Inspiration to Play!

I just finished watching Kristen Kieffer's new DVD: Surface Decoration: Suede to Leatherhard and loved it! Trying to balance being a mom with being a working artist means that every second I have in the studio is crucial and I don't often get the chance to attend workshops or classes. This dvd is like sitting in on a demo session with Kristen and seeing lots of great tips and techniques. Most of the techniques are things that I am familiar with, but it's always great to be reminded of them and to see how another artist uses them in their work. There were also a few great tricks that I hadn't seen before. Just the section on how she makes and uses stamps in her work was worth the price of the dvd! I have always loved Kristen's work and it was great to get a glimpse into how she works. The way her forms and surfaces work so seamlessly together is very inspiring to me. And, I love the richness of her decorative patterning, so elegant and fluid. I often get stuck spinning so fast on my "hamster wheel" (my husband's description of my work pace) trying to get enough work made that I don't allow myself time to play and have fun with my work, and this video is a good reminder to do that!

Throwing Frenzy!

Wow. After two weekends of Art Fairs I'm exhausted. Both shows went well, so now I am back to work throwing to get ready for Madison in the middle of July. Because the process of decorating my pots is so time intensive, I need to get things made quickly to allow time for that and to get everything fired. No matter how much time I spend in the studio, I can never seem to get ahead. I'm hoping to spend the 4th of July weekend in Northern MN with my husband's family so I'm trying to be focused now so that I can actually take a mini-vacation! I NEED IT!