New Porcelain Necklace with Sterling Chain now available in my Etsy Shop.
I have worn the prototype of this necklace for about the last 6 months now, and get a ton of compliments and requests for duplication. I have a problem though, I have a high amount of breakage during the making and firing of the piece since it’s so delicate. Anyway, 2 survived my last firing and I may have figured out the secret to making these successfully.
The original necklace was inspired by this sculpture that I made in college my last semester. I love the organic shape and have been meaning to do more work in this direction but wince when I recall the cracking and baby sitting of this piece during the drying process. I never did glaze it, because I couldn’t decide how to do so - but have some ideas now. I just need to do a little sanding and will most likely glaze it the next time I fire to ^6. I don’t know about any of you other ceramic people out there, but glazing doesn’t come easy for me. Sometimes I need to think about it a few weeks - sometimes years.
Meanwhile, I’m recovering from a nasty cold that struck the state of Colorado and am feeling much better today. I am also not scheduled to sub this week and will most likely turn down all offers. I really want to spend some QT in the garagio this week. Because of my teaching affiliation with Anderson Ranch Arts Center this coming summer, I received an invitation to submit work for possible inclusion in a fall show at their gallery. I need to get cracking - the deadline for application is fast approaching and I’d really like to submit something new.
This was shared courtesy of the Etsy Mud Team. Somehow, I really relate to Antonia - enjoy!
Meanwhile, I had a small Etsy milestone. The dawn of 2008 brought my 500th ? and my 100th sale. Thank you to everyone!
I know it’s not really a popularity contest - but it just means I have to keep on keepin’ on to continue to build my business. I’m doing something right, albeit slowly.
After spending all day in the studio yesterday, I have to switch gears today - I’m subbing for the special ed department at school. Although, it’s still a creative endeavor, it doesn’t involve making anything with my hands.
Arthaus66 Gallery
6320 Linn Avenue NE #C
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108
I have some really exciting news! I was contacted by a gallery in Abuquerque, NM about 5-6 weeks ago about placing some of my ceramic jewelry in their newly relocated gallery space with the potential to add some of my other ceramic work in the near future. After emailing back and forth and a phone call, I agreed to send a few pieces of jewelry to Arthaus66 last week for their grand opening reception on Friday, November 23rd from 4:30 - 6:30pm. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it for the opening, but my work will. I sent some of my more experimental pieces and hope it will be the beginning of a nice relationship.
One of my newer porcelain pendants
Celadon glazed porcelain earrings with sterling silver ear wires
It’s a terrific way to head into the holidays and sets the tone for 2008. I am going to be targeting galleries to represent me locally and in a few select areas of the US in the new year. Selling one’s own work is incredibly labor intensive and I’d rather concentrate on making new work and having quality studio time than marketing. In that regard, a gallery is worth every penny in earned commissions. Unfortunately, this will mean a price increase for my work in my Etsy shop where I will keep a presence so that I keep my prices in line with the gallery’s retail price. I’ve been meaning to raise my prices for some time as they are currently set closer to my wholesale set point.
I’m going to get a head start on my New Year’s goal of contacting some galleries in December. We’re taking a long weekend trip to Crested Butte, CO and I’m going to see if any galleries in the ski resort town would be interested in carrying some of my ceramic jewelry.
Clay + Imagination = Art Tueday’s Class Masks, grades 2-5
Meanwhile, my Tuesday clay class finished their ceramic masks and they’re terrific. There were several that I would liked to have kept!
Have a good week everyone and a great Thanksgiving if I don’t catch you before then,
~Cynthia
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