</i></span><p></p><p><br /></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-56037136485998484362023-07-14T12:59:00.000-07:002023-07-14T12:59:30.190-07:00Lavender Farms Forever<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUl9KKZ96Y25wO6tlPcD4dnp0g50i3Cac5okwSfsoUWXbQh4lKu8kRBDVtLUejJCQ2vZws9Km3I1ZZu4rm01zEwR0YlfT9j7nV8GXpjBe6lEGEEUZC_J0uofL2R7uRaNt8NJvpGm7ubq-gBnxplK1bS_UJyZviYejVmm8qYYgGYZd7jB6WzLzrkTX/s4000/V%20in%20the%20lavendar%20fields.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUl9KKZ96Y25wO6tlPcD4dnp0g50i3Cac5okwSfsoUWXbQh4lKu8kRBDVtLUejJCQ2vZws9Km3I1ZZu4rm01zEwR0YlfT9j7nV8GXpjBe6lEGEEUZC_J0uofL2R7uRaNt8NJvpGm7ubq-gBnxplK1bS_UJyZviYejVmm8qYYgGYZd7jB6WzLzrkTX/s320/V%20in%20the%20lavendar%20fields.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Who doesn't love Lavender? Here I am at the Red Rock Lavender Farm in Concho, AZ. Where , you may ask , is Concho? It is a town, quite a spread out area, to the north of Show Low, in the White mountains, where I come to get out of the summer heat. I have to thank my gardening friend, Daysy, for this tip. We gardeners are always interested in learning about plants. This farm was started back in the 1990's. It was supposed to be an orchard and vegetable endeavor, however the lavender used for landscaping became a commercial boom. There are now 35,000 plants, of various varieties. I am near a sweet smelling Vera variety. The altitude here is 6,100 feet high, and very windy. Off in the distance are red rock formations, but not quite like Sedona, where I live and produce my art. Now they grow grapes as well, producing wine , and following in the steps of Southern France. They have a tasting room, where I really only liked the Rose variety, but then taste is so individual, and people left with cases of something. Their gift shop tantalizes you with handmade soaps, dish towels, cooking items, anything to get you to leave behind your dinero. I bought two plants as well, which I plan to use in containers for now. It was an adventure, and who doesn't like that?!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><br /> <p></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-7020028830161455262023-05-24T12:58:00.001-07:002023-05-24T12:58:19.661-07:00Calligrapher, Hard at Play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUwZdPWbEZr4AbzfMwoRqOWJMscWsWaVvHTtWhCFjueukHBxZL-3I3dUkoxyydHV_Nceg3ddB7PORzuE44TB2sAeEXIxBlmOciqzldr4UaAvo-H8OzoQchXqH2lhQJUHO0BcgvsTYG00IAaGhiD8LDCE1DErY_Ym4utpLaL5Rfl8VnJEqKyeeGw/s4000/Calligrapher%20at%20work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUwZdPWbEZr4AbzfMwoRqOWJMscWsWaVvHTtWhCFjueukHBxZL-3I3dUkoxyydHV_Nceg3ddB7PORzuE44TB2sAeEXIxBlmOciqzldr4UaAvo-H8OzoQchXqH2lhQJUHO0BcgvsTYG00IAaGhiD8LDCE1DErY_Ym4utpLaL5Rfl8VnJEqKyeeGw/s320/Calligrapher%20at%20work.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Calligrapher , Hard at Work, could be a good title here. I just spent a wonderful weekend retreat in the Prescott forest. I call it " summer camp for grown ups", although some might debate the label. Here I am copying out some lettering for a small book I am creating. I have been a professional calligrapher, based here in Sedona AZ, for decades. I am a member of the Calligraphic Society of Arizona, referred to as CSA, for all that time. Most of the members are in the Phoenix area, and that is where all the monthly workshops and meetings are held. Unfortunately , I really do not attend very often, due to the distance. But this was two nights in a church camp, with bunk beds and the cafeteria. We stayed at Emmanuel Pines, and they could not have been more helpful and accommodating. This was a special occasion, a chance after Covid to gather as a group. The teachers were fellow members, and the variety of projects impressive. For example: Making hanging paper "weathergrams" to leave in trees outside or our rustic cabins. Will they be susceptible to the weather? Of course. Must art always be " permanent," or can it just exist in the present? Nature seemed to be the theme ,and it was exciting to write on wood for one project, then creating three in a mobile. We cut out stencils to apply to a blank page ,and used both the negative and positive spacing. </i></span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Throughout the days, I was working on the technique for a small book, which I actually almost finished. There was a dedicated lesson on making books from envelopes. We calligraphers are a frugal bunch. That was a challenge, but I did wake up early and go through the process in my head, before I got up in the frosty morning. Maybe I will change the title of this blog. It was fun!</i></span></div>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-11183667819032511422023-02-14T15:27:00.004-08:002023-02-14T15:36:47.200-08:00Feathered Mystery<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTtMf7n1tmH_r4mQWNS7iRh53rokRwwhnANqc3RSeIzMsoQxthUtGPyAqe41b5x5AoqGugYR5X3YDdLp9I2JtJ932nT24kD4qhCShGAOUp0hm96kASD0SeYsiVlTtmlT-T1dKoaSs_NujKn0sLmLA_PkBVU9Ry_eGI6TPw8b6t7GuyfohERyAoA/s4463/Feathered%20%20Mystery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4463" data-original-width="2573" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTtMf7n1tmH_r4mQWNS7iRh53rokRwwhnANqc3RSeIzMsoQxthUtGPyAqe41b5x5AoqGugYR5X3YDdLp9I2JtJ932nT24kD4qhCShGAOUp0hm96kASD0SeYsiVlTtmlT-T1dKoaSs_NujKn0sLmLA_PkBVU9Ry_eGI6TPw8b6t7GuyfohERyAoA/s320/Feathered%20%20Mystery.jpg" width="184" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Inspiration comes in many ways. In these dark and cold winter days, a sale can light up an artist's creative spirit. So it was for me. I recently sold two masks at the Wyatt gallery, here in Sedona, AZ, where I live and work. I realized it was time to complete this large "Feathered Mystery." It spans some eight inches wide by 20 inches to the tip of its feathers. </i></span></div> <span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>I'm not sure people realize all the processes involved in a complicated creation such as this . First comes the raw clay to form my dimensional concept. I usually work in series, so this has some relationship to previous masks of this size and style. I have to think ahead to what will be the final effect and colors.. Fortunately, I own feathers of exotic birds that a dear friend of mine with an aviary sends my way. Birds naturally molt, so there is no harm to any creature, Clay is at its most fragile when just dried. Lots of clean up, and sanding is necessary, and it's tricky handling such a large size Next the colors are applied. I do use premade low fired glazes since they wear so well and fire so brightly. Then it goes into the kiln to about 1800 degrees. It will come out strong enough to go into its last firing. This is a primitive firing, using natural combustibles. Potters have been using this style forever. Everything turns dark, so it must be cleaned up to show off the decorative colors.