Saturday 30 April 2011

Changes

Unexpected changes in life recently....I was let go from my job at the florist's this past week. I didn't see it coming at all. So, just like that, I have a lot of free time on my hands. I have been looking for a new job but being 4 months pregnant poses some limitations. I will have some hours working on a local organic farm which should be a really awesome learning experience. But what about the rest of my time?
So, then I get to thinking: is this God's way of urging me to really develop my pottery and just go for it? I've been feeling like I should just go for it but the security of a weekly paycheck is a hard thing to refuse. With that removed from my life, my options are a bit more limited. I was accepted into Portsmouth Open Market which is a weekly outdoor craft fair held at Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth, NH. I signed up for 4 days so I have a lot of work to make for that. Also, I applied to the Concord Arts Market which is a similar event only in Concord, NH. I have not heard back yet from them.
So, what's a girl to do? Once Baby Therrien is born in October I will be staying home anyway....is this my time to beging preparing for making money from home? Any thoughts would be appreciated! Stay tuned for new work and some photots coming soon!

Monday 4 April 2011

NCECA Tampa 2011

Wow! It has been a long time since I last posted...too long in fact! Well, I've much to write about so here it goes. I recently returned from an NCECA conference. It is a big clay convention where over 6000 potters, collectors, teachers and students gather for 4 days of nothing but CLAY! This year it was hosted in Tampa, FL. It was only my second time in the sunny state and I had a very enjoyable visit. I have to say that I missed my husband a lot and wish he could have come with me. The four days are packed with lectures, panel discussions, networking, viewing cermic work, eating, talking and socializing. It is like an overload of sights and information. There were demonstrations and lots of tools and products to look at. I met quite a few artists including Richard Notkin who is a well known political sculptor. I went to the Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg and shed some tears. I also took a bus tour through St. Petersburg to view a bunch of galleries and clay companies that had tons of shows. I purchased three pieces: a bowl by Cheyanne Rudolph, a plate by Seth Payne and a mug by Birdie Boon. All of these pieces really inspire me and I am loving their presence. The weather was...volatile. The first day, it was cloudy and windy. The second day, torrential rain and thunderstorms (tornado warnings in the next county). The last two days were excellent, 75-80 and sunny. I did manage to get a little sun. I did not go to any beaches but the convention center was right near the bay. I was able to spend some time with several former professors, Chris Archer, John Baymore and Karen Orsillo. I also got to know some of the current students at NHIA which was a wonderful experience. I always leave NCECA feeling so inspired; this year was no different. I am READY to get back to the clay! I have my little studio all set up. I have access to wood and electric kilns. Look out NH, here I come!