I started making these porcelain boxes and I can’t seem to stop. In fact, I have another 4 in the works ranging in size from 2″ square up to 5″ x 6″. In a departure from the slip transfer that I used on “Birds and Bees”, these 2 are hand painted with underglaze and have not yet been bisque fired. I’m not quite sure which method I like better. There’s a looseness and loss of control in the slip transfer that I like - it’s not quite as tight as these paintings. Irregardless of method, I am going to be showing these at the “Fine Art of Craft Show” at the Center for the Arts Evergreen on April 25th.
I am reassigning the first 2 pieces I originally made for the show using relief printing techniques to the Colorado Potter’s Guild Sale opening on May 1st. I couldn’t help myself. I wasn’t disciplined enough to squelch the desire to make these porcelain boxes even though I knew I was on deadline for the show in Evergreen. I guess that’s a good thing about being my own boss. 
I’m still at a point in my career where I’m trying to find a style that totally resonates and am not yet known for a particular line of work so I do have a freedom of sorts.
Meanwhile, I’m fully aware of a low level undercurrent of stress that is permeating my days leading up to these shows. I must make work, I must make work, I can’t do this, I can’t do that because I must make work. Yes, this is inside my head nearly every waking moment. How do I cope? When I catch myself doing it, I try to breath deeply and remind myself to take each day as it is - live in the moment. Harder to do than to write, but I try. Do I drop everything I’m doing and beat myself up? No, despite waking up and thinking that I need to cancel going to my garden club meeting tonight so I can work - I’m going to make an appearance and start dreaming about getting my hands in a different kind of mud.
Gotta fill the cup,
~ Cynthia
Tags: bees, butterflies, center for the arts evergreen, ceramic treasure boxes, Colorado Potters Guild, porcelain, pottery
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I would love to go to the Fine Art & Craft Show. And, yes!!! Live in the moment. That’s what I do!
wow cynthia, i’m drooling! these are truly gorgeous. i love the handles especially.
You’re welcome to come, LB - that would be so much fun!
Thanks Chi - I appreciate your comments. I think this work is going to be evolving, I just don’t know how yet.
Oh, these are so beautiful! I love them! I agree, the handles are really lovely, but I really like the flowers on the side too. Can’t wait to see how these evolve.
Love your boxes, Cynthia, and the butterflies!
Stress is a creativity killer for me, but as you, try to live in the moment. It’s funny, when I step into my studio, all of the rest of life seems to disappear.
Boxes are AWESOME, Cynthia !!!
Intriguing - last night was the first time i tried slip painting! Wandless’s book arrived a few minutes ago by UPS and i’m looking forward to following your lead with the image transfers — so much to learn! And experiment with!
Thanks for YOUR adventurous spirit !!!
Hugs
Chae
Cute boxes. Definitely look like winners.
if you don’t live in this moment, how will you know how to live in the next moment? You’ll do just fine. After all, I love you as a sister in art.
so great.
just love love.
Love these boxes. I collect boxes and can never resist them. Hopefully, a lot of folks at the show will feel the same!
I meditate, daily, but still get crazily stressed when preparing for shows. Some of my most imaginative work seems to come from that stress, though.
Go with the flow!
I really love these boxes. Just keep keeping on and taking breaks is a good thing, I’m glad you are looking for the harmony in work and life. Those boxes rock, I’m sure you will see larger amounts of sales this year because of all this growing and stretching you are doing. Plus you are not a first timer anymore…Who-Hoo!
Thanks Undaunted - I hope to have these fired and glazed by next week sometime - and you know I’ll share!
There are many a day when I wish I didn’t have to leave the studio, Jean - but life calls.
Very cool, Chae - I hope you enjoy the book. Mine is getting a little dog eared.
Thanks Janet
Mary - I think I have to remind myself that this is part of my process and to not give into the stress - just take it for a ride and remember that it will eventually crest.
Thanks Judi xo
I’ve never been good at meditating, W.J. - though I think my dogs don’t help matters. I think it’s the one reason I lace up my sneaks and run, even when my body is saying this is too hard. It’s very meditative for me.
My problem Heather is that I took so many breaks in the beginning of the year - I’m playing catch up know. arghhhh
Beautiful boxes and the whimsical handles are great too. I like the title of your post - Secret Treasures. I can just image storing a secret treasure in one of your boxes. Can’t wait to see how you glaze them.
If I’m stressed I take a walk in my garden or sit under the wisteria pergola and listen to the birds singing. I am always “running” everywhere, so I find I need to sit and relax to re-coop the calm part of myself.
I am sure everyone at the show will love your boxes and the image transfers are just spectacular.
Your boxes are purely beautiful Cyn and I love the little lids, just exquisite!!
Cynthia, you just recieved an award in my blog!!