I'm just about done with the color layer for the second group of pieces for my Art-A-Day show. They will go through another firing to adjust the colors a bit and develop the patterns, then they will be bent in the kiln into more interesting shapes. This project is proving to be pretty interesting.
I have had a few surprises as I've plowed my way through what will be thirty pieces of glass sculpture. I feel like I'm learning things I didn't expect. For one thing, inspiration doesn't necessarily come first. I guess it's natural to think of the creative process in a linear, predictable way: first, be inspired by something, second, decide what form your inspiration will take, etc. But what I'm finding is that somewhere in the middle of the process, associations to other things is giving me sort of a creative "second wind".
Here's an example. Part way into these "shield" shapes, I liked the way there was a kind of vein pattern developing. It started me thinking about minerals, veins of ore and crystal formations. The examples below are all natural colors - perfect inspiration that drove the designs in a better direction. Now that my inspiration is clearer, I'll adjust the colors and patterns to make the work better. It's exciting!
In January I spent some time thinking about what my artistic year might look like. I knew I would do fewer festivals this year and concentrate on more gallery work. I knew I wanted to explore more abstract sculpture. I know the only way to strike out and make something new happen is to pay attention to opportunities as they appear. I have decided this will be the year of "YES." And see where it had led already? So glad I said yes.
I have had a few surprises as I've plowed my way through what will be thirty pieces of glass sculpture. I feel like I'm learning things I didn't expect. For one thing, inspiration doesn't necessarily come first. I guess it's natural to think of the creative process in a linear, predictable way: first, be inspired by something, second, decide what form your inspiration will take, etc. But what I'm finding is that somewhere in the middle of the process, associations to other things is giving me sort of a creative "second wind".
Here's an example. Part way into these "shield" shapes, I liked the way there was a kind of vein pattern developing. It started me thinking about minerals, veins of ore and crystal formations. The examples below are all natural colors - perfect inspiration that drove the designs in a better direction. Now that my inspiration is clearer, I'll adjust the colors and patterns to make the work better. It's exciting!
In January I spent some time thinking about what my artistic year might look like. I knew I would do fewer festivals this year and concentrate on more gallery work. I knew I wanted to explore more abstract sculpture. I know the only way to strike out and make something new happen is to pay attention to opportunities as they appear. I have decided this will be the year of "YES." And see where it had led already? So glad I said yes.
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