Posts Tagged “found art project”

To reclaim old hard clay, I cut the hard bricks into little chunks. Please don’t try to throw with hard clay, it’s a good way to get carpal tunnel and very aggravating. I know, I’ve tried.
So I decided to go back to work the other day (I’m starting to have the clay jones), but was rather dismayed at what awaited me in the frigid cold garagio: 300 pounds of frozen clay which is to be expected after a week of sub freezing temps. I promptly brought my clay inside the warm house to defrost - some say it’s more plastic after it’s been frozen. Time will tell. Today is the perfect day to work in the garagio - temps in the mid 50’s - so I’ll keep this post brief to maximize my studio time. Now, maybe your clay isn’t frozen, but is just old hard clay. Read on - this post on reclaiming clay is just for you.

Soak in warm water until it starts to break down.
After draining the clay, put the goopy mess on a plaster bat or wedging table. Once the plaster has absorbed some of the water and it’s workable again, wedge and reuse.
It’s a very simple task involving a little bit of physical work and a good way to be work in the studio on those uninspired days.

Not to worry, the frozen glazes can be reused too. I will just need to defrost them and resieve the glazes a few times when the need arises.

Meanwhile, I went for a little jaunt around the park today and my porcelain snowflake is gone. It was still there 2 days ago, so sometime between then and now someone discovered it. I hope it brings him/her joy!

That’s it for today - I plan on visiting everyone’s blogs tomorrow since I haven’t been very social lately.

Toodles,

~Cynthia

Tags: found art project, frozen clay, reclaim old clay

Porcelain snowflake that I have gifted to someone anonymously by hanging it in a tree at my local park following the principles of the Found Art Project. I’m looking forward to going to the park today to see if anyone has discovered it.
Switching gears from the last couple of posts….

Initially, when I realized that we’re sneaking up on a New Year, I thought I’d write a lengthy post on my goals for 2008. Instead, I found myself on the Art Biz Blog the other day and perused Alyson’s posts until this one caught my eye. It wasn’t so much the title that caught my attention “Plan your art career wins for 2008″, but rather the small amount of text that precedes her podcast that spoke to me:

This is my favorite action to share each year. Take time to write down all you have accomplished instead of focusing on what is yet to be done.

I like this idea a lot! It’s not about resolutions, but rather a reflection on the good things that have transpired the last year. So, with no further ado, I give you a list of things that I’m thankful to have accomplished in the last 365 days in no particular order.

• I’ve managed to avoid getting a 9-5 job so that I’m available for my daughter before and after school - something about which I feel very good.
• I’ve secured 4 clay teaching gigs for next summer at the Art Student’s League of Denver and Anderson Ranch Arts Center.
• I’ve left the communal studios of the Art Student’s League and set up my own studio at home fondly named “el garagio”.
• I became a substitute teacher in Denver Public Schools which has opened my eyes to how wonderful it is to work with children.
• I started teaching clay classes after school in Denver which allows me to share my love of art and clay with other people - there is nothing more rewarding to me than having a child tell me how they can’t wait for Monday/Tuesday afternoon to work with clay
• I have made a lot of new contacts and friends that I hope to nurture in 2008 virtually and in real life.
• I embarked on a lot of learning and education this past year to help my art business - though it also spills over into my personal life such as learning HTML & other computer programs, reading and taking one of Alyson’s art marketing classes.
• I have volunteered many hours at my daughter’s school and have learned that I’m a good fund raiser when I believe in the cause
• My work has been placed at the ArtHaus66 Gallery in Albuquerque, NM and just received my first commission check.
• I received wholesale inquiries that I’m going to pursue in 2008.
• I’ve participated in 2 large fairs this past year, including the Summer Art Market and the Fancy Tiger First Alternative Craft Fair.
• I’ve donated a lot of my work to causes that are important to me
• I applied for membership to the Colorado Potter’s Guild.
• I bought a larger new kiln that will last me my lifetime.
• My blog is maturing.
• My work is getting better.
• I joined groups both in person and virtually which has allowed me to make new friends and build a stronger community.
• I am realizing what it is I want to accomplish and how I want to live. I have a true vision for 2008 and beyond that I hope to share with you in the new year.
• Best of all, I am creating a life for myself that feels true to me by not compromising my values.

I’m thankful for a lot - and while this list may not be complete, I want to end 2007 and begin 2008 on a positive note.

So from me to you, I wish you a Happy New Year in 2008 - may you have many accomplishments big and small!

Warmly,

Cynthia

Tags: art biz blog, found art project, new year's resolutions