Mr Bates and Anna: for you Downton Abbey Fans

With a new year starting I needed to post a new piece. Last night Jody and I did the rarest of rare. We sat and watched tv. (Gasp, shock, horror!!) PBS was showing the entire Downton Abbey Season 2 back to back. Me being me and not being able to sit still had my sketchbook in my lap and was drawing the characters. God I love some of Mary's dresses. And suddenly I realized Mr Bates and Anna would be the PERFECT double figure.

Of course Anna wears her Edwardian apron and her ruffled maid's cap and as you can see I took a few liberties with Mr Bates. He has his pants tucked into boots and a vest (or waistcoat to you Brits) and his bowler hat. The figures are not done but I am having a lot of fun working on them.  Maybe I will start on of Mary and Matthew or O'Brian and Thomas. Ewww!! What great actors they (O'Brian and Thomas) are because they're just so hateful. I have to admit that I would have a ball sculpting O'Brian's hair! While Googling I came across this really funny picture of Conan O'Brien with O'Brian's hair which I've included. Hope it makes you smile.

Happy New Year everyone. Health, happiness and wonderful things for 2013.

Three Birds on a Three Dog Night

I just had to post these tonight. Last week when I was sick with pneumonia I couldn't even sit in my studio to sculpt. How frustrating. But me being me... I got a tray covered with a towel and several lumps of clay so I could sculpt while lying on the couch not having to move. (yes, I am a sick girl in many ways) But I had these creatures in me and they needed to get out. My goal is to do an installation with dozens and dozens of them on a wall. I want to be selfish and keep a bunch and wrap them around my living room wall. They will be sold separately but I love the idea of grouping them together or mixing and mingling birds with dogs or rabbits. Of course my human figures sprinkled among them too. 

As you know I have been making the animals to go with figures and I swear I can crank these beasties out bullet fast. I sit there spacing out with a chunk of clay and the next thing I know there's a critter in my lap. (clay critters and not rats or anything like that)
 :)
I hope you enjoy them. But I am totally having a lot of fun making them and isn't that what counts?

My New Web Site is Live

My new web site is live. Finally. Seriously I have been trying to figure out what to do for the past 2 years. There's a trail of files on my hard drives proving that I just couldn't decide. Then I would see another site I adored and say "oh I want one like that" I'd start building it and then I'd see something else and change my mind. If you want good inspiration for web sites visit thebestdesigns. You'll find so many cool web sites that you'll drool over. Don't blame me if you can't decide which you like the most. In fact, I won't even go there now because I know I'll see something I love and I'll have to change it all again.

All of the drawings on the home page are straight from my well worn sketchbooks. I've got stacks of them, some way back to the 1990's when I was an undergrad. It's fun sharing them. Summer vacations, dreams, it's all there.

And if you have a link you would like to share please send it and I will link to it on my inspiration page.

4th National Juried Exhibition Show at MTSU

This piece is going to be part of the 4th National Juried Exhibition of Small Scale Works of Art at Middle Tennessee State University's Todd Art Gallery. The 12x12 exhibition will be comprised of works that do not exceed 12x12x12inches. The show opens January 17, 2013 and if you're in the area (which unfortunately I won't be) let me know. Take a picture of the show if you're able.
Today's the first day I've gotten into my studio to work since last week was spent battling pneumonia. Feeling better and I promise all the germs will burn off once they go into the kiln!

New web site coming soon

I am finishing up the last little fiddly bits on my new web site. Within the next few days I am going to pull down the old site and replace it with a new shiny version. You'll notice similarities and major differences. Biggest difference is the green is gone replace with clean white background.

I am including a screen shot of one version of the homepage. I say one version because each time you refresh the page the image changes. There are 12 different figures and sketchbook page combinations. So if you are so inclined be sure to hit the refresh button or go back home and notice the different layouts. If you are a web builder/ designer I got the code for the random image from javascriptkit. I love that site and send my students there all of the time. It's also worth mentioning I got the code for my form on the contact page from thesitewizard. Follow the instructions and you too can have a really easy form on your site. There are so many people sharing great bits out there. If you find any please share them with me too.

