I’ve found the process of creating a vessel to be a way to feel more at peace with life’s frustrations. First, clay is thrown on the wheel a la the famous scene in the movie Ghost. This step begins with centering the material, which is a maddening process, but a reminder of the importance of working towards balance in life. Sometimes, the clay seems to be cooperating, until it is not, and then one must begin again.
Second the clay must dry out a bit until it can be trimmed, and after that it is fired for the first time. Creating pottery does not happen instantly, and it is a lesson in tempering a desire for immediate gratification. Rather like growth in other areas of life, making a piece of pottery happens in spurts and stages.
The final stage happens when the item is glazed, and then fired again a second time. Sometimes the end result is not what was intended or expected, and this too reminds me of how we have to embrace the end result of our time and work even if it is not ideal.
I’m inspired by the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi, which is the idea that true beauty is found in imperfection and authenticity. Here is a concise article on the concept if you are curious!
Near the Appalachian Trail, hovering in the hills above the circus that is Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the Arrowmont art and craft school. This is where I learned the Japanese art of Shibouri. Shibouri is a type of resist dyeing in which bindings, stitches, folds, twists, or compressions of cloth are used to create a pattern or design during the dye process.
The items shown are 12” X 72” hemmed habotai silk panels that can be used as scarves, runners, wall hangings, belts, purse ties…
When working in 2D I’m happy exploring a variety of media including acrylic paint, watercolor, collage, and printmaking.
Carol Musial, my magnificent mother in law, taught me how to sew when I was 20, and I have been creating handmade treasures for my nieces, nephews, students, and home ever since.
My latest sewing joy has been taking children’s drawings and turning them into stuffed toys. I also enjoy embellishing my own designs with embroidery and hand painting, or beginning with the designs of others and making them my own.
