Here is my latest ceramic innovation, named the " Scarlet Spirit" . I am continuing on my path of creating smaller masks, something you can hold in your palm or hang in a small space.
I do not have very big hands. This measures about six inches from top to bottom.
September 4th, 2015, is First Friday here in Sedona, AZ., where I live and exhibit. Galleries stay open later, from 5 until 8 pm; artists are present, and they serve refreshments. It is a great way to participate in the art scene here in Sedona. The Moving On Gallery, located in the Hillside shopping area, invited me to participate as a guest artist in their mask exhibition, along with Pat Priola, an owner, and artist Patty Miller.
I like shows, they give me an impetus to create something entirely original for that event. I have made some bigger masks in this round style, adorned with their horsehair halos. They are gone; sold. Time to look through the looking glass and shrink their size.
Smaller is Not necessarily easier, I might add.I must take a long time to dry these items or they will crack. I like to make my ceramics light in both material, and feeling. Glazed, they are fired once in my kiln to be hardened. Then a second, primitive firing creates that smoky look. Each mask is carefully constructed with copper wire , covered in yarn, so very secure to hang. I am creating not only for the present, but to last into the future.
Stop on by this coming Friday night and say hello if you are in Sedona.
Here I am in front of my sculpture that just sold, in the place where it now lives. How great is it when an artist can actually see where the art will be after it is sold!
I recently had my solo show called "Reflections" in Jerome. A collector saw this piece and thought his partner would like it. Of course, all good shows have to end and mine just had. I then invited them both to see the piece at my studio. They liked it so much they bought it. The gallery handled the sale, since that is where it was first seen.
Often the artist has no idea where their work finally hangs. This time I was fortunate enough to see exactly where it would be placed, since I delivered it, here in Sedona.
Most often it is shipped away, and we are the anonymous creators. It was my good fortune to see what a fine home it had, nestled among other first class creations. Would that we artists could always know where our art finds its home. Seeing where we hang gives a completion to our creative process.
Here I am back in the wonderful world of ping pong, or table tennis as it is also called. An art of a different form.
I went with my friend who entered the US Open Tournament, held in Las Vegas, Nevada in July. It is called the Open because people come from all over the world to attend. There is even prize money, but mostly it is trophies in the different competitions. Players get rated depending on cumulative victories, and events are based on these categories. Ratings go over 2000, which means a seriously good player. I am a beginner, but like any sport, it is beautiful when done correctly.
I met and practiced with students from China, who are here attending top US universities. The Chinese hold ping pong in high regard, and a top player in their country is like a rock star here.
All of this held in the background of one of the most surreal cities in the world, Las Vegas. I often wondered which venue was the most unusual, and in its own way, artistic.
Was it the grace and motion of the players, or the people I viewed in that city? Will it turn up as a piece of art form in my future? How can we know what will stir our creative muse.
Here I am with my latest creation of a "Wee Book".
Measuring about 3 inches square,
it certainly deserves its title. Inside are some fifteen images, relating the the theme of winter.
It is essentially one long page folded like an accordion, hence the name " accordion fold". This book was a study in printing out text and assembling the images with words in a consecutive format.There were also lessons on using cutouts for design purposes, as in the cover you see.
I am a calligrapher, so using words from the computer is harder for me than just writing on a page. This is what is happening today. I am trying to get into the twenty first century, even though I am more comfortable using techniques from years gone by, when it was all was done by hand
My bookmaking often happens with a group of fellow artists in the book arts. At the given workshop, we are all students, with one taking the turn of being the instructor. The level of competency is high with this group. It is inspiring and helpful to learn with others. Makes one feel less the idiot, seeing others in your same sense of confusion.
Being a visual artist, I learn more by seeing things happen, rather than just reading instructions.That was one of my joys teaching classes in calligraphy, the kindred spirit of everyone learning.
So that is the story of creating this wee book.
This shiny "Green Raku Jar" is a piece in my "Reflections " show, currently exhibited at the Jerome Coop. Standing tall, about 14 inches with its lid, it is a wheel thrown pot. Slabs of clay are joined together in an abstract pattern for the handle to the top.The inside is glazed.
I like using this modern design form in one of the oldest and most traditional forms of ceramics.
Raku was first used by by Japanese potters back in the 1500s to make their ceremonial tea bowls. Firing the piece to about 1000 degrees, the pot was taken out of the kiln while red hot. It was allowed to cool in the air, or in a closed container with combustible materials, such as straw, paper or natural materials.Called reduction, this atmosphere will influence the final results of the glaze,often creating lovely metallic colors.In the old days lots of lead was used. We can't use that now, but oh did produce some lovely effects.
Not much has changed in this process. I still bundle up with care, covering my face, hair, arms, legs, and eyes. I reach into a immensely hot kiln with tongs to take out my piece. Then I thrust it into a covered trash can containing materials that catch fire, slam on the lid and hope I don't hear any popping sounds that means it has broken.That is success!
The wonderful thing about raku is the serendipitous quality of the results. I can do everything right, yet there is often that element of surprise with the results. I am pleased with this piece.
This print, entitled " Apache Wedding Blessing", is currently displayed in my Jerome show, "Reflections", which I wrote about in my last blog. Also , I show this at the Sedona Arts Center.
I choose to write out poetry or sayings that mean something to me. Having a connection with what I write encourages my creativity. It's not that I can't be creative when I get a commission with which I am not familiar.That happens often. It just seems to flow easier when I like the words that flow from my calligraphy pen.
This saying was brought to me by a client. It expresses the connection when a couple are joined together.Is it still used in native ceremonies? I do not know. Do people love it? Yes. It speaks to something inside of them. It states the coming together of a couple in poetic flow of words, that reach out to the reader on many levels.
That's a real joy for me, when people love what they see. It is a connection of the eyes,the mind, and really, the heart. Calligraphy with a connection.
Here I am at the opening of my show," Reflections", by V. Norton . I am wearing my porcelain bead jewelry, and standing in front of a wall showing my ceramic artwork.
This is a solo show of my ceramics; calligraphy, and book arts. Currently displayed at the Jerome Artists Cooperative in Jerome AZ., it runs until July 1st, 2015. I will once again be at the gallery from 5 until 8 pm, on First Saturday, June 6th, to meet with people.
Mounting an exhibit, or as the French say, une exposition, is a large undertaking.(I am working on my French again, and I like the way this word this rolls off my tongue.) Primarily, there is creating the work.With a theme in mind, that helps with a direction. "Reflections" is really about my past, present, and perhaps future work, if I can get back into my studio soon!
There are many logistics to a show. How much to make? One can't underestimate the publicity factor. If people don't know it is happening, they can't come. There are photos to be taken. Then comes creating invitations on my computer, a challenge to one who has no fear of a fourth century calligraphic alphabet, but gets stage fright with electronics.
Never forget the importance of hanging the show. That includes painting walls, more than once; hanging shelves; artwork; creating cards and prints; displaying the handmade books. Deciding what to include and arranging items is significant. Many thanks to those who did help me, but the word solo does make the point.
The next time you go to some one's art show, applaud the artist for their work, both in front of you, and all that went on behind it.
I invite you to visit my "exposition" when in Jerome.
