Hand built pod that was glazed, gas fired and over painted. Complete with antique hat pins. I'm going to try offering some of my ceramic art as sculptural pieces. Someone recently told me their beauty could stand alone without much adornment. I kept trying out different mounting possiblities and adornments for this one but ended up with this very simple presentation. It measures about 4" high and about 4" at its widest part.

The Rising

I have been indirectly yet oddly effected by two deaths this week. 

We have many moments and elements that makeup our lives and help to define who we are as people. Levon Helm's music has been a part of my life since the early 70’s. When I asked Steve why I was so strongly effected by his passing, Steve (in his way of sometimes getting right to the heart of the matter) said “because he is of our generation and our time is ending”. The man speaketh the truth. Rest in peace Levon, you helped me carry The Weight many times and, I suspect, will continue to do so.

Three weeks ago we had our annual fundraiser at the Wallkill River School of Art. One of my abstract mixed media paintings was bought by a woman in the end stages of cancer. She passed away shortly after the fundraiser. This week I was told that she stared at my painting during the end days. Perhaps it provided Alice with a modicum of comfort? Ahhhhh, what better compliment could I ever receive as an artist?

Abstract for a Sunday

Sketched out the basics of this abstract during the week and started painting it yesterday. My husband really likes it. I think I do too. It's acrylic paint on 140lb watercolor paper and measures 22" x 30".

This pod vessel is glazed and wrapped with copper wire getting ready to be placed in the wood kiln. I'm hoping the copper creates flash marks on the surface. We shall see.
Above is a flask vessel also ready for the wood fired kiln.

I have visions of this opened pod with an assemblage 'crown' placed on the inside. Of course I still need to learn how to solder in order to make the assemblage crown.

And this is the Tony Moore's wood kiln in Cold Spring that will fire for 4 days burning a number of cords of wood in the process. The second opening towards the back is the wood chamber. That's where my pods will go. Pieces placed here get the most amount of carbon imprinting from the smoke and the ash. After firing for 4 days all the pieces stay in the kiln cooling for 2 weeks. Patience is the name of this game. I can't wait.

Production!

My good friend Melanie came up on Friday and stayed through last night. Her agenda was to aid in getting me working. And it worked. We painted, felted and hand stitched. Completely narcissistic pursuits and utterly delicious. The top piece is a glimpse of a felted work in progress that I envision stitching to heavyweight cotton paper and encasing in a cradle frame. The bottom piece is an acrylic painting that seems to have been inspired by the spectacular full moon from the weekend. It measures 23 x 30"

And....from scratch hot cross buns are rising right now....keeping the train moving along that creativity track....

Artifacts

I'm so intrigued with ancient vessels I painted some last night. This is large at 18x24". I'm not sure if this is done or if it needs more layering and texturing.

Plans

Yesterday I created this collage from a gelatin plate print, transferred images, paper images and additional layers of paint. It measures about 10x8". But what I really need to be doing is building some clay pieces for the wood kiln firing that begins in a couple of weeks. Firing in a wood kiln produces some amazing effects that suggest old, old, old. What is more enticing than an ancient artifact? Not much!

The vessel below was created by Ben Richey and give you a good idea of some great wood fired YUM effects.