More Issues with the Kiln!

Finally decided to work on my kiln.  Based on the installation  instructions, I called Skutt for some advice .  The touchpad replacement is pretty simple.  However, when I went to remove the wiring harness connections, the wire of one crimped connector came apart.  Apparently it was not crimped correctly at manufacture.  However, I thought oh! perhaps that was the issue with the E0 code!!!  I called Skutt again and technical assured me "probably not, but make sure you fix that crimped wire first before replacing the touchpad!"  So, tomorrow I will try again...I have my fingers crossed.

Road Trip

Yesterday, I went to a the Fine Ats Show in Scottsdale, AZ with Art Escape, a local artwork group to which I am member.  The Phoenix Open (golf) was going on too so we got stuck in some traffic!  However, it was worth it.  The show was great.   I actually bought two small pieces of art from a potter from NC, Vicki Grant.  Below is a shot of some of her larger wall pieces.  They are very organic.

 

I could only afford the two small 6X6 below.  I hope to make a third piece that will not be like them but compliment them.  Then I will install them as a set. 

Not the best pictures.  I will post another picture when I have them hung on the wall...

Great Courses - How to Draw

I have been thinking about taking a drawing class for a few years.  I have never had such training and thought it would help me elevate my art.  A summer course at the local community college looked interesting, but the commitment was 8 weeks of 3hrs four days a week.  Very intense and with my volunteer commitments it did not seem reasonable.  As a result I found an online course from Great Courses.  They were on sale ($49 vs $334!) so I bought the How to Draw and the Fundamentals of Photography.  With these courses I can work at my own pace, but I have to remain disciplined! Hmmmmmmmmmm...

BTW You Tube has lots of How to Draw videos like the one below.  However, the Great Courses course is 80hrs of video and it is presented by a full professor from the University of Washington.

Yuma Art Symposium

I am happy to say that I am attending the Yuma Art Symposium this year.  Unfortunately I have been unable to find anyone to attend with me...

I am looking forward to seeing the works of
Geoffrey Gorman.

Jason Hess, ceramic artist from Flagstaff, AZ

 
Craig Nutt, wood artist

Mi-Suk Hur

Good News!

After discussions with a local cermaic supply house and the Skutt technicians, it appears as if I can replace the printed circuit board in my kiln for a little under $300 and will not have to replace the $700 control unit.  I am waiting for the board and hope that after installation all is working again!  Cross your fingers!  I have...

2017 and New Inspiration!

A new year, new inspiration!  I have already signed up to attend the Yuma Art Symposium this February and DSLR classes at the local community college.

Last year I did no ceramic work and my kiln still remains broken!!!  However, it is on my list too find someone to repair it and fork over the $$$$ to get it done!

I also want to get back into welding and I am considering a class in the fall.

Last year I did do three paintings and  a found object piece that was in the Found Object Show at Tis.  Below is the fundraiser event for kids art in which I contributed the monarch butterfly piece.  It sold at the auction...

Kiln Not Working...

It happened in December...  I filled my kiln turned it on the standard program and a few hours latter checked on it only to see an E-0 error on the display.  After some research, found it was either a power spike or a complete display failure.

I was pretty depressed and the studio was cold so I put it out of my mind for the holidays and my road trip.  Now, I am back to it.  Unfortunately, I think I will have to call on some service person; worst case it will cost me $600 plus labor for a new display!!!  That is a hard pill to swallow!  I am very discouraged...

My goal this month is to find someone to troubleshoot the kiln and get my MIG welder set-up!

Mother Nature and Her Four Seasons...

I finished my latest painting "Mother Nature and Her Four Seasons".  However, it did not get accepted into the "Four Seasons" show.  I never received an email and had to send several emails and make a call to get a response.  When I finally did get a response; my work "did not fit in".  I can accept the rejection.  It is the non-response that bugs me!

I actually have a few more details to add, signature and final finish which will enhance the colors.

I'm Back! - I think!

After speaking with my youngest sister the other day, she pointed out to me that I have not enter a post in my blog in a long, long, long time!  It is true!  No excuses...

I have cleaned my studio and have a new project I am working, so I have come back to art and hope to have a productive 2016 even if I am getting a late start!

Below is a painting I submitted to the "Visions of Silence" PCA show in late 2015. (Not the best photo angle...)

Below is a companion painting that I need to complete by April 16, 2016 to submit to the "Four Seasons" show at PCA.  I will post the completed painting later.

As one can see, I am back!  :)

Where Have I been?!?

It has been a slow "artful" summer!  I did complete a mask for the October "Day of the Dead" art show at PCA.  And a friend wants to buy it for her daughter-in-law.  Otherwise, my studio was only a holding place for "stuff".

With fall in the air it is time to get back into the studio!  Stay tuned...

It's Cleaning Time Again!!!

