Two New Figures: Florida CraftArt

Next week is spring break! (can you hear me yodeling with joy?) We're bringing a body of work up to Florida CraftArt in St. Petersburg so keep your eyes open for these kids. The single figure is the lovely Jasmine and the double figure is titled "It's What You Believe".  Notice her skirt is removable.

Their bathing suits are permanent clay. And they arrive with a stand and they hang on the wall.  Hope you like.

A New Favorite Thing

While at NIADA I bought this piece by Reina Mia Brill. Her work really speaks to me. I think that this is what I feel like on the inside. And today on the first day back to school after summer vacation.... probably what I look like on the outside! Reina is really a cool person, and I am a huge fan. Did I mention she has a shop?

NIADA conference

Just back from Orlando and the NIADA conference. Holy moly, saw some GREAT artwork. Here's a few images from the sale today. If you aren't familiar with NIADA or the wonderful artists or the sale... well let me introduce you to:

 Ankie Daanen.

 

Chris Chomick and Peter Meder. You should see their automata (watch the movie Hugo)

 

 

 Diane Keeler. Check out the Queen of Hearts and the Bride in White. I am drooling.

 And Karin Otto Burfict. Stunning.

 Leslie Keeble

 

and Marlaine Verhelst. The best part? They're all really nice people and a lot of them do workshops. 

On my way to NIADA, Orlando

Getting ready to head up to Orlando for the NIADA conference. Finally! As it started Wednesday but I couldn't get away. Tomorrow is a sale and my car is loaded. If you're there you might just see these kids.

New Studio Coming Together

We're back from vacation. What you may not know is we moved into a new house 2 weeks prior to traveling so I barely unpacked and whoosh we were gone. The past few days I have been getting my studio together and I am ready to work. Here are some pics. My Toby jars seem happy.

August Calendar Page

Here is a desktop calendar page for August 2014. Hope you enjoy it. Remember, personal use only please.

Ceramic Sculpture for July

Since getting back from California I have been making doubles (double figures). Lots of doubles. Got some nice influences from the West. The vibrant colors, the native and Spanish influence. If you saw my facebook page or the photo posted earlier from California I had this crazy pictures of a red wagon filled with cactus. That inspired this piece titled Dreamer.

The double figure and free standing figure have long braids inspired by native peoples, and the heart on the free standing figure reads "Love Is Love". Which it is. And that's that.

The trip to California

 

Balboa Park, San Diego

 

Outside the NIADA show and sale

 

Old Town, San Diego

 

Balboa Park, San Diego

 

Old Town, San Diego

 

The Sunset from 35,000 feet (in the airplane) 

We're back! The conference was fantastic and I am now a full member of NIADA. What an honor to be associated with so many fantastic artists. If you're not familiar with NIADA artists, check out their web site.

We met a lot of really nice people, way too many to count. Big thanks to Stephanie Blythe for all the work she did. And I totally adored Neva Waldt, she makes great work and she totally helped me find my way. The pictures here are some of my favorites from the trip.

3 Easy Pieces: NIADA Conference

The last kiln was unloaded for the NIADA conference this morning. Three pieces are going to San Francisco and I have to decide which 3 out of a kiln full. I think for sure the Frenchie: Marie Antoinette with the white socks. (the name makes me think of the Frank Zappa song Dirty Love), and while she's a bit subdued I really like the black and white one (Lacie), and I think I really like the one with the orange life jacket (Aunt Margaret's).

Ive asked my husband to help me decide which ones to take but I think we all know how that'll go.

I won't listen.  I rarely do. LOL.

Women!!

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.