Summer Wrap Up...
The end of this summer is bittersweet as my only child is headed into to her freshman year of college. It is exciting and happy and anxious and sad all at the same time. A year ago, my friend gave me some advice: She to find something for myself now. Not to wait until my daughter leaves, because I won't want to then. It was the best little nugget of motivation. So, I found the studio again. And I'm all in. So, when the packing and the moving and the drop off is finished, I have things waiting for me...new ideas, works in progress, upcoming art calls...all of these opportunities to be creative, just for me.
Getting back in the studio has also connected me with more women who are also in the same stage of life...kids are moving out into the world and we are finding out who we are or, who we can be now. Being in a creative environment also sparks a renewed energy of thought that can expand into other areas of my life...all positives.
When returning to the studio last year, my goal was to test my skills and find inspiration. I immediately grab a bag of porcelain and started throwing. And it was fine. Drawing on my work with botanical photography and painting, I began incorporating hand-built floral surface decorations onto my thrown vessels. This ultimately led to more hand building and less time on the wheel...and it was surprise progression. But a good one.
Fast forward a few months and I now have a focused body of work emerging. One that incorporates hand-built vessels with a variety of surface textures...from pressed florals to linen textiles and handmade stamps. Its refreshing and new, challenging and fulfilling. And even though I'll now be on a short studio break until mid-September, I have several pieces in the works for upcoming show submissions. In the meantime, you can see a few pieces the Little Luxuries Exhibit next month. The show opens on September 12th at The Main Line Art Center.
Enjoy the rest of your summer...I'll be loading up the car and filling a dorm room with lots of stuff and a piece of my heart. It's fine, it's all fine...there are things to look forward to.
~ Beth
