Oh my how things can change is such a short time. I feel that I've been through a real huge process of exploration as an artist. I kept calling it a mid-life-crisis thing and criticizing but now I realize that this process is really necessary to being a complete artist - one that grows and doesn't just please the regular customers or satisfy what is expected of them but those that are fresh. Now I do worry that I seem unfocused but what's interesting is that these wonderful ladies, deep in thought perched upon rocks I found in a local mountain river have come out of it all. I strayed from the figurative salt and peppers that I'd been known for for years to sculptural mugs to simple message mugs (from a commission piece at the holidays) to come full circle back to my signature figurative work. I'm finally leaving the functionality behind in these pieces - something my customers and fans have begged me for for years - and created a simple sculpture that brings pleasure by sitting upon a shelf . . . I'm proud of myself for leaving my comfort zone and love that I seem to have come back to my original style of work. I plan to create masses of work of simply what moves me with no intent upon "what will sell" and create w/ integrity that is true to my existence. I plan to give these women a voice and an identity so that the viewer/ buyer is really inviting a person of sorts into their home. 

Thanks for following me on my artist journey. 

I always strive to be real - creating intuitively so that some fundamental energy that is within me into a tangible form. I think that we all have a common thread running through us and that this is one of the purest ways of tapping into that force. 

until next time,

j

what do I want to be when I grow up?

So my newest work really resembles that of a production potter - which I've vowed for 20+ years that I am not and will never be!!! Those of you that know me know that where I gain my most enriching act with clay is when I'm altering after the work on the wheel. This past year has brought more and more work that is less altered and more "pottery" in the traditional sense. Don't get me wrong - it's been fun to explore making consistent forms on the wheel  . . .. nice exercise - but doesn't suit my style and really who I am - I'm not regular, decisive, consistent, careful, and all the rest that goes w/ production potter's mentality - I know - i've been both. Long ago, I made pottery and it choked me out and made me take a break - I can't measure and use calipers. .. . when I started the sculpture that began on the wheel I felt free and able to do as I please.
So here it is: I'm growing into the woman and artist that I am. I'm diverse and complicated and I think I'll keep it that way. So who knows what you'll see from me next - I've been making really tall cake plates for my step-father (really only father I know) 80th birthday celebration so maybe you'll see more of those or more of my figurative work or lots more simple chalk board mugs - who knows!!!