Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Hello studio

I spent a full day in my studio today, trying to get back into some sort of routine. I couldn't even remember where things were. I made a few things, mostly messed around putting shell sprigs on things. I just have to get this out of my system before I can get serious I think. I have had this oval bisque mold since the days of teaching hand building and never used it. I got it out today and made this oval dish with some shell sprigs, kinda nice, but it will want to be glazed and I will not want to glaze it. Maybe a non functional terra sig, that will make it basically a useless item, hmm.... now that I look at it in this photo, I think I might already be over the shell thing. Maybe, maybe not. Maine keeps sneaking into my brain!
I also worked on some new texture for my barns. I have decided to make some without a cut out door, just the suggestion of one and no windows, no feet. That way maybe people will stop thinking they are birdhouses or the newest one- it could go in an aquarium for fish to swim through...... I really don't take offense to any of these suggestions, it's just that they aren't cheap, they are intended to be a sculpture. Do you really want to pay $100 for a barn just so a bird or a fish can shit on it?

8 comments:

Judi Tavill said...

Really like the texture direction...i do not own a fish.

Peter said...

I did make some clay fish that now adorn the bottom of a friend's fish tank.... I am sure the birds would be thrilled with a $100 house, I know I would! Nice to see you back in the studio. Great holiday photos too in your previous posts, and Wyeth....Fantastic!

cookingwithgas said...

really over the bird in your studio are you?? Food comes in and food goes out.
I don't think you can worry how your work is used once you let go of it and if it becomes a bird house then not only is the person who bought it enjoying it but so is the bird.
But I do like the suggestion of the closed door...doors have endless possibilities
and love the shells- I have done some too and added to bowls but I like your details better.
and hey- now don't be picking on the fish!

Anna M. Branner said...

I absolutley love the texture on the barn! And I agree with Meredith, the closed door does lend itself to so many other possiblities....but I have to admit I do like the feet on the old ones.....there are so many old sheds on short stone piers....(but now that I think about it the barns wouldn't or the floor wouldn't be strong enough for the animals to go inside!)

Lori Buff said...

The texture is terrific and that is one of the things that give old barns personality. I'm interested in seeing how it looks with a glaze or wash on it.

Laura Farrow said...

good texture on the barn and, you crack me up!

cindy shake said...

I like the shell springs :o) I was experimenting with rolling my slabs into a great piece of textured plywood and got some nice effects... it's all process girlfriend -don't be too quick to have your creative mind leave Maine -it makes a vacation last longer!

Michèle Hastings said...

jeff and i both use shells for texture in our work. i have also made dishes using large scallop shells collected in from Maine. Never tried sprigs... I like your interpretation. doesn't it feel good to get back to work after a great vacation?