Finalmente!

We have built the first layer of our new wood, salt kiln! It's a beauty- I have to look at it with proud momma eyes! As soon as I work the kinks out of my cameras, I will begin posting our process and progress! I hope the kinks get out soon, b/c classes are starting back up.....ehhh. I may link a new blog to it. Cheers!

I'm on a kiln!

Soooo- this semester I've the the arduous yet exhilarating task of building in a kiln- a task I put myself up to. I have absolutely loved it so much, that I don't want to go back into a studio. I've been building in the (Vatagama) Anagama Mike Vatalaro and students built. although I wish I was there at the time- we've been so lucky that we will be capable of having a similar-ish experience this summer building an addition- which will be designed by all of us and built to the likewise- which will be salt-wood-kiln....sweeeeet. Anywhoo- we are firing up now, a student/teach only kiln just before heading off to NCECA- hopefully upon return, we will open it up to some sweet surprises! I'm going to post building images and then finished....ehhh...that's a huge hope! HA! We'll see soon- cheers!")

late fall 2007- beginning inspiration for future directions

attempting to break new ground- clay in a contemporary world

   Breaking new ground as an artist is not an easy task, especially when every idea has been done and the only originality lays between our fingertips. Also, it does not help when clay in the contemporary world most often equals craft only. Being a ceramic sculptor and sometimes utilitarian clay artist, I have difficulty seeing various clay works not being breathing works of art. The whole craft underdog sentiment with the upturned noses from the "real" contemporary artists does not impress or move me. One would think all artists would be the ones capable of seeing the artistic merit in those labeled as craft artists. 

    Often I struggle with the notion that slap and go artists, who throw fancy around their concepts to an art work that is not even well-crafted or compositionally successful, demonstrate the divide the most. Somehow the art elite would rather celebrate the easy edge of pretension and pretending instead of those who take all steps in the creative process with the purest intentions. Although, I do not support this harsh critical eye towards craftspeople, I do not intend to further alienate us or our material preferences- I wish we would all step back and support each other. 

     When attempting to make your individual mark in the art world, it is more difficult when the cards are stacked against you before you begin from medium alone. Then when the trials and errors come from how you decide to tackle your vision, it's an entirely new fiasco.

However, this is where I see the adventure in being a clay artist. How do you express yourself and your fresh viewpoint of tired ideas successfully? To be continued......