</i></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>I have a very reliable way to hang these creatures. Copper wire wrapped in yarns to accentuate and soften the hangers. Finally the feathers. Here I also added some turquoise and coral in among the feathers. This brings up the innovative side of my brain. Lots of hours, days, even weeks to finally complete. Just wanted to spread a little insight into my creative process. Comments?</i></span></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-11682475950504796992022-11-20T09:56:00.000-08:002022-11-20T09:56:58.368-08:00Calligraphy for the Holidays<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvPiEFPzExbVUGLomEHuU-yx05Ob3UQpK4hyJ8OX8cniOwxFoWF-sr3mlvBFQiD8BudcUs8i6K9mbLF8hNAtaB_2zl59bM1JRmiVskIU14frC3aTWXte8PFxlCE4LRk7D4ovuQahHf_W9GLRSIzhvsDORcUZWfke5vMqHM_iNhWvFV-P017OjrA/s3369/demo%20at%20SAC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2805" data-original-width="3369" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvPiEFPzExbVUGLomEHuU-yx05Ob3UQpK4hyJ8OX8cniOwxFoWF-sr3mlvBFQiD8BudcUs8i6K9mbLF8hNAtaB_2zl59bM1JRmiVskIU14frC3aTWXte8PFxlCE4LRk7D4ovuQahHf_W9GLRSIzhvsDORcUZWfke5vMqHM_iNhWvFV-P017OjrA/w320-h270/demo%20at%20SAC.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Here I am, demonstrating my calligraphy, with watercolor, at the Sedona Arts Center yesterday. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Nearing all the holidays, that was my theme for my demo in their front lobby yesterday. I sell my calligraphy cards and prints there, so it is relevant to what our visitors are seeing me creating . Thanks to Taylor also. Each card I make is decorated by hand, with watercolor or gouache, a non transparent color. This is what I usually write with, although a new stash of colored inks are working well on envelopes Those inks are almost permanent , lately leaving a nice red stain on my fingers. I was told by staff member Debra Shinn, that I should consider this my badge of honor. Cate , the high school artist working there, made a lovely video of my hand actually painting, which is on Facebook also. It was kind of exciting to see the actual sequence of brush strokes. Check it out. My technique here, is to write out my original, then print on card stock, so it will not bleed when I add wet paint. I can do many alphabets, but people seem to like the Italic style . I like using Uncial also, which is on my sign . Each card is a one of a kind. Watercolor is tricky. Once you make your "mark" it stays. Corrections usually make it worse, so there is always an element of surprise, even for me! I don't know if people are aware, but I taught Calligraphy at SAC for fourteen years, and then went on to teach at NAU for five years as adjunct faculty. I see my demos as a way to educate the public about the beautiful art I love . </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><br /> <p></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-66780477293244457262022-09-22T12:36:00.002-07:002022-09-22T12:36:30.069-07:00The Art of the Cat<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaptMeiBGb2aUbpCTpAx5pdkFvbW6--eh_CMORISRn7e6XesVveO--llsm-1_TaJ7EcB2UMh2gvmnDj0_Dj-9GiPI6cV2HkMxjJZ9RnK2hNqACRwY1daEkqdSELTdeHPqRlzTgIKCBNE7VqkI4gwoSL2c53H0NFWQx3kCzPnECRm5IO6CceduJZg/s2159/0922221058a_HDR%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1996" data-original-width="2159" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaptMeiBGb2aUbpCTpAx5pdkFvbW6--eh_CMORISRn7e6XesVveO--llsm-1_TaJ7EcB2UMh2gvmnDj0_Dj-9GiPI6cV2HkMxjJZ9RnK2hNqACRwY1daEkqdSELTdeHPqRlzTgIKCBNE7VqkI4gwoSL2c53H0NFWQx3kCzPnECRm5IO6CceduJZg/s320/0922221058a_HDR%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Opened the kiln today and what did I see? Cat bowls. One where it is only the cat, and then a little whimsey, when I added the mouse. I could probably name it "El Gato mira al Raton"= the Cat looks at the Mouse". But that's a lot of words when you are writing very small with a paintbrush at a weird angle. Yes, everything is drawn freehand . I like creating animal pieces. I have made ceramic boxes with a horse on the top. It helps to have a creature that can be somewhat stylized, so it is easily representative. I make each bowl shown here by hand, using a white porcelain clay.. Then I take my tiny paintbrush, dip it into cobalt blue oxide, and draw all the lines and letters you see here. Over that I pour a thin coat of a clear glaze, which lets the design show through. I high fire this in my kiln, enough to put in the microwave and dishwasher. Yes, those are the main questions that buyers ask. Here in The USA they are very clear that all glazes must be lead free, so that is why its's not bad to buy American. Sounds like a sales pitch? It's not . Simple truth.</i></span><p></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-72232455912883622822022-07-27T20:07:00.000-07:002022-07-27T20:07:48.488-07:00Follow the Mask<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WSNUKk2Ch5295Wx14fFKVHy14bJsoQZ84tf4-m-p7AQXlho1ZcCUP-CGQ0PNqXhsfdWwKEFrPlzBZPuXhEggMs3EFOIrd9yOsW3sj7_KhyHZmhdwCK-FVxMBLVqMewx4_RumincCC9Pv6pRJyJWGNounJcaDTSviriCBqxwpV-eRtSJ0GKMVFA/s2872/yellow%20white%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2872" data-original-width="2424" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WSNUKk2Ch5295Wx14fFKVHy14bJsoQZ84tf4-m-p7AQXlho1ZcCUP-CGQ0PNqXhsfdWwKEFrPlzBZPuXhEggMs3EFOIrd9yOsW3sj7_KhyHZmhdwCK-FVxMBLVqMewx4_RumincCC9Pv6pRJyJWGNounJcaDTSviriCBqxwpV-eRtSJ0GKMVFA/s320/yellow%20white%20(2).jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Here I am , following my passion and creating masks again this summer of 2022. This one is what I call a miniature mask. All is relative, n'est-ce-pas? It can can fit in your hand, or hang on a very narrow wall. There are guidelines for a "true miniature", something about an inch equaling a foot. Not my thing, although I do like to make tiny pots also. This creation, titled " Yellow Secret" is part of my on going series, called " Small Spirits". There are so many influences on my work. I used to travel with a very small sketch pad, about the size of this mask. I would go to a museum in Mexico, for example, and stay for for three hours and make little drawings. Or I would be in some archeological place and draw what I saw. When I was invited to Hopi dances in their Plaza, the sketching would have to be in my head, but it was there. So I am not certain what left the largest influence to my style in this field . Anyway, most often the masks tell Me what to create. I am currently showing these works at the Wyatt Gallery at Hillside, on 179 in Sedona, AZ. I invite you stop by and take a look.