It baffles me that my studio can get so cluttered so fast!  I have had lots going on and I did dry my lavender in the studio!  But really how does this happen???

"Tis is Not Interested!

I submitted my two pieces to 'Tis Gallery for the "Black and White Show with a Splash of Color".  One curator looked at them but because they were "rabbits"  did not want to commit because of the other curator.  So she told me to submit photos.  I did and I never heard from the gallery.  End of story...

Not Much Competition....

My two art pieces won 1st and 2nd place in the "Street Seen" gallery show for 3D works.  Ian Russel from the Ian Russel Gallery was the judge.  However, there was not much competition!

What is; a "Rabven", a "Raben" a "Ravbit" or a???

I am testing out a new concept - a rabbit/raven figure.  Both animals are icons of the Prescott, AZ area.

The wall mounted figure below is completed.  It is chartreuse, olive and black glaze with pick acrylic highlights.  It is dressed in pink and bright green ribbons with a few pink feathers.  I thought it might appeal to anyone who loves pink or green.   I am trying to create original work that I can sell for $75 and under...

I think the photos would look much better with a black background.  I really need to start working on my photography!  Lots to do!!!

I just finished my wall mask for the "Black & White with a Splash of Color" art show at 'Tis Gallery in Prescott.   The show begins in late July.  I have another wall piece that is ready for a glaze firing.  I hope to get that off before the 4th of July!

Although I had some trouble with a paint pen and smearing, I had to change the paint job somewhat to cover the paint smears!  However, I am pretty happy with this piece.

"Street Seen" Art Show PCA

UPDATE:
Both of my pieces were selected for the show!  Yeah! 

I submitted my two art pieces yesterday for acceptance into the "Street Seen" Prescott Center for the Arts show.  It runs June 29th through August 15th with an Artist reception on July 3 from 5-8pm.

The first entry is my favorite of the two.  Since the "street" is not permanently attached to the shoe form, it can be re-positioned for different looks....

"Strolling Down the Avenue"  - Mixed Media/Ceramic/Wood/Glass/Metal

The second entry:

"Street Feet"  Mixed Media - Ceramic/Wire/Paper/Ribbons/Beads

I will be notified on June 4th if my work is accepted into the show...

Fired Up!

I fired up the kiln this AM - 6:30AM. It is the first of the year! Time flies! I finally installed my sample glaze board and I realize how many glazes for which I have yet to make a sample glaze tile! I am sure I have about a dozen more...

I also got my new computer, monitor and sound bar set-up in the studio. I am actually creating this post in the studio! I think it will be very convenient. I am also looking forward to searching images for inspiration and having them in front of me in the studio!

Just Waiting...

Yesterday, I finished the greenware for this next firing.  I am just waiting for pieces to dry.  I hope to fire next Thursday, May 21.

Second shelf - lots of poppies!

I still don't know what to call these "creatures" (raven/rabbits) I have created; perhaps "ravbits"! LOL

This piece is the last one I made and I think I will enter it into the "Black & White with a Splash of Color" art show in September.  

I am thinking of this color scheme:

• left creature:  black
• middle creature:  black & white
• right creature:   white
• splash of color:  pink inside ears and the "rope" that ties them together

What do you think???

Rushing to Fill the Kiln...

I need to get the kiln fired pretty soon so that I can have my pieces ready for the "Street Scene" show entry deadline, May 30th!  With friends and family visiting over the next two weeks, I have lots to do!

Earlier this week I glazed some greenware. The red in the picture is a metallic green that I have yet to test on greenware.  Since it is a piece for the show, here's crossing my fingers that works out!!!

First shelf

The following are pictures of a mask I am making for a friend.  I made it today so it is still very wet and being held in place with props!

I rotated this picture.  It kind of shows what it will look like on a wall...

It's a Miracle!

It was a rainy day yesterday and I spent over three hours in the studio actually working with clay!!!  Of course, I made some poppies and then worked on a piece for a local art show which will run June 29 - August 15.

Today I am back in the studio and the rain is clearing!  More poppies and a second piece for the show.  I must be inspired!

The art show "Street Scene" is:

"As you traverse streets looking at the buildings, cars, people, sidewalks, landscapes or alleys, you see a number of vignettes or smaller areas that capture your interest. Capture the light, colors, graffiti or landscapes – the options are endless. This show asks artists “What is seen on the streets you travel”?"

I am loosely interpreting the theme of this show.  I am working from a photograph for the first piece and the second piece is strictly made up in my mind!  Hmmmmmmm....

The piece below is called "Street Feet" and is based on a photograph.  I have added my "flying pear" which will be wearing a pair of shoes when completed. 

The piece below is called "Street Walking"  It is a city street draped over a wooden shoe form.  I have lots more buildings to make before the first firing...

Stay tuned...