After starting up my own studio last spring, I’ve been doing a lot of experimenting with different techniques to find my own voice, if you will. It seems like there’s just no end to the techniques and processes in the ceramic arts. I have really been enjoying image transfer on clay and just ordered 100 sheets of traditional decal paper from Ceramic Supply, so expect a lot of this to crop up in my work in the future.
Meanwhile, I have been meaning to play around with some Millefiori/Murrini techniques using colored clay. Some of the artists who inspired me are Jane Peiser, Vince Pitelka and Chris Campbell among others who all use the medium quite differently. I am truly inspired by Jane Peiser, who according to her website is 73 years old (though the website is older - she talks about it being winter in NC and we know that’s just not true) and is still producing art- my hero! Forget about retirement when you’re doing what you love.
Anyway, last spring, I had colored some porcelain with Mazerine blue mason stain and another 1 pound block with a green stain. I forgot about them until recently when I discovered them sitting on the shelf behind some glazes. I decided to whip out a couple of pendants to see how they would turn out. I have to say that I’m pretty pleased. I think today, I’m going to mix up a few more batches of colored clay, but instead of wedging the color in, I’m going to mix the stain in with 2 cups of porcelain slip which I already have made up and then dry them on a plaster slab for later use. I wedged in the color for these and I remember thinking that there had to be a better way because that was a lot of work to throughly mix in the stain.
I’m going to load my bisque kiln today with some of the work from David’s special order. I had hoped to have more work at the bisque stage, but it just hasn’t happened. I’ve been too busy doing something close to nothing (who knows who sang that ditty?). Actually, just enjoying the summer with my daughter and watching lots of movies - just saw Miss Potter and The Last Mimzy this past week. Loved them both!
Till later,
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Gads, Cynthia, every time I visit I’m newly amazed at how completely driven you are. Your input and output are both astounding. I hope you manage to relax now and then, too!
Millefiori and murini! Two difficult–at least in glass, where I know about them from beading–techniques! You are amazing and inspirational to me Cynthia.
Have a guestion too. How do you like your etsy shop? Is it easy and profitable? I may go that way for awhile. I’m not sure what to do, but I’m making some nice stuff and need to keep it moving now that I’m ‘retired’ so thanks for your comments.
Actully i’m just doing test wwith colored porcelain.. i did a wokshop this spring with henk wolvers (www.henkwolvers.nl) and wht he does is tak a piece of porcelain make a hole in it (not through) big enough for your stain punt the stain in the hole and put water in it so that the stain is wet.. leave it overnight and then wedge it adding more water if necessary… it make it easier to wedge… i also tried coloring dry porcelain clay powder but i found that was pretty messy
You have been making some wonderful pieces lately!!
Not really, Andrea - you just pop in during my manic phase!
Oh Mary, you’re my hero too - Etsy is not making me rich, but it’s a good outlet for selling small things.
I tried that Pottery - maybe I didn’t do it right… I’ll check out the link you sent to me!
Thanks Diana ~ so have you!!
Love, love, love that vase. You are really doing some fun and imaginative work of late. I so enjoy coming by and peeking in!
Movies, movies, movies, I have to say that I can’t seem to find the time to watch many myself. Glad that you can though. Wonderful post! You always make amazing works! *HUGS*
Those earings are fabulous! I love the color combinations.
I belive you are thinking of the phrase “Seems that I was busy doing something close 2 nothing” in your blogg. It’s from the song “Raspberry Beret” by Prince, a great song I think.
I like your art by the way.
Cheers,
Peter
That’s it Peter! You’re the only one who even tried to guess… I’m a huge old school Prince fan.
Haha! I used too be a huge fan of Prince too, now I’m just a fan :).
If someday I find myself in Denver (I live in Sweden now) I’ll pop by and we can compare our favorite tunes or something :).