5th Annual Student Cup Swap

Assorted polka dotted mugs...

My cups to swap, and cups for Mrs. Rains...

A saucy gravy boat...

A loving sippy cup...

Heart mug with a heart handle...

Saturday Errands

The road to La Selva Beach is lined with majestic palms...

My version of "The Container Store" is Patine...

A sidewalk sale with goodies from Eastern Europe...

The beginning of bicycle shopping...

My old bike is at school, and I need a home bike...

Picking up clay and some other necessities...

Realized that I bought the wrong sized kiln shelves...

Lost Weekend

The entire kitchen is covered in plates...

Two coats of white and two of black...

Two coats of turquoise, and three of pink, and white...

Sanding through for a rustic look...

Sanded through to the turquoise undercoats...

The kiln is on, and the countertop is finally empty...

Connections

Today, I felt like I needed to be around people that make things. So, during my commute this morning, I listened to Ben Carter interview Richard Notkin, and I watched Craft in America at lunchtime, and learned about glass and ceramic artist, Beth Lipman. These swags are made from castings of an assortment of shells. Beth Lipman created molds and then formed the shells out of clay. I love the simple glazing. It lets the viewer focus on the intricate form. Her glass banquet tablescapes are amazingly detailed and fragile.

Listening to Richard Notkin talk about craftsmanship during his interview with Ben Carter was fantastic. He mentioned that when he is approaching difficult concepts with his work, his desire is to make the impeccable craftsmanship draw the viewer into the raw nature of his subject matter. He also said that he concentrates on making only a few pieces each year. 

I feel like I am just figuring it all out as a "maker". And, because I have a full time job, I sometimes approach studio time with too much gusto, and haste. Maybe I need to slow down, and focus on craft. I feel like that process is already starting to happen, in a way. I'm concentrating more, and focusing on one specific idea, before moving on to the next. Listening to these two artists share their thoughts was a helpful reminder...

Thanks to those outlets that allow people to share their methods and ideas with others!

So Far, So Good: The Sideyard

Sad, Frozen Lilacs

I resolved, at the beginning of the New Year, to leave work early, and to garden daily (or at least biweekly) in the yard. The yard work would be done before dusk, and then I could grade my papers and prep afterward. So, today, I left promptly. I decided to attack small areas of the yard each gardening session. And, my friends, that is what I did. I also took the dog for a walk. And, right now, I'm eating a healthy salad. True it's only January 6th, but how awesome am I?!

Today, in my classroom, we talked about resolutions. The students filled in a paper with three things that they like about themselves, and three specific things that they would like to change. I filled in the paper, too. I wrote down this gardening goal, in order to hold myself more accountable. So far, so good…

Even More Sad, Frozen Hydrangea

Maniacal Pruning

Getting There

Grant, Susie & Mr. Hockney

Heading northward along the coast...

Falling back in love with California...

Grant and David...

Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park...

Antique paper show and sale in the park...

Luncheon at Nopalito was muy caliente...

Love watching people cook...

Visited a quirky boutique...

Except for an emerald necklace, an acquired taste...

New Year's Work

Dearest branch on a rectangular "wooden" slab...

Replacing a broken leaf...

Making large jar beads...

Trade piece for Ms. Pinkernell...

Small jar with leftover scraps...

Base for the lamb house...

Adding the top...