And I  have also decided that I am going to start showing more sketches and am about to start selling prints of my sketches in my Etsy shop. Well, the sketches that aren't covered in clay since I do use my sketchbooks while working in the studio. Hope you like the new concept for the site.

Rock Out!

It's been a busy few weeks and I'd like to introduce you to the Royal Rocker. He is currently making his debut at Valentina's Treasures on Palm Beach Island. Valentina's is located on Peruvian just off Worth Ave. so if you're on the island check him out. There are 3 more rocking rockers in the kiln. And the good news, The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, PA sold out on all of my salt and pepper shakers. Yours truly is staring down winter break from school (thank you sweet Jesus!! and I say that with love to my students). So get ready for a whole lot of new art to come down the pipe.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving. It really is a wonderful day to sit back and reflect on all of the good things one has in their life. How lucky am I? To be surrounded by wonderful people, to have a house, a car, a studio, opportunities and people who like my art.

We were fortunate enough to get back safe and sound from St. Petersburg, Florida yesterday and the Thanksgiving traffic wasn't too crazy. While we were there new line of work was delivered to the Florida Craftsmen Gallery just in time for Black Friday. So if you're in the area please pop by and see the new work.

Maggie the gallery director at Florida Craftsmen told me that Cirque du Soleil is in St. Pete and if you can't make it to their show but want to take a little of the circus home with you stop by Florida Craftsmen and check out the new work. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sketchy Business

I just sent off a series of sketches and mock ups for a commissioned piece. It's going to be life sized and a double. The picture accompanying this entry is fresh out of my sketchbook. Have I ever mentioned how much I love working in my sketchbook? Because I do. When I lack inspiration one of the first things I do is reach for a sketchbook and flip through the pages.

There was an art dealer a in my studio a few weeks back and he asked about influences. I picked up my sketchbook off the table and said something to the effect of "anything I see that inspires me I document" and I opened the sketchbook to show him sketches for the work adorning the walls and he replied "one day that's going to be worth a lot of money". That was so cool to hear.

So, if you're an artist work in your sketchbook. Draw what you see, draw what you love and when you aren't sure what to make or if you have an artistic block you'll have inspiration at your finger tips.

Busy Bee

Well the weather here in Florida has broken, it's perfection if I must say so myself. We've shut off the a/c and are enjoying the cooler weather. I just finished shooting images of the new work that was pulled out of the kiln today. I love the pictures that I got today. Not sure if it's the lighting outside, maybe it's the colors that I used when I glazed, I don't know but the images are just popping. The lighting is so dramatic. Probably just dumb luck (given my photography skills)

I am calling this piece Count To Nine. It's a double and it stands about 20 inches high. The title once again making reference to siblings in my family.

I am actually really busy, I've got a commission to make a life sized double figure and more galleries are selling out and need more work. Whew.  A good complaint to have. I've actually been really bad this week, repainting my living room instead of working in the studio. I've got some new wall pieces I am going to post on Etsy. Watch for those shortly.

NIADA: National Institute of American Doll Artists

More good new, I have been notified that my work has been accepted into the NIADA (National Institute of American Doll Artists). I have a few things to put together and the final decision is made next year at their annual conference. If you aren't familiar the NIADA is a prestigious organization for the Doll Art. I have to say I never really considered my work dolls, but a lot of people call them dolls so I thought why not join.

If you're not familiar with the organization visit their website and check out some of the art. It's the best of the best. Beautiful works of art and I am truly honored to have my toe in the door with them.

Here's a definition I found on Wikipedia:
 A doll is a model of a human being, often used as a toy for children. Dolls have traditionally been used in magic and religious rituals throughout the world, and traditional dolls made of materials like clay and wood are found in the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe. 

I have to confess I like the latter point: used in magic and religious rituals. Mine are meant to magically transfer people into a happier state of mind and are made with good intentions and blessings.