</i></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-56570155800270512842022-05-22T18:49:00.000-07:002022-05-22T18:49:03.731-07:00The Sedona Visual Artists' Show<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbKW9GzSMWj1TOmdg7wlSMBIowZ-Vp44yikArWIqd2czW6Vqws0ixa-RbNMmCrBUeKHV78EA2LB_U2gw_spZ9Wu1E3TIcfbgiAnsjI2PfL0rET5nXpl45BUx1xoxvPC32BhwAbOpeqVkQbObjsNm2IaXwZulMJRnfZ7bWndlC-vXmSyf1epnKgA/s2576/SVAC%20show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="2141" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbKW9GzSMWj1TOmdg7wlSMBIowZ-Vp44yikArWIqd2czW6Vqws0ixa-RbNMmCrBUeKHV78EA2LB_U2gw_spZ9Wu1E3TIcfbgiAnsjI2PfL0rET5nXpl45BUx1xoxvPC32BhwAbOpeqVkQbObjsNm2IaXwZulMJRnfZ7bWndlC-vXmSyf1epnKgA/s320/SVAC%20show.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Here I am with my entries for the Sedona Visual Artists' Show, at the Sedona Arts Center located <br />here in town. Actually this is the first Live show for the group in the last two years due to Covid. It was fun to be among a group of talented artists with the freedom to show what work they've been doing for the past two years. For myself, the first year and a half of the outbreak really stopped me creating anything. The galleries were closed. Everyone was stuck at home; living in sweats; watching netflix ; eating inappropriate food. What was the point in going to the studio to spend time on something no one would ever see? I think you could call it artistic depression. Others have experienced this . Did You?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i> But jewelry is small, and since I have other stones, that was a way to see some beauty in a more doable time frame . Clay can take months to create; fire; clean up; then clean some more. A call from a client got me back to making the big bowl. Ah hah, work awaits. So here I am with my lovely earth brown, porcelain beaded necklace, with the nice, chunky turquoise stones and the bracelet and earrings to complete the set. I hold the biggest bowl I can fit in my kiln. So this started out as a blog about a show and talked about the changes in all our lives up to this moment. Comments?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><i style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> </i><br /> <p></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-16403673201549792812022-03-18T19:11:00.002-07:002022-03-18T19:11:21.547-07:00The Magic of Museums<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XtxAgsB7n3GzRKl9xha8jKQBoY0B2xJuEiLFsOLvFUEw_bWBPDtFmnW0oBBJUur7c9V-bJw_Xj-xt98GJNxROMP4xXS15QbRxNSeeF3fa_4YJMEDsj_ufRV3Kyc4NGtDbNPs-_norPnL_sZ08fvrP9mJoEF3Iy_f-JkeGpD4d7P9jcFukw9ufw/s4652/0315221104_Burst01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4652" data-original-width="2616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XtxAgsB7n3GzRKl9xha8jKQBoY0B2xJuEiLFsOLvFUEw_bWBPDtFmnW0oBBJUur7c9V-bJw_Xj-xt98GJNxROMP4xXS15QbRxNSeeF3fa_4YJMEDsj_ufRV3Kyc4NGtDbNPs-_norPnL_sZ08fvrP9mJoEF3Iy_f-JkeGpD4d7P9jcFukw9ufw/s320/0315221104_Burst01.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The magic of museums. </i></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Here I am in front of the display of old books at the Clemenceau Heritage Museum in Cottonwood, AZ, not too far from Sedona, AZ, where I live and create my art. For years I have passed this building, but never went in. Finally I opened a door to the history of the Verde Valley. The hours are different and admission is by donation. This building was the original school for the town of Clemenceau and surrounding areas. I never even realized there was a a town by that name! Apparently there were too many towns containing the name Verde, so Mr. Douglas, Jerome mine magnate, named it after his WWI friend, French premier Georges Clemenceau. In 1960, the newly incorporated Cottonwood took over this area. Inside the museum is an original classroom with all the desks and books. There are displays of useful items from the turn of the century onward: farm implements; medical and dental tools; kitchen objects; old washing machines; toys; eyeglasses; ladies outfits and jewelry, just to name a few included items. There is a room on Jerome mining, and an entire room with a miniature railroad. What fun to see the pictures of graduating classes during the 1940's and 1950's. These names are now on streets in this area. There was Ms. Anne Jordan of Sedona, wearing the snazziest white shoes with her cap and gown. Scrapbooks of historical events in all the surrounding towns intrigued me, especially Sedona. What magic there is in this local jewel of history. </i></span><i style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"> </i></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-22759747087347676272022-01-25T17:53:00.000-08:002022-01-25T17:53:05.906-08:00The Art of Musical Instruments.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgp05F-DLoiapAW6L1SvtPLhn0senmmDjQqwHM4vfAGAn8_VPNdpiwD1l3R8c6Zj2WCw5drmZoH3Gp1Vq9iQWPiIEkBfqjJJH_bRDxTJmRfPrEbKmGbkN94avx5kb-3zRDdo_1c9J7WGgieiWOVGy-5QaRs3tPLxcz0M8nNNc6AkIKPRml0vcY9HQ=s3840" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgp05F-DLoiapAW6L1SvtPLhn0senmmDjQqwHM4vfAGAn8_VPNdpiwD1l3R8c6Zj2WCw5drmZoH3Gp1Vq9iQWPiIEkBfqjJJH_bRDxTJmRfPrEbKmGbkN94avx5kb-3zRDdo_1c9J7WGgieiWOVGy-5QaRs3tPLxcz0M8nNNc6AkIKPRml0vcY9HQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><i style="font-size: x-large;"> Standing in front of a delectable selection of instruments from some far away country, here I am visiting the Musical Instrument Museum, located in our own city of Phoenix, Arizona. I haven't been writing much lately. It was the holiday season, with Christmas, New Years, and then my very own birthday month of January. Being a maker of ceramic drums, and a dancer, music has always been a love of mine. This seemed a fitting way to spend my birthday. My sister flew in to celebrate with me , so I figured this would also enchant her. We spent the day there and even had a delish lunch in their dining room. