There’s a song, All In by Lifehouse that goes, “I spent a week away from you last night…”. Actually, it’s been 105 days since we last met. That would amount to more than two years – lyrically speaking (or in the life of a dog). So, it’s been awhile.
~detail: Sacrifice, 2010.
In my absence, life and art, the classroom and students, and due dates and deadlines converged. Perhaps collide is a more appropriate term.
As October began, my 3-D students were becoming more comfortable with the pace of the course. I was working to complete inventory pieces and exhibition work for the December show, Journal Entries and Margin Notes, at Practical Art.
Once November crept up (like a commando), a bit of apathy settled onto the classroom. Thanksgiving was a welcome break. In the studio, I was finishing up work for the exhibition; to be delivered the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I felt ahead of the curve. And so, a week earlier I accepted a commission/consignment with Bergies Roast Coffee House for mugs and other coffee related paraphernalia. That curve quickly circled back on me. A few more week long days allowed me to get Bergies a bit of inventory before Christmas (there’s more in the works).
Once December became reality, the students had discovered a fresh focus; largely because they were working with unfamiliar materials. Their naïveté worked to their advantage as they took a leap of faith – with impressive results.
3-D Design: (l to r) C.Covino, alabaster subtractive sculpture. R. Protega, soapstone subtractive sculture.
3-D Design: (l to r) S. Gish, soapstone subtractive sculpture. D. Wilson, soapstone subtractive sculpture.
In the days preceding December, when I delivered my six small pieces for the show, I was assaulted by fear and doubt. What I had considered a small exhibition space suddenly seemed three times the size I remembered. Had I really misinterpreted the area? Panic. Prayer. My stomach felt sick.
I saw the work installed for the first time at the reception, 10 days later. The work held it’s own in the space. Strong as individual pieces; impressive as a body of work. Deep breath. (Thank you, Lord). The reception was lovely. I chatted with old friends and made some new acquaintances. The show will be up through the end of December. If you have the opportunity, stop in to check it out.
~a little press/PR about the show:
Clay-Ground: Local artist journals with mud, Phoenix New Times.
Ceramics and Chinatown: A guest blog by Beth Shook, practicalartphx.wordpress.com