 

Ricë and upcoming articles

It's been a busy few weeks here. My interview with the amazing Ricë Freeman Zachary who is just the easiest person to talk to. Honestly, I am so relaxed talking to her even though we've never met face to face I feel like I've known her forever. Thanks to Ricë I am going to be posting how to market yourself as an artist on Create Mixed Media. If you're an artist and not sure how to get your name out there please check them out. They'll be appearing in November so watch for those.

I've also had several galleries picking up work, some new prospects like Meeka Gallery in Boise, Idaho. So if you're near Boise, please visit the new gallery. Visit my kids, make sure they're not too lonely without me. My pieces at the Clay Studio in Philadelphia sold out so I have to ship 5 more. 

And I've just restocked Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery in Lake Worth. It was looking a bit sparse, my apologies. But you'll find a lot more goodies on the shelf. Florida Craftsmen Gallery, you're next.

The piece accompanying this entry can be seen in the display case at Clay Glass Metal Stone. So if you're in the neighborhood please stop by and check out the new work. Happy Friday to all!!

The Clay Studio, Philadelphia PA

It's been a crazy busy week, I had a new gallery contact me (Bamboo Beach Gallery) and he picked up a lot of work. You may have noticed a bunch of work vanished from my Etsy shop this week for that reason. Also, getting ready to ship off two sets of salt and pepper shakers tomorrow for a show in Philadelphia, PA at The Clay Studio.

I was so honored when they asked if I would participate in the show Dip, Dash, Pour & Spread. (it has to do with table setting items and eating)The image of the salt and pepper that accompany this entry are "The King and I". The Clay Studio has an amazing online shop, please visit.  And it goes without saying, if you're in the Philadelphia area please pop by the gallery and visit my kids.

All Things Are Connected

What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, men would die from great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the children of the earth.
Chief Seattle - Suqwamish & Duwamish

Cat on a Bird

I unloaded a kiln this morning, thank God I have my dear friend Betty at the Craft Gallery. She's been doing my firings since we moved. Reason: I haven't been able to open the prehistoric garage door and we need a new one. Replacing it is on my long list of things to do. I refuse to fire the kiln without the garage door being open. I supposed I could roll the kiln out doors beside the house, but that would mean keeping a door another door open with a cord running through it. Then I'd have to wait for the kiln to cool before wheeling it in and I am not cool leaving a kiln full of work outside my house.

Can you imagine waking up in the morning to find an empty kiln? Me neither. Probably wouldn't happen but... I am glad to have Betty at the Craft Gallery.

There's No Place Like Home

This past weekend I went home to Alexandria Bay in Northern New York.  Maybe it's getting older, maybe it's a need to feel grounded but I needed to go. While there we celebrated my sister Virginia's birthday and she gifted me with 4 sets of deer antlers. (me doing the happy dance) Oh, get ready to see more deer women in my work people. The weather was perfect, and my sister took us out into the deep woods to her camp on her Polaris Ranger (Four Wheeler). We saw deer (of course), dug around for arrow heads, and I could feel my soul drinking it all in. The photos accompanying this entry are Boldt Castle and the village dock in the Bay. If you've never been up that way it's a beautiful part of the country.

A Netsilik Song

Have you ever seen or read something and you feel like it was written just for you? I came across this quote and it spoke to my soul. Within its words there is everything I feel and why I make the art that I make. It's from an Netsilik (Eskimo) song.

In the very earliest time,
when both people and animals lived on earth,
a person could become an animal if he wanted to
and an animal could become a human being.
Sometimes they were people
and sometimes animals
and there was no difference.
All spoke the same language.

Rabbit Rider

Finally, I am posting an image of one of the new babies. It might be old news to you if you saw it on Etsy already but with the craziness of the last week I haven't had the time to post an image. I am really having a lot of fun with these Riders. Right now I have 3 more on my table (2 on birds and 1 on a dog) and 5 new sets of male and female salt and pepper shakers (they've been getting moved around because of tornadoes and tropical storms).

