One of those weeks

It has been one of those weeks. The kind in which my computer got a nasty virus that totally disabled it, I broke up with my boyfriend, and my teenage daughter is being well, a teenager. So that's where I've been- dealing with life. I now have a computer to do some necessary things on, but it is old and slow. I have some new work that I'm itching to share, the story of my art adventure at Caroline Douglas's sale last weekend, and some updates on the studio. I will post pictures as soon as I think my patience can tolerate it!

Mehndi Mug

I just got done listing this mug on Etsy (you can find it at www.mudwhimsy.etsy.com!).

Presents

One of the great joys I get from making pottery is getting my pieces out of the kiln after a glaze firing. It's sort of like opening a present when you have a pretty good idea of what is inside!

Do you recognize the mug in the middle? (It's from THIS post.) I was nervous about firing it because I put so much work into the carving. I didn't want to mess it all up with the wrong glaze. It wasn't quite as striking as I thought it would be- the glaze turned brown in some spots- but overall I like it. And the more I look at it the more I like it- the brown is growing on me!

I'll have better photos of all my work tomorrow, and will possibly start listing some of the new pieces in my Etsy shop as well!

Planter Inspiration

Piece in progress

While painting my studio the pesto color, I had an idea to make pesto and grow my own basil in cute little hand made ceramic planters. We'll see where it leads... In the meantime, I checked over at Etsy for some inspiration.

(Click on the descriptions to connect to the shops!)

TortoiseLovesDonkey

Groove Planter in Mint Green, kimwestad

Andrew B King


And just for fun I might just put a few ceramic mushrooms in my plants!

Jadeflower
http://www.etsy.com/listing/73079482/three-mini-red-and-white-spotted

Artist of the Week: Caroline Douglas

Lemur and His Dreamer, Caroline Douglas

Slow Boat to China, Caroline Douglas

Ganesh and His New Hat, Caroline Douglas

Evening At Home, Caroline Douglas

This week I chose a local Boulder artist (even though she's known internationally!), Caroline Douglas. She has been working with clay for more than 25 years. Caroline's sculptures have a sense of humor, whimsy, and magic! I've loved her work since I saw it hanging in the downtown public library several years ago- she had created a sculptural tile for every day of the year. Some were momentous, (like her children graduating), some were just ordinary days. I'm intrigued with the idea of making something each and every day...
I've had the pleasure of seeing some of Caroline's work in person, visiting her home during the Open Studios Fall Artist Tour, and having some quick chats with her. All of it was delightful! When I visited her house it was filled with her work! She had so many pieces I imagine that she spends A LOT of time on her ceramics. It wasn't like she was just cranking out mindless pieces either- she had large sculptures with intricate designs, hand painted glazes, and details details details. It was very impressive and inspiring.
Currently Caroline is preparing for a home sale on May 14th. In order to create space she is posting a piece every day that you can buy from her website. If only I had a million dollars! I'm hoping to be able to go to her home sale. If anyone else is in the Boulder area and would like to go with me let me know.

Where you can find Caroline Douglas:

Website at www.carolinedouglas.com

Facebook HERE

Etsy shop HERE

Mud Cloth Mug

This sweet little mug is now in my shop! (click on the photo for more information)

And tonight I'm going to list this mug in my shop. It's one of the 'ding mugs'- I put an intentional dent in the side and then carved around it.

Sneak Peek

I got some pieces from the glaze firing today... This little cup will be in my shop tomorrow!