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time. We got there early and stayed all day There are 2 floors packed with every style of instrument, from antique to present. Opened in 2010, it was the private collection of a wealthy man who decided to share with the world his special love. There are over 15,000 examples of different items that have sounds that are unique in their own way. They give you a headset so as you stand in front of a display, the sounds come on. What is so touching to me is how universal the art of music is, and will continue to be interpreted by those who follow us, in their own creative style. Comments?</i><p></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-9496201749883279332021-11-29T14:21:00.002-08:002021-11-29T14:27:13.196-08:00Our Gifts from land and Sea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROa7euvx9ULzpIqxL6D2vdR_kDxNTFds-Laj7tL6qCxEU89ne0d4GhaJWgQNxZ0iSQYgRtgWcMgrTR5vSS6VTsDLLg9eV9B3w_TFXZA-v6bkCOQVihwJ_VEFJ_VDUOLjVnOY_LBPq/s2048/Coral+1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROa7euvx9ULzpIqxL6D2vdR_kDxNTFds-Laj7tL6qCxEU89ne0d4GhaJWgQNxZ0iSQYgRtgWcMgrTR5vSS6VTsDLLg9eV9B3w_TFXZA-v6bkCOQVihwJ_VEFJ_VDUOLjVnOY_LBPq/s320/Coral+1+%25282%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"> Here is my latest creation a coral, turquoise and crystal necklace. I like to work with organic pieces because they are individual in size, shape and color. The turquoise and crystal are stones that can be found in Arizona.I have seen bits of crystal embedded in the red rocks of Sedona while out hiking.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"> But coral, that is a different story. Coral started out as a live animal, not a plant as it would appear. They are marine invertebrates, like the sea anemone and jellyfish. Often they are form reef barriers made up of individual polyps that wave in the water. They can be found in tropical waters with the symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae that absorb sunlight and provide food. They also extend their tentacles to catch plankton and other edibles. Why the color? These pieces are somewhat an orangy red. I have seen darker reds and pinker. Corals adapt to the light and water temperature and also come from colored proteins made by the coral animals. Native Americans use this material to make their jewelry As I read my words, I realize what a gift from nature is this set. I think the day of unlimited coral may be changing. Hopefully these natural products are harvested responsibly. The supplier said they would carry it no more. I will enjoy what I create. This creation is a precious jewel from the sea and the earth</i></div>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-80112578970693634012021-09-29T10:22:00.006-07:002021-09-29T10:22:56.781-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqzsgweBsj_-0phL5UYz90vBoLWxp9TV4fPWhyphenhypheniXyGBDNGO2ULgffBaRKN08fiwHgDedDvKP2r1mFlooBusrFNoCLGENp1cGdda9Kj1XEgSKpIrHfqKkC2OMIneslcgolCzKzsdyQ/s2048/halloween+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqzsgweBsj_-0phL5UYz90vBoLWxp9TV4fPWhyphenhypheniXyGBDNGO2ULgffBaRKN08fiwHgDedDvKP2r1mFlooBusrFNoCLGENp1cGdda9Kj1XEgSKpIrHfqKkC2OMIneslcgolCzKzsdyQ/s320/halloween+necklace.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><i>Here I am in my latest jewelry creation , a necklace of black stones, decorative beads, and of course, the noble bone skulls. It is approaching one of my favorite holidays, Halloween, an occasion of much celebration here in my town of Sedona and other areas in the Verde Valley. This particular piece is for sale in the Heritage store in Jerome, AZ </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><i>It is a very ancient celebration , dating some 2,000 years back to the Celtic celebration of Samhain. It was the end of summer; the crops were in; it was time to celebrate before the dark and death of winter time. There was a belief was that on October 31st, the ghosts of the dead could return to earth, before their Celtic new year of November 1st. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><i>In 1000 AD, the Catholic church made November 2nd "All Saints Day" to honor the deceased. In Mexico, it became Dia de los Muertos, day of the dead. It was the immigrant Celts, the Irish, who brought this holiday to America, with candy and costumes, a long tradition. What a melange of the ancient, the religious, and holiday spirit has evolved into this modern day celebration.So I like to celebrate by dressing up and creating some fun fashion for this magical, mystical holiday. Comments?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-85864571526776104232021-08-06T11:42:00.000-07:002021-08-06T11:42:14.743-07:00Calligraphy in a Card<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmCWbOflZNRwE9cbY7Q6Lg5epsOG8PB9Di3MVOro7bEcc2wfU4FiQc7DkXXDrhvfYuBiCFfj8YRS7nYgK6CxjeC5qQiEc3pVMForC_AMZsJgo7Iz_DT6tIcbTwSuOXwJpcTZpSONU/s1140/I+make+myself+rich....JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></a><i><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1140" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmCWbOflZNRwE9cbY7Q6Lg5epsOG8PB9Di3MVOro7bEcc2wfU4FiQc7DkXXDrhvfYuBiCFfj8YRS7nYgK6CxjeC5qQiEc3pVMForC_AMZsJgo7Iz_DT6tIcbTwSuOXwJpcTZpSONU/s320/I+make+myself+rich....JPG" width="320" /><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a summer selection from my series of calligraphy cards. This is a one of a kind creation, using freeform watercolors to make the writing pop! I chose this message because it speaks to me . As we all get older, we realize wealth is not just in having "more". Quality is as important as quantity. I love the idea. Am I there yet? Probably not, but its's a nice goal. It measures four by six inches, a nice little message to send. It is necessary to print the card from an original master because my paint would bleed out if applying it over the black ink I use. Here is a mixture from my palate applied in a random manner. Just doing whatever the paint tells me. I am writing in the Italic style, one of the most popular alphabets, used since the time of Queen Elizabeth the First ! We don't use the word font with calligraphy. Leave that to the computer. I like this alphabet because it gives me a chance to flourish my letters. Not quite as easy as it sounds, but here's my years of practice put to a fun result . I also use other calligraphy styles on the different messages I create in my collection. I can even do a special request. Summer brings the visitors who want to take home a small momento of Sedona. How perfect is a card?