When we were on vacation I did my usual day after day in the British museum and I of course paying extra homage to Canosan Pottery where I noticed broken shards of pottery that inspired these pieces. We'll see how these pieces evolve.

Studio: A Different View

Hello! I had planned on posting images of my new work today, however Tropical Storm Isaac had other plans. You're getting a photo of the view from my studio. This morning I began glazing my work at my table which you can see in the photo. "But the table is empty you ask"? Blame Isaac.

This afternoon there was this AWFUL roar (like a freight train) at the front of the house and I ran like a jack rabbit to the rear of the house where my studio is. When I got there I heard more roaring (go figure) and I saw my fence flying away. You can see the fence neatly piled in the yard behind the pool.

The news just stated the obvious "unconfirmed reports of a tornado in Lake Worth". After a major crying spell and overall freak out, like any true artist I moved all of my artwork off the table into the "safe room". (I am such a dork) It actually gives the rider pieces I've been sculpting new meaning. Very Wizard of Oz I must say.

Fingers crossed that's the worst of it.

View from the Bus

One of the best things about London is its public transport. No need for a car when you have such great bus and tube routes. This image is from the front seat of one of the iconic double decker buses. It's a great vibe with the build up to the Olympics.  Although the torch relay is supposed to be interrupting bus routes. Next weekend the bike races should snarl things as they're closing a lot of roads.

In the meantime, this is Regent Street approaching Picadilly Circus and as you can see it's all decked out with flags which really gives it a celebratory feel. It's nice to see the buntings and flags all around the city. Today on the agenda: buying new pedometers. After almost 10 years and on average 10 miles of walking a day (while in vacation), we have worn ours out. Tonight we'll be heading over to the Venue to hear my wonderful brother in law's magical sounds. (he's a FABULOUS sound engineer and more like a brother). Okay, get ready feet.

And another favorite

And it didn't take me long to begin clicking like a fiend in the British Museum. As soon as I hit the door I head for the Greek and Roman art. I know, I am so boring. But I can't get enough of the Hellenistic terracotta figures. So I absorb them first and then when I get my fill begin wandering the rest of the rooms in the museum. But why not? I live for the time I get to spend here in the summer. Absorbing the art and culture and allowing it to distill inside me the rest of the year. It really feeds my artistic soul.

 The figure accompanying this entry stands about 3 feet high and is sculpted from clay. Bits of glaze still stain her face and some of the higher surfaces of her hair. She's hollow. How do I know? Next to her are 2 similar figures which are headless. What I like about them is that one can see inside the torso and see the finger marks of a long forgotten artist. Today I am off to the National Portrait Gallery. Hopefully it won't be too crazy down in Trafalgar Square. As you may have heard the Olympics are coming and I think they're expecting one or two extra people on the streets.

Guess Where?

Well, you'll never guess where I went last night. Guess. Of course, you couldn't expect me to be in London and NOT visit my clock? So much inspiration all around. Speaking of inspiration, I made my way to the British Museum yesterday and drooled sufficiently over the Etruscan terracotta figures. (among other things) But not enough the flag security this time. Although I smile so much while wandering around the museum, people must think I am a total gooney bird. Right across the road from the British Museum is a fabulous gallery called Contemporary Ceramics.

If you want me to document anything while I am here for you let me know, send an email. Otherwise, you'll have to tolerate what I post.

Today I am posting a book cover I painted for a lovely client named Dorothy Littlefield. The book is her life long vision and I am honored to be a part of it. The artwork has been approved and is on its way to the publisher.

Without my ceramic studio I've been jonesing a little for making art. So, this book cover was just what I needed.

It is a digital painting and was created totally in Adobe photoshop using my wacom graphic tablet. The stars, the owl, the moon everything is digitally painted. It was really great fun to do. When the painting was finished it was brought into Indesign were I set the text.

I can't wait to see the book on the shelf of my local bookstore. Thank you to Dorothy and her sweet daughter Sharon. Hope you guys like it.

