Working towards Ireland

It has been a busy month - starting a new series of work based on Virginia Dirt, developing sculptural forms for a class at George Mason University, volunteering for the kindergarten field day. That last on really wore me out.

I've also got a couple of shows up:

@ The Arts Center in Orange, Virginia

http://artscenterinorange.com/

The Verde River Bank

Haji porcelain with toilet paper and inclusions of Verde River clay from Clarkdale, Arizona; thrown and altered; 10.5" x 4"; glazed with Chartreuse and Cherry Blossom Shino; fired to cone 6 oxidation. $500.00

June 6th the Virginia Clay Invitational opened at the Arts Center in Orange, Virginia.

I was invited to participate by juror Bill Schran. Bill teaches ceramics on the Alexandria Campus of NOVA, and is becoming internationally known for his crystalline glaze experimentation. He's generous with these, and I have been having fun with them. You can find recipes, firing profiles, etc. at http://www.creativecreekartisans.com/. The Arts Center in Orange has a lovely gallery, and you'll likely see my work there again.

@ The Torpedo Factory, Scope Gallery

Alexandria, Virginia

New work on display at the Torpedo Factory Scope Gallery through the end of June. The Montgomery County Clay Guild was kind enough to ask me to jury their June show, and then they let me put in a few pots as well. Included is a new piece with the micaceous clay from the NOVA campus.

NEXT STOP: IRELAND

I am flying to Ireland this evening.

My husband, who is a painter (www.clivepates.com) and I are doing what is called an "artist's residency", which means that someone gives us a place to live, etc., for a month or two so that we can make some new art. We usually give a piece of work to the person/organization, and often have an exhibition of the completed work.

This summer we will be spending 8 weeks in Cobh, Ireland, here: http://www.artisticalliance.eu/artist-retreat/ 

Soon I'll be on the Irish seaside (sheltering from the wind and rain most likely!) and looking for interesting dirt.