Does Size Make A Difference?

Recently I’ve been working on projects big and small. It has me thinking about how this affects the pricing of a finished piece I create. Although the amount of clay that goes into each one is a material factor and obviously proportional to their finished size, creative time and artistic effort are important to the end price calculation too. Here’s where it gets tricky. I may spend just as much or more time creating something that measures just a few inches as a large piece that stands over a foot.

This sugar/creamer set I started this week is much smaller in scale to the three planters I made. The set consists of eight separate parts joined together. Just because it is smaller in size doesn't necessarily mean it should be priced less than a large piece.

“How long did it take you to make that?” is a recurring question I get asked. Time is one more factor that helps calculate the end value of a piece of art. But it can be deceiving too. As an artist’s skills grow (another valuable attribute), the time it takes to complete a project may decrease. The original prototype of a particular clay shape takes me the longest to create. Once I’m satisfied and have made a template of the shape, I can recreate the original more efficiently.

Sometimes I create a texture just for one specific project. This is one more factor to consider in the end price.

Back to my opening question, “how does size factor into the creation process”? Furthermore, does/should the size influence the price of an item? I know clay artists that charge a set price based on the finished weight of their pieces. They have calculated a per ounce or per pound number and are comfortable going with that method. The larger the piece is, the pricier the item.

The prototype of these little holiday tags is complete. I'll sell them in sets. They can be used to decorate a gift with a handwritten personal message on the back. The recipient can treasure this keepsake for years to come! Now I'm working on how to package them. It's one more factor that goes into completion before I sell and influences the end price. 

I haven’t been able to reconcile the weight method for my clay art. When I price each piece I create, I do think about its size, the time it took to create, my creative effort, packaging, and finally factor in its perceived value. Size does make a difference, but it is not the only one of the factors of the end calculation.

Presence – The Gift That Keeps On Giving

The days after holidays can be a letdown. There is such a build-up to a particular day and event, that when it’s over and done, it can be a little sad. My remedy to this natural ebb and flow is to focus on the positive, and think about the lasting gifts each holiday brings.

Knitting is one of the ways I sit with my family and enjoy their company. 

Sure, presents and elaborate meals are nice, but what I truly remember about holiday events of the past is the people. The time we spend together talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company – those are the gifts I most remember. As each holiday comes around, and past family traditions are shared with new friends and growing families, it’s also a good time to reflect on those no longer present. 

Some of our family traditions for Christmas include Chinese Food carry-out, a trip to the movies, and playing a board game. These memory-building activities are a fun way to spend time together, relax, laugh, and enjoy each other’s presence. What are the holiday traditions/memories that are important to you? Click on the photo above to tell me!

I did manage to slip into the studio this past week to finish up some commission pieces. This unique colander will replace a broken one that was made long ago for a special friend. I already have lots of new ideas brewing and am excited to get back in the studio to create in the new year ahead. 

Enlightened

After this year’s winter solstice, December 21, the days will begin to get longer. Good! I’m not a fan of early darkness in the late afternoon and I would guess not many people are. It’s no wonder that so many of this season’s holidays celebrate with light. It brightens the darkness of the season. 

Another way to look at this seasonal lack of light perhaps is to recognize its impact on the daily rhythms of our lives. For me, it encourages a kind of cocooning affect where I turn inward, slow down my routine and attend to more projects inside my home than the longer days when light is plentiful and I’m drawn to be outside. 

This year, both Christmas and Hanukkah fall in the same calendar timeframe. Our family has honored both holidays since our children were born. The flames of the menorah candles re-enact the ancient story when a one-day supply of oil lasted eight days and nights. This is the first menorah we bought more than 30 years ago. Click on the photo to hear Adam Sandler's original Hanukkah song!

We bought the chili pepper lights on one of our trips to Santa Fe, New Mexico. They have adorned one of our holiday trees ever since!

Mostly this time of year, I'm looking forward to spending time with my family. Together, we'll share some meals, hang out, watch some movies and solidify some new memories for the holiday season. I hope your holiday celebrations are light-filled, heavy with family, friends and food and most of all memorable!

I use this basic latke recipe each year. I've occasionally embellished it with extra ingredients, like sweet potatoes. They are always served with a side of apple sauce and sour cream. The recipe is from a cookbook I bought at Goucher College bookstore called Simple Jewish Cookery by Edna Beilenson.