Happy 4th of July

We've survived the move. We're bit bruised and extremely exhausted but in one piece. Man, I hope it's a while before we do this again. Thank you to our friends who braved the 100 degree temps to unload the U-Haul. We've been adjusting to the new sounds that come along with our new house. and Jody and I have both picked out our new studios and I am happy to say that both have gorgeous views of the pool.

I've been having a love affair with the pool and the front porch here at the new house. As a matter of fact tonight we've been sitting on the porch watching the moon rise and it was so pretty that I just had to find the camera and snap a picture. The 4th of July is my absolute favorite holiday. It brings back childhood memories of swimming at Aunt Margaret's, going to cookouts and eating burnt hot dogs, roasting marshmallows, and watching fireworks over Boldt Castle in my hometown of Alexandria Bay, NY. So, on the eve before the fireworks and summer at its best, I ask you to have a hotdog or two with extra mustard, and I promise to do the same.

Couldn't leave it with that mess

Me being me couldn't leave that photo of my studio in boxes as a last word. It's awful. And do you know what's even more awful? Me still getting up in the morning and going into my studio even though I can't do any work. Jody said I am "addicted to my studio". (Shhh, don't tell him... but I think he's right).

Anyhow, I thought I'd put a prettier picture up to hide that view of the studio in the entry right below.
This is one of my newest favorite pieces. It's called Stanley. It's a wall hanging and is about 15 inches tall. I love the expression on this ones face. Sort of wistful, like they're reflecting on something in the past or dreaming about "what could be".

As you can tell I have really gotten into wall pieces this year. To me they're so much easier to display in my house. They aren't plopped on a table blocking anyone. They can be hung safely away from klutzes (like somebody I adore... even when he breaks my stuff). Like I've said before when I looked around my own house most of the art I collect is wall pieces so I said "ding dong" why aren't you making more? Hope you enjoy.

Sad Studio

Look at the state of my studio. Is this not the saddest thing? Okay, maybe not but it looks pretty hideous. No, not pretty hideous because there is nothing pretty about it. We're getting the last boxes together and Wednesday after teaching my classes we get a u-haul and start loading. Needless to say there are other more fun and exciting things I'd rather be doing than moving all of my junk; like giving birth, getting a full body wax, and a colonoscopy at the same time. But it's a necessary evil. My kids will be going to the gallery this evening and coming off Etsy. Enough of me hoarding them like some crazy cat lady. When I get the new studio together you can be sure I will post lots of pics.

Acquisition for the Permanent Collection: Cafesjian Center for the Arts, Armenia

I just received some really great news from Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery in Pittsburgh, PA where I am currently taking part a Tea Pot exhibition. The Cafesjian Center for the Arts in Armenia has acquired one of my pieces for their permanent collection.

The piece they purchased is She Pot: Green Tea Leaves (accompanying this entry). As most of you know I tend to make sculptural pieces rather than functional ware. So rather than a tea pot I made a she pot. Her hair is meant to mimic a spout and she is a vessel with holes in her head for adding water or other liquid.

If you're in Pittsburgh in the near future please stop by and see her on display. Otherwise you'll have to trek to Armenia to visit my girl.

La Ouija

How appropriate to share my new baby on Mother's Day. You might ask yourself "what do your clay babies give you on Mother's Day Victoria?" Well, they give me so much happiness. Getting that Christmas morning feeling when I open the kiln. Smiling when I see glazes that look better than I hoped. Running through the house with a piece that is still so hot I have to use pot holders because I have to show Jody. And best of all, knowing they wind up in the home of a person who loves them as much as I do is so rewarding.

So happy Mother's Day to all the mom's with kids made from flesh and blood and to those with babies made from art materials!

By the way, this piece is called La Ouija. As much as they scare and freak me out I love ouija boards.

Every once in awhile I make a piece and I have to live with it for awhile. Meaning you won't see it appear on Etsy or in one of the art galleries for a long time, if at all. This piece is one of them. I call it Queen B. It's a wall piece and they measure approximately 11 inches in height. I adore the little gal on the right. She just makes me smile and her outfit reminds me of my sister Kelly's mountain climber pants she used to wear as a child. (Sorry Kelly, you're busted! And happy birthday). They look sort of raggedy and tough. Like they'd fit perfectly in the story Oliver Twist.

