Some recent comments from an online clay group I follow have discussed the idea of originality and copying other's work. It has me thinking about my own clay art expression. I’ve been creating in clay long enough to see the evolution of my style. It’s an ongoing journey and the fact that change and growth is always a possibility is one of the reasons I love this medium.
Skills are the first hurdle to achieve when working in clay. Like most things, that comes with practice. Next in line is the refinement of technique towards developing your own style. For me, it’s meant continuing to learn and share ideas with other clay artists through classes and workshops. I like to try out some of their methods and then incorporate them into my own artistic voice. Another way this transformation happens is through requests I receive to make a custom piece -- perhaps something totally new I've never made before.
The origin of my creations comes from a variety of sources and experiences I've gathered throughout the years. The development of each piece into my own interpretation occurs in the studio each time I touch the clay. Now, when people tell me they recognize my clay art, that compliment means I've begun to achieve a recognizable style of my own.
Hearts have been a running theme in the studio this week!
Heartfelt vessels layered in the kiln ready for a bisque firing.
Small 'love' dishes awaiting their application of red underglaze.
A heart-shaped box will embrace mementoes of a loved-one.
This Yarn Bowl is on its way to Canada to hold the yarn of Karen Collings chosen as the winner of the recent Yarnbox giveaway!