Mudlaark: January 2009

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Quik decision to go to Quixotica

Last night I got an email advising me about a workshop over this long weekend with three Internationally renowned artists in Cooroy so I jumped at the chance to join in. I couldn't sleep I was so excited!

The talented threesome hosts were; Wanee (Kim Se Wan) referred to as The Young Korean Master who threw massive vessels on his Korean low sunk wheel, Laura McLean a Canadian who has developed an awesome method for developing a unique method for building slab Sculptural Vessels and Rowley Drysdale: an Australian Potter who unbeknownst to me (being a newby to the Sunshine Coast) is a very well respected Australian Ceramic Artist and Teacher who lives in my neck of the woods.

After lunch Laura and Wanee gave us a pictorial display of some of their previous projects and current works, I felt priviledged to have been able to meet such international talent and am looking forward to the launch of their exhibition at Fusions in Brisbane next month.

Also attending the workshop today were some very talented local artists with diverse backgrounds and driven by a variety of subject matter.

I had an awesome day and am glad to have been able to have met Rowley and see first hand his purpose built exhibition space and studio which is positioned in the most ideal tranquil bush setting. A number of other local artists utilise the artists space - it was great to observe some of their work also.

Ahhh after such an exciting and mind blowing day I think I'll sleep well tonight, no doubt Wanee, Laura and Rowley will sleep extra well after their mammoth effort this weekend. Unfortunately its raining again the and wood for the wood fired kiln will be getting wet, hopefully today will be sunny and not humid so the wood can be prepared for the fire.

Display Cabinet

Caloundra Arts Centre Assoc Display Cabinet

The CACA has more than 17 different art groups and Jan/ Feb was Pottery/ AMPS turn. We decided to do something different and show the stages in the creation process. Our craft (within CACA) is probably the dirtiest so it was fun for us to be able to show the process rather than just the finished product so onlookers can understand the process.

Firing up for 2009

On Saturday Therese and I loaded the kiln for my first gas firing for the year. The large triangular sculpture has been sitting in the firing shed for four months or more so I'm keen to get it finalised and sit it with it partner. Behind it is my Dragon created from a workshop I missed out on in November and no it doesn't have hair its my first creation of my wig set sitting on top only for the firing. My paperclay doll is to the left; can't wait till she comes out!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

The Peacock

I've got an idea, so by publishing this picture I am ensuring this idea will come to fruition.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Seeing Green

I had been spending a bit of time yesterday looking at US based ceramic artists and came across David Gilhooly's site. He has created a whole line of food items incorporating frogs. Its such a strange subject matter but awesome to see how he gets the food items (donuts, pasta, tacos - you name it!) so incredibly life like!

All these frogs reminded me of my little personal stash of tadpoles in my two backyard ponds. A gift from a friend Alan who breeds beautiful Green Frogs. Upon a really hard look I was able to find two tiny little frogs, they would be no bigger than your thumb nail and as you can see easily camouflaged.

I'm really taking notice of things that inspire me and asking myself why, is it the colour, the texture or the emotion it brings.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

November Fair

Just one of the display rooms at the Caloundra Art Centre Association Fair that I coordinated in November. I sadly resigned as Convenor after two fairs so I could concentrate more on my first love - MUD!!

The November Fair, I am proud to say was the most succesful (financially and attendence wise) in the history of the Fairs for CACA.

Two of my heads in the November Caloundra Arts Centre Association which were sold.

Emily

Emily in the making

Choir Angel

Stars Falling

Christmas Tinkers

Tinkers have been a dream of mine to create ever since I saw some beautiful bells in Melbourne about four years ago. These tinkers are strung up on twine left to hang in the wind. The delicacy of them isn't really known until they tinkle together in the wind. Some of my friends received them as gifts this Christmas.

Vase

I'm still experimenting with these. Yes okay my favourite colour is pink! These have been created with brs, underglaze and then clear glaze. The next time I make these I'm going to make more use out of paperclay and scale them down to become finer pieces for a posie.

The great thing about these vases is that they don't need anything in them to be complete, as a stand alone item they can fill up visible space rather than be locked away in a cupboard awaiting the arrival of an unexpected bunch of flowers. hehe! :>