I did put a few piece up on Etsy today. Two of them are free standing double forms. I got a request from people at the gallery for more free standing work, so I have a few more on the table.

New Snowbird Figure

There was  a lovely lady (Constance) who wanted to buy a particular figure from my Etsy shop ask if I had another piece similar to one that had sold.  I told her I would make another similar to it. So here she is so far. It's nice making something that will hopefully mean something to another person. I asked her what she liked in my figures and she listed the following: mis-matched stockings, a crown, an orange striped bathing suit, the word snowbird, and her little hands on her hips kind of sassy looking.

Isn't it funny how often people don't ask for things they want and in reality the person they are afraid to ask or don't want to "inconvenience" doesn't see it that way at all. Personally, I love making commissioned pieces. Creating work of a certain color, size or with special words or symbols for others is fun. So if there's something you want that isn't illegal or life endangering just ask.

Like my mom used to say "the worst thing people can say is no. They can't kill you and eat you". Well, unless you're in a bad sci-fi movie, but otherwise they can't. On this day I thought it appropriate to mention mom. I miss you.

On the Cover: Piedmont Craftsmen Newsletter

I received the newsletter from Piedmont Craftsmen the other day and found my little salt and pepper shakers were on the cover! Way too cool. It was one of those experiences where you open a piece of mail and you're looking at it and saying huh that looks familiar and then "ding dong" the light switches on! Oh, it's my work. There is another small piece and write up on the inside but I am only including the cover. 

I was far too lazy to photoshop the creases from the picture I posted with this entry. (it's a folding mailer) Actually, now that I mention it I have been far too lazy to do much of anything the past couple of weeks. I think I burned myself out over spring break. Or at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it. 

There are actually two salt and pepper shakers sitting on my studio table. One has no arms, not because I am trying something new or different. It's because yours truly was too lazy to add arms before she got too dry. But who knows if I like the way they turn out I might make more. 

 

The opening was great last night at JF Gallery, however in my haste to get to the opening I left my camera at home. (boo hiss!!) I got to see my pal Karla Walter, who by the way is a fantastic artist. And a really nice person. And the good news is we both sold pieces last night. When I arrived she pointed out the red dot that accompanied my work. There was a great turn out and a lot of lovely art. 

I got home last night and did some glazing, loaded and fired Chrissy the Kiln and I just unloaded about an hour ago (the beauty of a small kiln is they cool faster). I shot a few images of the new work, this being one of them. She reminds me of a mermaid without a tail. I've really gotten into wavy hair lately. For now I am calling her Windy. 

And I have to pull salt and peppers off Etsy because a gallery wants them so adore them while you can. I have to get my butt out into the studio and crank out some more. Watch for updates!

Opening Reception JF Gallery, West Palm Beach

If you are in South Florida this Saturday I hope you can make it to JF Gallery for the "Pictures of Nothing Exhibit". The opening reception is March 17, 2012 from 6 - 9 pm. Here's a link to their facebook page and a link to the gallery website.

One of the pieces  in the show is No Thing and the other is a double figure called Na Da. (get the tie in for the show?) I know... I am a total dork. Looking at the picture I adore the figure with Na on its chest, the pot belly is too much and sadly it reminds me of... me! Bwah! Hope you're there, because I am worried since it's St. Patrick's Day and most people I know are going to be out swilling beer (as they should be).

You're My Bud...

I fired the Chrissy the kiln Sunday and didn't unload until late Sunday night. I was actually looking at the clock and suffering from daylight savings-itus saying "please God... let it cool so I can unload and go to bed". Monday was back to work and suffering from end of spring break-itus. So I just went outside and picked a big honking hibiscus flower from the front yard and shot some images of my work. I know, I know... the flower is bigger than her head. I looked lecherously at a purple orchid I have in my tree and said Vic...don't do it.

