A few nights ago, I was walking my dog around my neighborhood in Denver, when I happened upon this manhold cover. While I had passed by on this street many a time, I never noticed it. Maybe, I noticed this time because the sun was setting and the last rays of the day highlighted the fishes’ silhouette. I’m not sure, but I did a double take and knew I had to come back with my camera in tow.
I’ve been wondering what a fish is doing on a manhole cover in the city of Denver. When I saw it today, I realized it reads “Drains to Rivers”. I googled images of manhole covers and there’s quite an assortment of eye candy if only we look down.
I have decided to add to my lino-cuts. My lone dragonfly needed another insect companion - the bee.
I have found that the relief prints on clay work better on flat pieces than ones in the round, so I’m playing around with some different clay shapes to print on. I like the idea of a house and once it’s fired I’ll add a wood block to the reverse side so that this will be able to hang on the wall as a small art piece. I think these might look great in small groupings. Mile Hi Ceramics does carry “ceramic ink pads” that I think I’m going to try out. I imagine these would work like regular stamps and ink pads on paper, only the ceramic ink will be fired onto the piece. What I’m curious to find out is whether the ceramic ink is to be applied on top of other glaze like china paint, or if it’s an underglaze.
Printing the relief prints in the round isn’t working out too great. I suppose I could use commercial rubber stamps, but I like the fact that I’m using my own stamps. It might be better to use the ceramic ink pads to apply my images.
For this cup, I tried to make it square after I had thrown it on the wheel, but, I don’t have the right size paddle. Consequently, the cup has all kinds of dings on it. I’ll most likely recycle this cup.
In other news, I joined another Etsy Street Team called Etsy Mud Team or EMT a group that works exclusively with clay. While it might seem counter productive for a ceramic artist do join other ceramic artists in marketing promotion. I actually think it will be beneficial. We all have different styles and use different materials and firing methods. When I did the Summer Art Market, I noticed that when people came into our booth, they either gravitated to my work, Kathleen’s or Mary Cay’s. There didn’t seem to be any cross-over. So I think this is going to be good!
That’s it for today,
Entries (RSS)
I like your idea of a square tumbler and can’t wait to see how you are going to perfect your technique of stamping on a round surface.
I love the bee relief!! But, I’m scared of bees…. :0
I definitely have some work to do peppa!
My daughter is also really scared of bees, Diana! When I lived in Maine, we used to have really fat, furry bees flying around that looked like they were drunk on pollen. I don’t see that type here in Colorado.
I like the bee. I also like the idea of the manhole covers.
Wonderful post! Bee’s are sooo cute I think. Their alright as long as you don’t mess with them. Although they scare me sometimes…anyhoo great post!
:)*HUGS*
I like the business together, on Etsy idea. I do the same thing. I either really like someone’s way of doing something or I dislike it and I know others who are the same way.
I love the new things you are using in your lino cuts too.
Wonderful insect reliefs, and I really like the tumbler form.
Thanks Janet, I’m tempted to go out and do a rubbing of the fish manhole cover. I would have to wait for evening or do it early morning because it’s been scorching hot here in Denver the past few days - 99 degree yesterday.
Thank you Angela, I think there’s something universal about bees.
I think it will be okay too Mary, though I’m not sure how it’s all going to play out just yet, since it’s still new.
Thanks Denise…I’m trying to think what other insects would make a sensible addition.
I agree, it is much better to use your own stamps. I really like what you are doing and hope you are able to figure out how to add your stamp on a rounded object. The bee relief is wonderful.
I like the idea of working with like minded folks. Having a group effort on etsy can do alot. Especially if your work gets seen by all of the other artists collectors and friends. Also the bee relief is coming along nicely. Will be fun to see the finished pieces.
I think so too, Jafabrit and thanks for the comment on the bee linocut.
Shawn, nice mural! Everyone should go check out his blog to see the great work he just completed!