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Artist Of The Month - September 2008
What do you love about Art Clay?
I love the "instantness" of ACS,I can make something and wear it the same day!! Patience is not my strongsuit! I also love the fact that there are unlimited ways to use this product, actually limited only by your own imagination. Four students with the same amount of clay, and the same instructions create four entirely different projects, that’s just total fun. ACS also lends itself to all ages and levels of expertise, there are not that many "fine" crafts where this is true. Then, of course, there is the thrill of seeing one of your creations worn by someone else out in the public. |
What are your favorite Art Clay projects/creations?
The piece that I love the most and the one that creates the most buzz when I wear it is the "Streamers and Celebrations" necklace. I did it for a book, and had a lot of fun doing it. It was actually near New Years when I was doing the piece and I kept seeing the streamers you throw and how they unfurl as they land. I wanted it to be very sparkly and textural, which it is. My other favorite piece is "Pink Trillium Rising from the Snow and Ice", when I have it on I just feel different, it also gets pretty good attention, as it is a large oval about 35 grams of clay. There are, of course, other pieces that I have made which I love, but there isn’t enough room to mention them all!! The medium is so fascinating with so many ways to go that I literally dream about pieces to make. |
What other media do you work and/or teach in?
I do faux finishing and stenciling, I have taught both of these and have also taught "Tools,Tips and Tricks of the Trade" at the national SALI stencil convention. For many years I taught natural fiber basketry which told me on my very first piece what I was put on earth to do! I feel almost the same thing when I take an ACS work out of the kiln, I can’t wait to shine it up! It always makes me smile
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Awards / Degrees / Publications / Associations:
I have my work published in 2 books by Susan Ray, "Organic Beaded Jewelry" 2005, and "Beaded Jewelry, The Complete Guide" 2007. I have 10–12 awards for weaving, basketry, and photography in both California and Wisconsin. I am a Certified Adele Bishop Stenciler, and a Certified Faux Finisher.
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Biography:
I credit my mother, Vera, for my love of color, art, textiles and anything done with ones hands. Under her able wing, I started sewing doll clothes as soon as I could hold the needle and by the time I was 12, I was making most of my clothes. Growing up in Germantown, PA, we used to walk past the knitting mills and stop and look through green, grated windows as the girls carded wool. Years later when I became a weaver, it brought things full circle. Studying Art and Interior Design at the University of Iowa, I was exposed to various classes and media, including one semester, where in order to pass you had to design, build and fly a three dimensional kite. You had to think out the problem, solve it and have fun all at the same time. Mine flew!! Over the years in my many varied careers, art, color and texture were never far away; from covering five of the most beautiful Rocky Mountain states for Bell & Howell with $10,000. worth of camera equipment in the trunk at my disposal to designing, creating, weaving and selling my own line of clothing and home dec to stores around the country; as well as a line of natural fiber baskets sold by the likes of Disney World. Transitioning from that to 22 years as a faux finisher while still doing some weaving brought a whole new world of color and texture into my life. No beige for this gal! Finding Art Clay at the 2001 Bead & Button show really changed my life. I fell in love at once, took the Lev I a few weeks later and then Senior. It has brought so many wonderful new people into my life from the students to the other instructors all over the country, who share so willingly of their time and talent. I always learn from them. |
Philosophy:
Having lived in six states, been in 47 of the 50, driven from top to bottom, side to side of the this beautiful country, I realize how lucky I am to be able to express myself through art. Each place I go expands my mind and gives me new ideas to express in Silver Clay, from a pod on the forest floor, leaves on trees in historic places to mountains that suggest a new ring design, it just makes life worth living. Blending ACS with other materials whether it’s beads, stones, glass or other metals to make visually pleasing things people can wear or enjoy in their homes is most satisfying. My lifelong love of color and texture combine in this medium like no other can. What more would you need? |
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