</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-36629458120560140752021-06-23T17:12:00.003-07:002021-06-23T17:14:14.349-07:00 Jewels are my Latest Creation<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3zKz3-TTcoVr_B57GYZPlRQxU0HGtJlklUt0e7H9N1-u1U8uq-lR_k1QR-SoIOY1cyatFUsASNHl4Qx5nXIjLs5B3n2ijkwqHEovgGq6mlnlre7A8ndJI41mz8qQDwqvQgtwvJoP/s2048/my+beads+w+turq.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3zKz3-TTcoVr_B57GYZPlRQxU0HGtJlklUt0e7H9N1-u1U8uq-lR_k1QR-SoIOY1cyatFUsASNHl4Qx5nXIjLs5B3n2ijkwqHEovgGq6mlnlre7A8ndJI41mz8qQDwqvQgtwvJoP/w605-h340/my+beads+w+turq.jpg" width="605" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Here is the latest of my creations in a series I sell called "Jewels". It is a beautiful short necklace, with handcrafted, porcelain beads and real turquoise decorative touches. I made a matching pair of earrings because I like to keep it easy. What to wear? Voila. </i></span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Now the different aspect of this creation is that I made, by my own hands, each and every tan bead. I use high fire porcelain, stained with that lovely red iron oxide we see in the red rocks of Sedona, AZ, where I live and work in my studios. Each turns out a one of a kind color and design.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i> First step is to my clay studio, where I create the beads. They have to be sponged clean, so each is smooth against our lovely necks. After the beads come out of the kiln, I go to my " clean," calligraphy studio which doubles for my jewelry assemblage. the word Clean is open to interpretation, I suppose. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>There I look in my magic boxes of stones and beads and find the perfect turquoise, including a lovely turtle. I like these creatures. Kind of like me, I guess. They might move slowly, but they don't stop. Slow and steady, but there is always something new to inspire. Enjoy. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>What are your thoughts?</i></span></div><div><br /></div>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-58080467517693942062021-05-04T10:08:00.002-07:002021-05-04T10:09:49.263-07:00A Stay in Cherry, AZ<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQY80Y1uoBqGJg4JClV5ZFkL-q8cVfyGXEo03iQ3fBi0OGzUicpDfbG5TvP_HGHLxeR6fcENIwd9UQKz5Vz29LQ531ZEhoH3W-wkTSJwYnDJ5q7LEZV7JUt4krLLoF2UPTD9OgqC8m/s2048/Cherry+graveyard+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQY80Y1uoBqGJg4JClV5ZFkL-q8cVfyGXEo03iQ3fBi0OGzUicpDfbG5TvP_HGHLxeR6fcENIwd9UQKz5Vz29LQ531ZEhoH3W-wkTSJwYnDJ5q7LEZV7JUt4krLLoF2UPTD9OgqC8m/s320/Cherry+graveyard+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Here I am standing in front of the cemetery in the mountains near Prescott, AZ. I was camping with two friends and we took a 3 mile derive into what is technically downtown Cherry AZ. I have seen it listed as a ghost town, but with the graveyard, volunteer fire department, a bed and breakfast, and vacation homes, it is still alive. When you camp, you better bring Everything, because there are No stores in Cherry, so named for the cherry tress growing near the creek. It gets cold up there at 5,200 feet, where we camped .</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i> It served as a stage stop between Fort Whipple( now the VA hospital in Prescott ) and Camp Verde, AZ. There was a post office established in 1884, a school in 1898, a general store and some saloons, no doubt. At one point it had a population of up to 400 people. There were six mills to process the gold, silver, copper and lead pulled out of that area. When you hike around you can still find old abandoned mines. But the ore played out, and Jerome became the next bonanza in the area. Finally in 1943 the Post office was closed. But if you want more history, walk into the cemetery and look at names and dates. Quite a few stones marked "Baby". I enjoyed being there. Comments?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /> <p></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-4258159393597931132021-03-27T11:38:00.002-07:002021-03-27T11:38:59.285-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PlXYCkbhAlL1rjODPLO2LN54gF0O07xtipXcshX7ik4dQt4TIAw8n-9C6afub_P-ADAp8Qthx9DjKhwJra5ymEgE288r-NyjEwUrw2PSqe-b1Ws50Wmj7oorhLbEZB-8a2iAjC1Z/s2048/In+the+canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PlXYCkbhAlL1rjODPLO2LN54gF0O07xtipXcshX7ik4dQt4TIAw8n-9C6afub_P-ADAp8Qthx9DjKhwJra5ymEgE288r-NyjEwUrw2PSqe-b1Ws50Wmj7oorhLbEZB-8a2iAjC1Z/s320/In+the+canyon.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Here I am in Boynton Canyon with family. Recently, my older brother, niece and family said they were coming to Phoenix for a short visit and wanted to see me. I asked them " Have you ever been to Sedona? People come from all over the world to visit here" . She admitted they had not, so in the midst of flakey winter weather they came to see my home town. We had a ray of sun from the west that day.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>We did all the usual tourist things. Lunch at a lovely Sedona restaurant with views; touring uptown and driving by my former home, and then we headed out to Boynton Canyon. This is where I go to raise my spirits in the midst of this Covid lockdown. There is always a path to follow, and a vista to survey . After thirty six years I am never bored by what I see living here. Where does the time go? </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>I also realize how wonderful to stay connected with people you have known since birth. The stories and secrets you share. The tall guy on the right is my Great nephew. He'd grown since last I'd seen him and i have shrunk an inch. Nature has a way. This to me was a special day and will stay in my mind as a lovely creation.