Thursday, January 6, 2011

First dwellings of 2011

I started working on some little barns this morning, totally out of sync and feeling lost trying to work in my kitchen while Gerry is loading the washing machine and making espresso and the dog is jumping around and NPR is on in one room, Gerry's Ipod on in the other, then lunch getting prepared..... I really miss working out on the deck in the summer with only the birds and the rooster crowing, but I shouldn't complain, nice to have family, nice to have them around. I also made myself a little sheep since I sent my last one to Cindy Shake for the generosity chain. Hey how is that thing going anyway, I know Tig had some winners and Meredith had some winners. Check in and let me know how it's going. I had a blast doing it last year, hope it carries forward.
I have started adding doors to these things, what to call them anyway? Are they barns, are they houses, are they huts? I see them as little shrines or sculptures that represent many different things to different people, but what to call them? Do you like the doors? What would you call them? Input would be most helpful if you care to share your thoughts. I want these to evolve this year, I will probably continue to make them but it's time for them to grow up. I do love the way the light pours into them when I cut open the doors and windows. So many metaphors in these little things whatever they are.
So here are the first two of 2011, guess I should number them but I think I would lose track, maybe....

14 comments:

andrea gardiner freeman said...

Barns do have doors ;o). Doors give options. Open or Closed. Just like we are.
Happy New Year and I love the sheep and the doors.

~andrea

Unknown said...

I like the doors, I also like the sheep....and I think "Dwellings" is a great way to describe them. It allows the viewer to interpret what sort of dwelling it is.
:)

Judy Shreve said...

i laughed at the description of your household. I don't know how you can be so 'artistic' in the midst of family chaos! I'm constantly amazed at your work knowing your work environment! Fingers crossed that your building will be in your backyard soon.

I agree with Kathy that 'dwelling' is a great term for your buildings -- that keeps it poetic - allowing the buyer to determine what it means to them. I like them with and without doors.

And your sheep has such a great face!

Sister Creek Potter said...

Funny, I don't like 'dwelling' as it implies that the building is inhabited. For some reason I am attracted to the 'emptiness' of the buildings. And, perhaps for the same reason, I like them better without the doors. All that may just be my tendency to get stuck with the original idea. The empty building without doors speaks to me of its history--what was there before? who was there? what did they do? where did they go? And I get to make up all the stories! But I do LOVE them each one!

barbaradonovan said...

The open doors give me a feeling of welcoming.
:)

Lori Buff said...

I like the doors because they are open and welcoming. My first thought was "dwellings" also but I think Sister Creek Potter has a point. The next idea that comes to mind is "places" but that may be confusing. How about "Ziggurats?"

Dennis Allen said...

I vote for" buildings".I do like the doors,twin for barns(or one slider ) singles for houses, meeting houses, smoke houses, jail houses, church houses,shit houses,store houses, boat houses,chicken houses, and open for dog houses.Well maybe they are houses.They are wonderful whatever you call them.

Tracey Broome said...

You guys are so great! I love the comments!!!!! Lots to chew on...

Michèle Hastings said...

after much consideration... i have decided i like them without doors.

Tracey Broome said...

This door thing is really interesting. Maybe I'll make some of each so people can choose, I didn't realize what a difference one little addition makes. I felt like they were so lonely and abandoned without a door, but maybe they should be....
I like what Gay says about the story behind them, hmmmm, more to ponder.

cookingwithgas said...

I read these and think there is something there for everyone.
I love open doors- filled with possibilities.
I love closed doors filled with quiet and down time.
I love windows flung wide open and bringing in the breeze and the smell of the day.
think cabana on the beach.
What you have here are endless possibilities- never ending.
Please your self- as long as you are doing that the work will sell.
As far as what to call them- I hope you call them sold!
M

Patricia Griffin Ceramics said...

As the happy owner of a Tracey Broome dwelling, I can say that Sister Creek's description of the "emptiness" of the buildings is really perceptive. It is that feeling that attracts me. Your piece continues to sit on our kitchen counter in a place that gathers both light and shadow and it gives you that feeling of empty space and depth at the same time. It's like the emptiness invites a projection of feeling.

I still like the name of "Dwellings" for the pieces. I think it's much more apt than "barn" or "home"... It's a dwelling for feelings. Not the maker's feelings, but the projected feelings of the person who sees or experiences the piece.

Hope that makes sense.

Hollis Engley said...

I see small steeples on backcountry chapels ... Glad you're still evolving these things, Tracey.

Christie Minchew said...

Shelter is a word that comes to mind. Kind of like shelters that are in the mountains, off trails, where a traveller can take refuge and then move on when ready...and the next traveller can then stay a while. A shelter is good for any kind of being - a person, an animal, spiders, even memories....