New Year, New Thoughts

It's a new year in this potter's life. While I'm not in the studio as much, because I'm usually busy taking care of my toddler, I am often pondering what I'm going to do next in there. I'm usually bursting with ideas of new pots to make, and itching to get in there. These pots pictured were from my October soda firing.  This studio picture was during our last snowstorm last week. Our studio is almost three years old now, but it sure doesn't feel like it! Last fall we finally painted it this lovely sage green color with red doors. Little by little things get accomplished around here, but sometimes it feels like a slow process. We still haven't finished organizing our glaze materials and mixing area in our kiln shed. That will come...maybe when it gets warmer. But until then, I'm still so very grateful for this wonderful studio at our house.
 
Earlier this month, I participated in a unique event called the Pentaculum at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN. About 100 artists working in clay, textiles, 2D, metals, sign painting, and writing joined up for an inspiring week at Arrowmont. I spent most of my time in the clay studio working on several wheel thrown and altered forms that are slower and more complicated forms to create. Some of these forms include oval footed dishes, butter dishes, and oval flower vases. I also experimented with new handles and carving patterns for some of my forms. My studio time at home has been limited the past year and a half due to taking care of my child at home. Having a solid week in the studio to make these more challenging forms and come up with new ideas was very uplifting and inspiring. This was also a great opportunity to work alongside other ceramic artists, share ideas and absorb their energy and excitement. Now that we are home my husband, Will is busily working in the studio working on a kiln load. It'll be quite some time before I get a chance to get in there. It's hard to not be in there, especially after sparking up so much energy and new ideas at Arrowmont. However, I'm enjoying these days with my little girl before she begins a preschool program later this year.

Are you still here reading? If you got to the end of this post and you are still here, thank you! Let me know if you are interested in still reading my blog.  I haven't blogged in a few years because, well, life has gotten extremely busy, and I often don't sit at the computer anymore. I am active on instagram and facebook if you want to follow along and see pictures of what's going on there. Hopefully, maybe I will continue this blog occasionally when I get a chance to share some ideas.

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