Week 17/18 - I Survived the Holidays

I am proud to report that I have survived to holidays.

I had a lovely Christmas on my couch, getting lots of rest. The last two weeks have been full of reflection and self discovery, some nice studio nights, and some long, brutal work shifts. I’ve been tying up loose ends in the studio in preparation for a two week vacation (I’m seeing my college friends for New Year’s, and then going on a week long cruise with my mom!!!!!!!).

I finally finished the bottom half of two part monument. GH helped me load both parts into Big Bailey, and I’m hoping to either fire it when I get back the second week of Jan, or perhaps have my lovely studio mates fire it before then while I’m away, if it dries by then. But I’m not trying to rush it. I’m putting a LOT of trust into that narrow curve about 8” up from the bottom… if it doesn’t stress crack, I’ll be very surprised. I haven’t yet bisqued the paper clay, so we will see how much it can put up with very soon…

Speaking of pushing the limits of my paper clay — remember that weird stool that I started building that I flipped prematurely so it started collapsing in on itself and then I decided to leave it alone for two months? Well, I uncovered it. Obviously, to find it basically bone dry. I had no real intentions of finishing this thing, but alas, it held together, so I think it wants to be finished. I was able to rehydrate the top and continue coiling up! I’m nervous about the tripod base supporting all the weight. But again, this paper clay seems really strong, so we’ll just have to see. I built a shrink slab for it and probably will try to transfer it onto the lift when I get back, because it’s heavy as all hell and entirely bone dry at the bottom.

In other exciting news, I moved into Lilly’s old studio! She decided to move to Autumn’s old space to be near the plaster mixing area, and I was happy to move a little bit less in the open. I think this will help me focus in a little better when others are in the studio and feel a bit less exposed. I also purchased a divider for extra privacy outside of class hours, if I need it. I already feel a lot better in this new space, and I think the divider will be a game changer for the times I need to turn inward in my studio.

I made another goblet and cup this past week, too. Getting back into the groove with smaller works after working so large. That’s what I plan to focus the majority of my energy on when I come back from vacation….

VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!