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com0Sedona, AZ 86336, USA34.8697395 -111.76098966.559505663821156 -146.91723960000002 63.179973336178847 -76.6047396tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-22578509312539789512021-02-10T14:03:00.001-08:002021-02-10T14:03:08.643-08:00 Turquoise Touch to a Sedona Creation<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZG5bIYjR3HL64PZ9pkZ7Qip9zcaLH5B5NSzd4tBzfO6W46h75jgIjz7CPqbGYrxnZLyOr8n9iftMNxYVcA1gV5T08MiUxJKGE7AidsmzHbyV8gfNUXe-wXx8vJB-dK1WoTsP-cJN/s2048/white+w+Tur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZG5bIYjR3HL64PZ9pkZ7Qip9zcaLH5B5NSzd4tBzfO6W46h75jgIjz7CPqbGYrxnZLyOr8n9iftMNxYVcA1gV5T08MiUxJKGE7AidsmzHbyV8gfNUXe-wXx8vJB-dK1WoTsP-cJN/s320/white+w+Tur.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Here is the latest in my Large white bowl series. It measures @ 12" across and @ 3 1/2" in height. As with all handmade art , it it is not is completely uniform, but then again, neither am I. What makes this so unique are the decorative touches of real Arizona Turquoise. It doesn't go in your oven or the microwave, but it is fully functional for food or decoration.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> This glaze is actually totally clear. Fired to a temperature over 2000 degrees F, it is food safe and very strong. What you are seeing is the white porcelain clay beneath it. I intentionally leave the outside with a rough exterior , so I can decorate with the iron oxide that makes the Sedona rocks red in color. I like the juxtaposition of the smooth inside with the rough exterior. Kind of like life I guess. Comments? </i></span></div><p></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-76058238653399616632020-12-30T08:47:00.000-08:002020-12-30T08:47:49.436-08:00Standing on the corner<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygHydp1uPgliKHwOfFl-wxtvtCQYjVvdrc5HNStrs_kguuFEvlfty4UVsA_iQV-DVFemK4dNK9YEsBQgUMgSEzyNBzqqLwRJeArtUOq2SMASc2UUcL4saLYDYt1pt0qan-rSeCloR/s2048/on+the+corner.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygHydp1uPgliKHwOfFl-wxtvtCQYjVvdrc5HNStrs_kguuFEvlfty4UVsA_iQV-DVFemK4dNK9YEsBQgUMgSEzyNBzqqLwRJeArtUOq2SMASc2UUcL4saLYDYt1pt0qan-rSeCloR/s320/on+the+corner.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span> </i><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">Here I am , standing on the corner of Winslow, AZ on a cold December day. It has been about 50 years since my sister and I were travelling on Route 66 from California heading east. Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey had yet to publish the iconic song "Take it Easy". I think we were heading to the Petrified Forest , so you gotta' go through Winslow, AZ. I remembered it as a small western town with not too many people and not much to see. Id like to say a lot has changed but... It was a railroad town, headquarters for the Santa Fe RR.; Hubell trading post had its warehouse there, and Fred Harvey built his luxurious hotel, La Posada in 1929 for travelers to eat and perhaps spend the night. Harvey, an Englishman, was the original entrepreneur. He hired single women of "good moral character who had to have an 8th grade education. The designer of the hotel was Mary Jane Colter , who also did buildings at the Grand Canyon. But everything did not stay the same.People stopped taking the RR; Route 66 was replace by interstate 40 in 1965. My sis and I travelled route 66 where we could. This lovely sculpture was not there yet, and La Posada was a deserted building. In 1994, Allen Affelt and artist wife </i><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">Tina Mion started its t</i><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">ransformation. It is now fairly close to what it looked like in the beginning: Southwest design with real Navajo rugs in the rooms; the delicious Turquoise room for dining and for us art aficianados , Mion's large surrealistic paintings in an upstairs gallery. So Winslow Arizona is back on the maps and it was such a fun sight to see. Comments? </i></span><i style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"> </i>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-41012456047662781532020-11-17T13:12:00.002-08:002020-11-17T13:12:52.484-08:00The Art of the Large<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-DQMmjgo57EF8WaT5IqhEoyp_toVh34dLltvzWxxPG1h0ucYA3REp0pV5t0qI7wxiplPAMM4SiIts7z88PwLRHV1usK1LfzNVILg8tgZoFlMwgirVYlsK8wbxR5zuItgvVgIYpkZ/s2048/6+x14+largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1467" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-DQMmjgo57EF8WaT5IqhEoyp_toVh34dLltvzWxxPG1h0ucYA3REp0pV5t0qI7wxiplPAMM4SiIts7z88PwLRHV1usK1LfzNVILg8tgZoFlMwgirVYlsK8wbxR5zuItgvVgIYpkZ/s320/6+x14+largest.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Here is the latest and greatest of my turquoise bowl series. It measures eleven inches across and @ six inches high. It is Large. Actually, it is as big as can fit into my kiln and still have enough space around it to high fire. High fire is 2300F. Most ceramic artists use a gas kiln to go that temperature, but living in Sedona, AZ. as I do, I now fire in an electric kiln.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i> This is the second firing where I add the final colors, using the white porcelain clay that I like. It starts out larger than this by at least fifteen percent and as the moisture dissipates in the initial bisque firing, the clay body shrinks. Then it does its real disappearing act when you go to the high temperature, and it has a mind of its own as well. There is always uncertainty depending upon so may unscientific factors. This makes the clay strong enough to use and even put in the oven. However, this is Not Pyrex; you must go slowly. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i> I add texture when I am first making the bowl and then I decorate the indentations with iron oxide, that great color that we see here in our red rocks. So copper and iron, a very southwest combination. Comments?</i></span></div><p></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-84959692731117315822020-08-18T13:53:00.000-07:002020-08-18T13:53:39.237-07:00The Art of Firing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv7-lvsGwUmDUVKGm4-p5rs1BHWYOZkkQOL0Pqp_K2_UfnzQ3MT9WwE93rOsBDClL_oZYyUEM83BTM78U8Z-ITRG-cXaqS1K2hu4Wm3qe5_6svW15EIOonlBLi_r8T6l1_qyJzErL/s2048/0818201149_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1712" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv7-lvsGwUmDUVKGm4-p5rs1BHWYOZkkQOL0Pqp_K2_UfnzQ3MT9WwE93rOsBDClL_oZYyUEM83BTM78U8Z-ITRG-cXaqS1K2hu4Wm3qe5_6svW15EIOonlBLi_r8T6l1_qyJzErL/s640/0818201149_2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>Here is my small kiln in all its glory, red hot and raring to make my fragile clay into solid vessels. Bowls and mugs in this load.I bought this small used kiln last year, and use it to fire my green ware, (i.e. unfired pottery ) Then it becomes hard enough to take a glaze at a much higher temperature. Those glazed pieces go into my Bigger kiln to fire at a higher temp, @ 2300 F.But the process is similar. </i></span><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">You can see the glow of the temperature inside. It is firing as I write. In the front are the peepholes, with an open one in the top to vent both heat and moisture. Measuring about 20 inches tall by 20 inches wide on the inside space. It is lined with firebrick all around the edges. