Summer 2009 Art Fair Schedule

I just sent my summer show card off to get it printed. Here's the list.

New work

After a week of grueling work on the new house trying to get it ready to move into next week I got a break while the floor guys came in to refinish the floors. I spend a few rushed days at the studio glazing work and loading two glaze kilns worth of work for upcoming deadlines. I unloaded the first load yesterday and was really happy with the work I pulled out. A lot of it is going to Edina Art Center next week for their Garden Party event, and some is going to Pewabic Pottery in Detriot for their June garden theme event. For these two shows I've been making lots of vases and even some flower pots! Here are a few highlights of new work. I'll unload a second load this weekend.

 

These plates are test pieces experimenting with using paper resist stencils to create a background layer before adding the stitching over the top. This seems like it has a lot of potential!

Here is a sampling of some new handbuilt vases for just a few flowers. Cute!

And, of course, what would a garden sale be without a few flower pots. Most of these need to go to the shows, but I think I need to make some more for myself! I don't want to let go of them. I'll be adding a few of these to my etsy store this weekend. 

Happy Spring - Fired Up Coupon!

Happy Spring! Fired Up Studios is having a special coupon promotion from now through May 31, 2009. $5 off any purchase in their pottery gallery (print it out and take it with you for the discount). I have a special place in my heart for Fired Up after renting studio space there for a number of years. I started out renting a shelf and using studio wheels, then moved up to a shared private space, then into a full space and finally outgrew that to move into my own studio in my current building. I never would have had the opportunity to grow my clay business without such a supportive environment to set up shop in. Their gallery is a hidden treasure of the Twin Cities. You'll find work by many (30+?) clay artists in diverse styles and price ranges. I always have some work there (but you can buy anyone's with the coupon). They are hoping to let new customers know about their gallery. It's also a great place to rent space and take classes. Support independent local artists and a great business! 

Loosening up

In between selling a house and buying a house, I've been kind of stalled out on making work for a few weeks. The last few days I've been back in the studio feeling pressure to make up for lost time and also feeling like it's hard to get focused again. So, in between stretches throwing pots, I've been taking breaks to do some sketching to loosen up the creative block in my head. As always, once I just start working, I suddenly start having ideas again. It feels good to get some work started and I'm hoping to have a productive month because I know I'll be consumed with house renovation in April and moving in May and then before I know it, summer shows will be here. 

Featured on Try Handmade!

My work was recently featured on Try Handmade.  Erika Jurney blogs about the work of independent artists and handmade goods to enhance your home. I love her selections and am excited to be included. Be sure to check it out...and remember to support handmade, whether by purchasing on etsy or buying directly from local artists.  

A Little Music for the Soul

I was just downloading photos from my camera and came across this photo from our holiday open studio event. My father-in-law brought over his accordian and played music outside our studio! This kind of thing makes me realize how lucky I am to have such close and supportive family. I know I couldn't be trying to make my living as an artist without them!!!!

A respite from the cold

I just unloaded a kiln full of fun pots this afternoon. A bright spot in an otherwise bleak week. I've been really taken down by a bad flu/cold this week and haven't had the energy to get much done. Trying to get my last show applications in and get some work out to galleries. One new gallery you'll see my work in this spring is the Grand Hand in St. Paul, MN.