May 23 2008
Artists et al
My clay class is officially over, with just an unofficial ”glazing party” later. I have about 15 pounds of leftover clay, which means I’ll be using my dining table as a workplace from time to time this summer.
My work has been a mixed bag. My first tile came out fantastic! My beautiful bowl with the painstakingly-built leaves, however, will make a rather nondescript planter. I dipped it in the glaze and wiped off the excess, but the glaze still filled all the spaces. It’s now a nothing-special planter.
On the other hand, my failure has prepared me to use a different glazing technique when I make Jesse’s bowl. I covered it with galloping horses and horseshoes.
I find myself making gifts, mostly. I want to make Pat a tile of St. Anthony, for example. Someone else wants an angel like the one that I based on Eastern icons. And I’ve had it in my head to make a tile with an image of the Divine Mercy.
In June, I’ll be free to volunteer more at the Art Association. I enjoy it, even when it’s actual work. Meeting people is the main lure. I met a couple of professional maritime artists and an up-and-coming muralist. A month ago, a lovely couple named Parks came in to admire the children’s work. The wife was an absolute peach, and the husband obviously knew a lot about technique. He mentioned he painted but he humbly omitted that he illustrates Dean Koontz’s children books.
I’ve often heard that artists are difficult, but I think the truth is that some difficult people are artists. Mostly I’ve met people with humor, patience, and a willingness to make mistakes.
Speaking of which, I must mention one of my favorite things about going to Pistons’ basketball games: The Spare Tires. They are a group of large men who perform dance routines during halftime. I know it sounds like a gag, but they are impressive.
Go here and click on “Spare Tires Photo Gallery” or check them out on Youtube:
