To sign or not to sign – that is the question…
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to honor and cherish
the philosophy behind Mingei,
Or to sign and release one’s work
Into the wild for market or vanity’s sake.
Excuse the bastardization of Shakespeare‘s Hamlet, but his famous prose is exactly what popped into my mind after writing this post’s title. To be honest, I really don’t give much thought to signing my work and am responding to Keith’s post. I started signing my pots back in college ceramics 101 on the request of my professor as a way of keeping track of my beginning ceramic doorstops from those of my classmates. I’ve signed my name on my pots ever since, even though I don’t work in a communal studio anymore. I’m not sure that it adds value to my pot or not since most of the world doesn’t recognize my name. And, it’s not for vanity’s sake either – maybe it’s just a western thing. Isn’t everything signed in our culture – good, bad and neutral? Heck, I make the kids in my clay classes sign their work too – mostly so that there is no confusion as to who made something when it comes time to glaze and/or take their work home.
I have long admired the use of chops (see definition #3) or signature stamps and have been meaning to make one for myself for quite some time. A couple of nights ago, I actually dreamed about making a chop and when I woke up, designed one based on my dream. Weird when that happens, don’t you think?
In the past, I have signed my full name or just my initials, and have recently started stamping my initials into heavily textured work when I find that there isn’t enough room for a full signature.
Mini letter stamps
Stamped initials on side of mug under the handle
My chop is based on a lotus flower and after looking at the meaning behind the symbol common to many different cultures and religions, it seems to fit. The lotus is a symbol of summer, creativity, faithfulness, purity amid adversity and feminine genius. Okay – maybe I’m identifying with creativity and faithfulness more than purity and genius. 
I know when to eat a piece of humble pie.
Original Lotus Chop with Initials drawn on my Wacom Tablet
At any rate, the dream was pretty powerful and as clear to me as if I had been awake. I made a first attempt at a chop, but it needs some serious work. I have 2 coils setting up right now that I plan to refine into chops today. It’s tricky because it’s such a small surface area – less than 1/2″ didn’t allow enough room for my design.
Chop #1
Resulting impression
Yesterday, I even had the kids in my clay class make their own chops. They were a little confused by the concept, but nonetheless, they powered through. I’ll share their chops another day.
Question for you: Do you sign your creative work and why?
~Cynthia
P.S. My husband was jealous of my cartoon self, so I made one for him which he is currently sporting on Facebook.
My husband, Ron
Frogs, Snakes and Lotus Flower
14 new porcelain boxes and counting…
I had a pretty relaxing past few days over the long Memorial Day Weekend – hope you did too. I managed to squeeze a little work into my weekend, but not much. I recently discovered that I can download audio books onto my iPod Nano and that my local library has audio books for download. I’ve temporarily grown a little weary of the music I’ve loaded onto my iPod and have taken to being read to. I’ve also become a podcast junkie. I’ve been listening to Oprah Winfrey and Eckart Tolle’s online workshops covering Tolle’s new book, A New Earth while I work. Hours pass, and I’m transported to a different place. Now I need to buy the book so I can really follow along.
Cherry Blossoms and Frog
Here’s a few of my newest creations that are almost created stream of consciousness as I listen to all of life’s true possibilities. I’ve made a list of themes and have even invited others (mainly my daughter, husband, friends and sil) to weigh in on other possible trajectories. I have repeated a couple of boxes that have already found their way into the world outside of my studio.
Meanwhile, I drove up to Evergreen, CO to pick up remaining work from the Fine Art of Craft show that closed on Friday. I sold a few pieces which made me happy and I transported the rest home which will be added to my inventory for the Summer Art Market in a few weeks. I agreed to donate a piece of my work to be auctioned off this summer at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in August. Wouldn’t you know it, the piece I planned on donating (see below) is one of the pieces that sold! So now, I need to make another or donate something else.
Sand dollar and Snake Boxes
I spoke with the owner of CO/RK Gallery in Denver last week who saw my work at the Potter’s Guild Sale in early May. She’s interested in carrying my work, however, I told her it could be awhile before I have some available. I was also introduced to the owner of the Evergreen Gallery by my friend Mary Cay at the opening of the “Fine Art of Craft Show” who was interested in carrying my porcelain boxes. So, I have a few things to follow up with in the next month or so. Funny thing is as I listen to Eckart Tolle and some of the things he talks about, I find myself feeling a little disenchanted with selling stuff. I know I need to reconcile this with myself before I end up selling everything I own and running off to save the world. 
My husband’s waiting in the wings for the computer – so must go. Plus it doesn’t help that he keeps interrupting my train of thought.
~Cynthia