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">I fire this to about 1900 degrees F. There is a little " cone" that that sits on a rod which drops at the desired temp and turns off the kiln. The newer kilns are run by computers. Not this one. I control the firing, so I must take it up in incremental degrees so the clay does not explode from rapid changes. Slow and easy is the best way to go. See those little knobs? I adjust them hourly to move up the temperature. It takes hours to fire this porcelain clay .</i><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>Since it is now August, I get up Very early to start this baby and hope it finishes before the midday heat hits. I will wait until tomorrow to unload. No rude shocks permitted.Since my studio is smallish, it suits my needs to get the pieces fired as I make them. Easier to store and much less chance of breaking. So here's a little tale of firing my kiln, here in Sedona, Arizona </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-6968675058309247812020-07-07T10:11:00.004-07:002020-07-07T10:11:51.908-07:00White Bowl with Turquoise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6i7nAzPdcFMHBl6_RndZ8vuEiTXZZxE9TIvzvxpOjfAItd8VBVeF93hEF93fygvubUqXJ6S2yz3O0_59izxOpZN19SJLCGW30Q-XrwbTk41ViECvjD0a5JvyQE8allUQn5gKkmgX/s1600/white+with+turquoise+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6i7nAzPdcFMHBl6_RndZ8vuEiTXZZxE9TIvzvxpOjfAItd8VBVeF93hEF93fygvubUqXJ6S2yz3O0_59izxOpZN19SJLCGW30Q-XrwbTk41ViECvjD0a5JvyQE8allUQn5gKkmgX/s320/white+with+turquoise+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"How can I add some pizzazz to my lovely, white porcelain bowls?" I asked myself while unloading my last kiln load of ceramics, here in my Sedona, AZ. studio. My solution was to add real turquoise nuggets in the crevasses that come with my delicately coiled decoration on the edge of this bowl, and others.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i> This is a serving size bowl, measuring nine inches across by @ four and a half inches tall. Perfect for food or decoration, but requiring hand washing.This is a high fired piece of ceramics so it is very strong and long lasting. Heck, they find ceramics that last much longer than do we mere mortals.You are actually looking at the color of the clay here, with a simple white glaze on top. The outside I leave rough, and stain with iron oxide, which you see when looking at the red rocks of Sedona. The finished and the unfinished. Just like the nature i see when I look outside my studio window. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Which style of these bowls do you the viewer prefer: the plain white, or with the turquoise?</i></span>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-41738304987405278972020-05-26T19:58:00.000-07:002020-05-26T19:58:16.784-07:00Creating in Covid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwPftoWg7Fn-DQ0GIQtID6BVWi8L9BhOB2yDk041RX6uqgDVtj1Sv-5QDLHJ-9HO9gwE3QTeSITFxa6BYU322udiiAjn6LtcW0duF7GhWFdF5EdmdMHg0WlLNFNM4YlSJNrxieP0W/s1600/min+iatures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i> Here is what I have been creating in this time of uncertainty and apprehension, these small porcelain miniature vases that I just unloaded from the kiln. The taller ones are about three inches down to a bit over an inch. When I sit at the wheel it is a nice exercise to see what I can create from a tiny ball of clay.</i></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwPftoWg7Fn-DQ0GIQtID6BVWi8L9BhOB2yDk041RX6uqgDVtj1Sv-5QDLHJ-9HO9gwE3QTeSITFxa6BYU322udiiAjn6LtcW0duF7GhWFdF5EdmdMHg0WlLNFNM4YlSJNrxieP0W/s1600/min+iatures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>These are the two glazes I primarily use: the clear glaze that lets the color of the actual clay show through, and has a nice white shiny appearance.All these pieces will hold water so they can be useful.</i></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwPftoWg7Fn-DQ0GIQtID6BVWi8L9BhOB2yDk041RX6uqgDVtj1Sv-5QDLHJ-9HO9gwE3QTeSITFxa6BYU322udiiAjn6LtcW0duF7GhWFdF5EdmdMHg0WlLNFNM4YlSJNrxieP0W/s1600/min+iatures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i> The turquoise is a matt color that changes depending on its mood.I think this firing presented a nice jewel tone.As you notice, there are hand carved bases on two, representing the red rocks around me and using iron oxide to create the color. I like to decorate using feathers from my friend's aviary ( birds naturally molt) and adding bits of real turquoise stones. </i></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwPftoWg7Fn-DQ0GIQtID6BVWi8L9BhOB2yDk041RX6uqgDVtj1Sv-5QDLHJ-9HO9gwE3QTeSITFxa6BYU322udiiAjn6LtcW0duF7GhWFdF5EdmdMHg0WlLNFNM4YlSJNrxieP0W/s1600/min+iatures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Living here in Sedona, Arizona, as I do, these are a real local representation of minerals we have nearby and the colors we see around us.</i></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwPftoWg7Fn-DQ0GIQtID6BVWi8L9BhOB2yDk041RX6uqgDVtj1Sv-5QDLHJ-9HO9gwE3QTeSITFxa6BYU322udiiAjn6LtcW0duF7GhWFdF5EdmdMHg0WlLNFNM4YlSJNrxieP0W/s1600/min+iatures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>For serious collectors there is a formula about how many inches represent feet in that world. For me it is enough that we can hold them in our hand and smile at creation in the midst of all we are facing. Comments? </i></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwPftoWg7Fn-DQ0GIQtID6BVWi8L9BhOB2yDk041RX6uqgDVtj1Sv-5QDLHJ-9HO9gwE3QTeSITFxa6BYU322udiiAjn6LtcW0duF7GhWFdF5EdmdMHg0WlLNFNM4YlSJNrxieP0W/s1600/min+iatures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhPSwrOGGtdG2qksn1Zgp7LFcEuR0diZf4eM_XXP6oTQJC0qVndIYvPpOWCbEZIuwF8lqdFhN1voJ0e5h6kipEoUqgCupSVY623JrhW6YRX5OQ8RdZHWA1o-2OzX6BKseYZaPyV8K/s1600/min+iatures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhPSwrOGGtdG2qksn1Zgp7LFcEuR0diZf4eM_XXP6oTQJC0qVndIYvPpOWCbEZIuwF8lqdFhN1voJ0e5h6kipEoUqgCupSVY623JrhW6YRX5OQ8RdZHWA1o-2OzX6BKseYZaPyV8K/s320/min+iatures.