I went through nearly 100lbs of clay making ring forms that will eventually be assembled into a sculpture. By throwing the clay on the floor, it stretches it and gives it amazing texture. I’m using a paper clay for this because it has enough strength to stretch to 4′ lengths without tearing. I used to make sculptures about 20 years ago using this stretching technique, kind of fun to return to it again and looking forward to seeing where it goes…
the dirt
Experiencing Technical Difficulties
It isn’t the first time I’ve used this title for a blog post and I’m sure it won’t be the last but this time was a doozy!
I’m sorry that there were no posts on ‘the dirt’ last week, I really would of loved to of shared in real time with you the new work I’m making, a new video I posted and a reminder about the awesome event I participated in this past weekend (and don’t worry, I’ll still share those things!) but my website was completely shut down for 5 days. I spent a good amount of those 5 days online with tech support, frantic with all the emails that kept bouncing and patiently holding off on pressing send on my applications for shows. These are the times when I wish the only part of my job was the one I’m really good at- having clay in my hands and that dealing with all the other aspects of running an art business were someone else’s responsibilities.
It was also a lesson in how dependent I am on my website and when its down and you’re told that you may need to have a judge sign off on paperwork to prove that you are the owner of your site, it’s pretty daunting. There was a moment that I thought it would be down for months, which is pretty much death to a small business. I’ll spare you the dramatic and traumatic details but in the end through a series on back-ass ways and strangely enough a knowledgable and capable tech who recovered an email address that’s been defunct for over two years, I was able with the click of a mouse get my site back up again. I generally take things in stride but this time, tears of woe turned to tears of joy in an instant.
So, if you tried to contact me last week via email or you tried to buy something from the shop or share my work with a friend and you just couldn’t get through…magically, now you can. Thanks for your patience!
photo credit: Crystal Birns
December Studio News
Here’s the monthly wrap up of everything going on at the studio…
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New Work from the Bone Series is up in the Shop!!!
The latest work from the Bone Series is now up in the shop! These pieces debuted at Open Studios this year and there are only 8 available.
About the series:
These new pieces from the Bone Series are framed compositions of ceramic discs that were inspired by bone fibrous structures and they are held together with steel cable. The pieces and the cables float just off the wall so they cast really beautiful shadows that really enhance the pieces. The ceramic pieces have been used in ephemeral installations both in the gallery and in the field.
The frames are made from painted steel with holes in the back corners designed for easy wall mounting. These pieces qualify for free shipping within the US.
SHOP NOW
SALE!!
I’m joining the masses with all of these cyber-giving-small biz dealios and putting the Art Hearts on sale from now until Christmas! Each heart on sale for only $15 each and makes a great gift for your favorite office-mate, that housewarming gift you need to bring or your sweetie!
This sale is only available online and while supplies last so order yours soon!
Off the Grid…
I’ll be celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday week by opting outside and being off the grid for awhile, so I wanted to wish everyone a fantastic holiday and I hope you get to spend some time outside doing what you love too!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Clay Classes at the Studio Wrap Up
A big grateful thank you to all of my students who participated in the fall session of clay classes at the studio! You continue to inspire me with your creativity every day!
As we head into chilly winter days in the studio, clay classes will be on hiatus until further notice…
For those of you that are interested in joining in on a future clay class, please add yourself to the mailing list so that you’ll be the first to know when the schedule is set.
B CR8IV!
Winged Art Hearts Are Back!
Art Hearts with Wings are a best seller and they have been out of stock for quite a while but not anymore…
Now available in Bright Red, Deep Red or Winter White on both stems and as ornaments in the online shop. These hearts make great gifts for the holidays or house warming gifts throughout the year. Oh! And this gift gives back…a portion of all art heart sales is donated to doing philanthropic art projects locally and abroad!
Get yours before they’re gone! SHOP NOW
New Video: Taking Down the Vines
A few of these Vines have found a new home! Had to get up on the big ladder today to take them down, get them cleaned and packed up. I can’t wait to see what they will look like installed in there new home!
Art Hearts for the Holidays!
It’s the start of the holiday parties, house warming dinners and the gift giving season, so don’t forget to give handmade hearts to your loves! You can buy them from the online shop or support your local shops and buy Art Hearts here:
Earth Art Studio | Santa Cruz CA
Santa Cruz Art League Gift Shop | Santa Cruz CA
The Homeless Garden Project Store | Santa Cruz CA
Ace’s Flowers | Aptos CA
Bonny Doon Garden Company | Santa Cruz CA
Norrie’s Gift Shop at the UCSC Arboretum | Santa Cruz CA
The Garden Company | Santa Cruz CA
Posy Handpicked | Leavenworth WA
Want to see Art Hearts in your shop? Contact Jenni to create a wholesale order…