29 December 2006

winter thoughts


I have been experimenting with this new technique lately and the result is relief patterns. I love the idea of the painted surface, the etched into surface and the relief surface combined (You might be seeing those pieces in the near future). I have been trying to figure out a way to make models of things (smaller more utilitarian things) that I can make molds of and cast and have them be finished pieces. As it stands now the etching process I developed and use on my work is enormously time consuming. It takes thirteen steps to get the final result. It makes it impossible to make the pieces any faster than I already do. They take the time that they do and that is that.

Lately I have been getting many requests from shops and galleries that would like to carry my work and I am suddenly having to really think before I say yes. How much can I produce myself? There is a limit to how much I can make. I do it all myself, no assistants, no interns, though I am seriously thinking it is time I do get some help. It is so exciting to be busy and that people are responding so positively to my work. On the flip side it is also very stressful when I get overwhelmed and feel like I am falling short of my commitments. This holiday season that became very clear to me. So many things can and do go wrong with ceramics. It is something that anyone who is thinking about making ceramics for a living must factor in. Problems are inevitable. It goes hand in hand with the medium.

I have been working with clay since I was twenty-two. I am now forty-two. The first ten years were spent learning and the past twelve I have been making and selling my work professionally. In so many ways I feel like I am just starting out. I really don't see a future for myself without clay. No matter where I am or what I am doing with the other parts of my life it is a given, in my mind, that I will be making ceramics. Back breaking as it is. I am just trying to get smart about it. I have so many ideas for projects and products. Many which just sit on my shelves waiting for me to give them some attention. It is not a bad thing to be this busy. It is a great thing. Truly a dream come true for me. It is so nice to be closing out this year feeling like my dreams are being realized and that I am moving into a new year with new things to consider and think about. After all isn't that what it is all about?

7 comments:

lisa solomon said...

what a nice place to be.... :)

love the relief... so pretty....
happy new year!

Angela Wales Rockett said...

It's so wonderful that your dreams are being realized! Best wishes for continuing success.

As a celebration for accomplishing some of my artistic dreams, I treated myself to one of your small bowls from Artstream. I love it!

Susan Schwake said...

as filled with questions as ones success always is, you handle it beautifully diana. we are wishing for your continued success in the coming year. all the best of 2007 to you!
fondly,
susan

Kerstin Svendsen said...

exciting indeed!

Anonymous said...

Busy and full of ideas? That's really not a bad place for a creative person to be.

If I were anywhere nearby, I'd glady volunteer to be a meager assistant. (I'm only three years into my ten years of learning!) I'm sure you'll find a creative solution to the time crunch.

jen of the north said...

this is very inspiring to me. thanks for sharing. i love the relief work. and i applaud you for finding truths in your soul.

paula said...

What wonderful thoughts and approach to your work. I love it!
I still have such a long way to go.