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-50398026325859146612020-03-31T10:42:00.000-07:002020-03-31T10:42:15.569-07:00The Magic of the Kiln<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8g_srf-Gpo6bWG7YktbE91a8eCUhgPLwlY0X6Bk_d6STepLpwx2i19ewvsOHOo5tbLkA87nCLrnnhTV7nSog9U9xiMyR2pWNUbdysPXjaXENhn70MmfZ0gGmzU-MHxLzSwkD80W8/s1600/loading+the+kiln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8g_srf-Gpo6bWG7YktbE91a8eCUhgPLwlY0X6Bk_d6STepLpwx2i19ewvsOHOo5tbLkA87nCLrnnhTV7nSog9U9xiMyR2pWNUbdysPXjaXENhn70MmfZ0gGmzU-MHxLzSwkD80W8/s320/loading+the+kiln.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>This is how am I am dealing with the stay at home venue that Covid 19 has presented us all. I am working in my studio here in Sedona, AZ. What else does one do? My galleries have closed but we all hope things will reopen....eventually.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>These are newly glazed, porcelain pieces being loaded into the kiln. You can see how low the first shelf actually is. This is the biggest, most powerful electric kiln I could purchase. It stands about three and a half feet tall, so it is a reach down for me. I got it many years ago and have rewired it often.On the inside you can see the electric " elements" that heat up, as I gradually make adjustments. Nope, No computer here. I am the master of the firing . </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I always need more mountain mugs, so they fit nicely around the large bowl. These items are dipped in what will turn out to be a nice turquoise color.I also have some lovely white bowls in this load. What exactly they will turn out like will be up to the kiln gods. I will not see the results until about 20 hours later . When it gets over 2000 degrees it is best to cool slowly, so nothing cracks from rapid temperature changes.Next step...the magic.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQp72A3mhCrq50I32q6o5qwLyk-2V5KCe6w2iuoua_wwXecY7Mse7tUiL4sdfzcaXzF86BTB2431eDZWH9OKQQtB2Y5x-rFz-iZubk-uR9Cson4uNPCAGhkcZjGeBxTyU2jIcFHxw/s1600/0324200814_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1492" data-original-width="1600" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQp72A3mhCrq50I32q6o5qwLyk-2V5KCe6w2iuoua_wwXecY7Mse7tUiL4sdfzcaXzF86BTB2431eDZWH9OKQQtB2Y5x-rFz-iZubk-uR9Cson4uNPCAGhkcZjGeBxTyU2jIcFHxw/s320/0324200814_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></span></div>
V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-62891428757690058202020-02-26T07:55:00.002-08:002020-02-26T07:55:33.769-08:00The Art of Film<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Here I am at the Sedona Film Festival, 2020. I must confess I am a total movie fan and always have been. My Mom would drop me off at the Saturday matinee. (probably respite for her, also) </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I often wonder if it was the movies that subliminally influenced my decision to move here after just one week?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Once again, back when I was a young girl, I would stay up for the " late show". I think I saw every movie ever made here. Jeff Chandler as the noble Indian; Debra Paget as the lovely captive. All very politically incorrect , but boy did that influence my desire to ride horses, and go out to the wild west. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I did have a long stop over in Los Angeles to go to university and live at the beach and start to be a working artist, both in Clay and Calligraphy. Once again, a movie town.We were too " cool" in Venice beach to pay attention to the movie people, which is why they liked it there, I think.That and the movie called Life that seemed run every day there with all the unusual "assortment" of humanity. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>So here I am some 35 years later , going into the wonderful world of of every film festival; Learning new things and being transformed into new dimensions. The art of film.<br /></i></span>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037506398544396629.post-29352179110527334192020-01-09T19:04:00.000-08:002020-01-09T19:04:22.540-08:00 A Turquoise and Porcelain Bead Necklace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Here is a sweet choker I made using my own porcelain beads along with real Arizona turquoise and small crystal chips.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I guess you could say this is a necklace that comes from the earth.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Using a white porcelain clay body, I am able to roll it out to a very thin consistency. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i> I work with very basic tools, the rolling pin among my favorite. Many lucky ceramicists have fancy slab rollers. I don't. After working with clay so long I seem to feel when I have arrived where I want to be. If not, I do it over. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i> Next I add the texture.The "how" is a bit of a professional secret. Choosing several lengths of a "somewhat" consistent nature, I cut them off with a very sharp edge and let them dry out somewhat.It is best to clean them up when they are in this "leather hard" stage. I smooth off each end with care, but sometimes they break. Tedious work. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>As you can imagine it takes a Lot of beads to make any necklace, bracelet or earrings. And I do all three so there are sets, as well as individual pieces.When dry, they enter the kiln for the first " bisque" stage. After that, there are not so porous and I can add the iron oxide stain.There is a final, high fire stage to make everything totally hard. I think these beads will survive longer than we do.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i> These are colors of the red rocks of Sedona, AZ. , where I live and have my studio. No two beads are ever exactly the same, and the small differences make each piece a unique creation by yours truly, V. Norton</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>V. Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11713803848731113674noreply@blogger.com0