Last week, or maybe it was the week before, I was doing some studio clean up in an attempt to make some room so that I can “modernize” my space with a little insulation and drywall. Yep, just the basics for me. Whilst tidying and peering into storage boxes, which moved with us from Maine, I came across a box of old ceramic work - some dating back to my very first class. I saw my little goddess and was more than a little embarrassed that I shared her with my class. I was about to destroy her and throw her away, when I thought, no she will receive a pardon and serve out her days near my kiln.
As I held her and gave her a good once over, I realized that I made this figure at a time in my life when I was in love with the possibilities of clay. I swooned over every free moment when I could sneak away to the ceramic studio on campus. She represents a notion and a feeling that I would like to hold with me. She is pregnant with possibilities and will guard my firings from future disasters and mishaps… and perhaps even my artistic soul. If not, boom badaboom she’s outta here!
She is currently standing guard over a bisque fire as I write this post, which by the way, is past my bedtime. I am waiting just a few more minutes before I can turn up the temperature to high and allow the kiln sitter to turn off the kiln when it reaches cone 04 temperature which should happen between 12 - 1AM.
Meanwhile, I’ve made some decisions. I am going to focus more on making and less on being the main marketing machine - that’s exhausting. I’ve decided that I’m finally going to get some promotional packets together and approach some galleries, including one in LA that sent me a query last spring that I never followed up on. I’m ready to weather a little rejection, and will hopefully hear a few yeses along the way too. The new Ceramic’s Monthly arrived a few weeks ago which is slightly serendipitous. It’s their annual gallery guide, which highlights galleries across the US that specifically represent ceramicists and potters. I will start locally and see what happens.
I also want to thank everyone for all your comments to my last post. It’s very affirming that I’m not alone concerning some of my views. I value everyone’s input.
~Cynthia
Tags: ceramics monthly, kiln goddess
Entries (RSS)