Sharing the Process with Studio Visitors

What an excellent studio day.

Sometimes it can feel like a bit of a challenge to work while visitors are in the studio. I am not really very good at multi-tasking. I often find it hard to work and talk at the same time. Maybe it is a right brain/left brain thing?

But I do love sharing my process. And the visitors' questions and responses to the process are important to me. In fact, some of my most exciting creative break-throughs have actually come about during a public demonstration; or in response to a visitor's questioning….

I am pleased with the piece that evolved during today's open studio. Maybe it was so many children crossing their fingers for me as I added the strands of wavy hair. Or the encouragement of on-lookers as I worked with her face, trying to make it less 'severe' and more peaceful.

Perhaps a viewer will help to name her, either now or when she is finished. Maybe she is another 'Angel of Peace'? This one as a Bottomless Vessel to Hold Change?

Now my fingers are crossed, and the clay is under plastic wraps, with the hopes that she will dry without cracking, and make it through all of the kiln-firings, the barrel-smoking, and gilding…. to completion.

And I will hope to have more days like this one…