ClayMEtion

Another session of clay handbuilding has ended. I never would have thought that I would love getting that slab of clay each Friday, but I do.

Part of the reason that I love this class is that I feel safe. Annette Lansing clearly teaches and shows that beautiful creations are in the eyes of the beholder ~ there is greatness even in mess-ups! And she says it's alright to steal, especially anything of hers (she takes it as a huge compliment!).

The class began with masks. One of ladies in class thought mine looked like Nicolas Cage (so know I have a drunk Cage and a sober Cage!).






My most favorite though would be my self portrait. I was excited and giddy the entire time of its coming to be. I love to hold her.




Shelby posed the question the day I brought "me" home, "Question: What is your perception of self portraiture in art? If you are an artist and you do or have done self portraiture what is your motivation/process. If you answer I will do my best to put my ideas into words as well."

I loved Destree's reply, "Self portraits to me are a way of working from the inside out. Sometimes it has been a way to sort through an issue (such as the one I did to quit smoking) or also as a way of manifesting secret desires. Visual work is easier for me to be real with, words have a tendency to choke when they are coming from deep within me."

Making "me" felt very therapeutic (especially when I had to explain to the class why she is my favorite piece that I made).

Thank you again Annette for another great session. You are a fabulous teacher and I am quite eager for Paul to slice me my next slab of clay!

The Pot Washer

Once upon a time there was a pot washer on 4th & Alder. I would purposely miss my bus (several times) just so we could sit and talk and laugh. He was from Roosevelt and I was from Washington. Those evenings would become the roots of a lifelong friendship. There would be moments when he would take my breath away ~ moments filled with unexpected surprises and giddiness and the most beautiful watercolor paintings I have ever seen.

There are moments when he still does.....




I love remembering those evenings with that blond haired pot washer, giggles and missed buses.... and I love that he is my forever and always friend!

Margaritaville Bliss

It came in the mail ~ a wonderful package from the incredibly talented artist Catherine Mommsen.



An envelope containing such wondermous goodies, words and an exquisite box holding one of her very much coveted tiny books!



As I had written before, she and I had participated in a tiny book swap. She emailed me and asked if I wanted to swap books after the swap if we did not receive each others in the swap. Mine were tiny origami books I had recently learned how to make. Hers were out of this world fantastically fabulous. (Of course I would swap!).

She named my book Margaritaville.



Each page is lined with gold ~ each page holds words and wonderful pieces of her paper, art and designs.






Along with her book making talent, Catherine is also a wonderful pen and ink artist!



AND (not that I'm partial) she's from the Northwest with plans to come visit (how great is that?!)!! I already have in mind two fun art places I want to take her to to see when she comes to Portland ~ thank you Catherine for asking to exchange with me and for sharing your art! I am so very privileged to have one of your tiny books!