These new pieces are "bud vases" in two ways. The can hold a single bud or flower and they can become your new little buds. The ones posted here represent the blondes and brunettes. The blonde is about 10 inches high and the brunette is about 9 inches high. I think my latest crazy obsession is polka-dots, can you tell? Actually I have always loved them even though migraine sufferers are supposed to avoid bold patterns I am strangely drawn to stripes and dots. I hope to put some of the new work on Etsy in the next few days. Do stay tuned.

Oh, and if you are in the area I have a couple of pieces in a show that opens this Saturday at JF Gallery in West Palm Beach. Hope you can make it.

New Face Vase

I am on spring break and happier than a clam in high tide... or something like that. Prior to break I had said to everyone I was going to put a cot in my studio and actually I have come pretty darned close. It's so nice having so much time to sculpt. I started these pieces last night. They are vases just right for one flower. I went outside and picked a hibiscus from the front yard and stuck it in one of their heads. It's like the one on the right is like "hey bee-atch where's my flower?"

They totally remind me of the large over sprayed hairstyles of the 1950's. What were they called, beehives? Bouffants? Or one of the girl singing groups from the same era. Actually the inspiration behind these: I was sitting out on my patio looking at the clouds and for some reason they reminded me of poofy hairdo's. And yes, I am a strange girl.

Lately I've been firing on Saturdays, we'll see if I can get these girls done by then. If I do watch my Etsy for a few new pieces. Right now I have 4 of these head vases. They stand about 10 inches high. And I am probably going to have a couple of double figures too.

From Too Big to Ta Da!

I just got back from the Craft Gallery where the ever Lovely Betty Wilson fired my too big piece. I think the title will stay King Richard. She is a big girl measuring about 23 inches from head to toe and on the leash is King Richard the bird who isn't sure what he is. Part grackle (one of my FAVORITE birds), the red of a cardinal, part crow, part Labrador.

 Little Chrissy my kiln is only 18 inches high and I tried just about everything to make the large figure fit. Even took the bottom shelf out, leaned her sideways (the figure not the kiln). It was a no go and not meant to be. So thank you Betty. If you're a ceramic artist in Palm Beach County... go to Betty Wilson at the Craft Gallery for supplies and firing. Love you Betty.

I am still debating where to show her. The options; at Piedmont Craftsmen Things with Wings show, or over at Clay Glass Metal Stone gallery. I actually have a table full of art again, so you'll know I will be firing little Chrissy again this weekend. Maybe I'll get all of the stuff sorted that didn't fit in the firing this weekend.

Angel of Love Tutorial

Please stop by your local bookstore and ask for the most recent copy of Art Doll Quarterly because I have written a tutorial on sculpting a figure. You may notice on the cover it says Sculpting an Angel of Love by Victoria Rose Martin. It's actually the little angel figure you see accompanying this blog. I put her over in the gallery in Lake Worth and she sold, I keep meaning to give a shout out to Joyce at Clay Glass Metal Stone, to let her know if the persons who bought the angel buys the magazine they can watch step by step this figure being made. There are TONS of photos accompanying the tutorial. (FYI: I shoot my work with a Sony NEX-5)

 Aside from bookstores, you can also get copies online at the Stampington/ Art Doll Quarterly web site. A huge thanks to magazine Editor Jana Holstein for running the story.

You can be sure I will be ordering extra copies online.

Tooo Big

I loaded a kiln late last night and fired it today but why you ask is my bottom lip is all pouty and quivering? Because one of my girls was too big for the kiln. (big sigh... she's 23.5 inches tall) I get so darned impatient to see them fired. Maybe that is why the universe guided me to clay in the first place because it is really about patience. If clay is too wet it falls, and you patiently have to wait for it to dry. And then you have to wait for the work to dry before putting it into a kiln. Then if you heat a kiln too fast the work blows up, so you have to take it slow. When the kiln reaches temperature and begins cooling I pace like a father in the delivery room. Sticking paper in the peeps to see if it catches on fire, blowing fans towards the kiln and an ever vigilant ear listening for pinging and popping meaning it's cooling too fast and in danger of breaking. Oh... patience. So once this gal dries I can bring her to the Craft Gallery and have Betty, my clay angel fire my baby. I'll post a picture of her when she's done.

Nada, Nothing

It's been a busy few weeks getting work together for shows near and far. It's a good feeling having the work ready when deadlines are just over the horizon. I submitted this piece  for a show at JF Gallery here in the West Palm Beach area called Pictures of Nothing... hence the words on the chest. This spicy little gal is NO THING; she's a hot tamale. I am really having fun with the little circus inspired outfits on my pieces lately. Hope you like her.

Great Opening Night at Greg Mangum

I am happy to report that last night was amazing at Greg Mangum Gallery. A great turn out and a lot of red dots (if you're in the biz you know when a piece sells it gets a red dot sticker). It was really great having the opportunity to speak with old friends and collectors who I am sure will become new friends. I also want to tell my friend Victoria that when I left at 10 pm the sculpture 3 Legged Race was still without a red dot... keep your fingers crossed!

I shot these pictures when there was a lull in the crowd. And if you haven't attended an Island City Art walk in Wilton Manners I highly recommend it. It was a great vibe with throngs of people popping in and out of galleries, shops and boutiques that were hosting events. I was really impressed.

And a big thanks to Greg and Ken for all they have done to promote my art. Be sure to stop by the gallery, the show will be up for a few weeks. By the way Greg and Ken are both really talented artists. They'll be in Key West next weekend for an art show. One day I hope to get my hands on one of Greg's bird paintings. (I love the big colorful crow painting). And speaking of arts hows, I am on my way to Art Palm Beach; inspiration here I come!

Island City Art Walk: tomorrow night

Just a gentle reminder that tomorrow night is Gallery Walk Night in Wilton Manners. My work is all installed at Greg Mangum Gallery. Hopefully if you are in the area you can make the time to stop by and visit me, and check out the work. January 20, 2012 from 7 - 10 PM.

The gallery walk is along a 1 mile strip of shops, galleries, cafes and boutiques located in Wilton Manners, the Island City. For more information visit the website above. Hope to see you there!

Opening at Greg Mangum Gallery

This Friday (January 20) I am having an opening reception at Greg Mangum Gallery in Wilton Manners, FL (Fort Lauderdale). They are located at 2301 Wilton Drive and if you are in the neighborhood I hope you can stop by.

I got up at 6 am today and glazed my rump off trying to get the last pieces finished. Seriously... I finally finished glazing about an hour ago (10 pm) because I have to get the show set up on Wednesday after school and my babies... time aint on my side. In the kiln I've got 3 wall figures (2 doubles and one single) and 4 sets of salt and pepper shakers. The piece accompanying this post is called 3 legged race. No doubt she will find her way to the gallery. I really like this piece. It reminds me of those balmy days in June just before summer vacation back when I was a kid. So if you find yourself wandering aimlessly on Friday night please stop by the gallery.

Pour Some Sugar... I Mean Salt on Me

These are a new set of salt and pepper shakers. They're fun to make. I have 4 sets in my studio at various stages of wet and dry. Next week gallery walk in Wilton Manners where my work will be featured at Greg Mangum Gallery. Most likely I will be pulling these off Etsy (unless they sell) and bringing them down to the gallery. They're small only about 6 inches high, but I suppose that's big as far as salt and pepper shakers go.

I am enjoying making these but I've been invited to take part in a teapot show at Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery in Pittsburgh, PA and I really need to start working on that. Luckily there are a few ideas swimming around in the old noggin. Honestly, when I work I usually grab a lump of clay with no thought and just see what happens. Knowing me I will make 2 and pick the better of the two for the show. Actually that reminds me the Mad Hatter Exhibition at the Armory in West Palm is fast approaching and I need to make something for that.

If only I didn't feel so lazy tonight I would get started. Fiddle Dee Dee, there's always tomorrow.