Over the winter, I planned to use the 'inside time' to produce an abundance of work.
I was able to produce a series of paintings, but the cold weather and lack of sunshine
caused a mild depression which slowed down my motivation. I am grateful the winter
was not very severe this year.
Last month, I stayed warm at Homegrown Creations in Washington, DC.
to work on my indoor mural. I have finally gotten all of the walls covered with some paint. You
can see photos of the project by clicking here
I can't wait to dethaw my pottery studio.
It is difficult to keep my studio from freezing
during the cold months. Water is abundant in clay work, and when water freezes, it will
ruin a project. (similar to the way freezing water can crack concrete) I am excited to
get back to work in clay.
I am also excited to return to plein air painting.
It has been too cold to paint outside. I miss the fresh air and excitement of landscape painting. I have some specific plein air
projects that I am eager to begin. I will let you know how they develop.
In the past, I have cheated myself of the joy of spring by running south for the winter.
Here in the Midwest, we are getting the first signs of spring. The trees have a red glow,
and the bulbs are rising from the ground. I am discovering a new energy that comes
with the season. I am taking on new projects and utilizing my time better.
I am starting to feel that the new year brings great possibilities.
Now, I just need to get started on my spring cleaning. I'd like to know how you spent your winter. Do you
have seasonal projects that you are starting/finishing? Leave a comment to tell us about
spring where you live.
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Blog of Kentucky Artist, Ken Swinson. Pictures and random thoughts from my studio.
About Me
- Ken Swinson
- I am enjoying the artist's life. As a business decision, some think i'm nuts, but the benefits are great! Living your dream is the reward.
4 comments:
Hi Ken,
I'm about to turn in for the night, and I wandered to your blog. I really have very seasonal work in pottery. It doesn't really freeze here much, so that's not usually the issue, but as you noted, clay has a lot of water, and it's very cold to throw, unless you use hot water, and that gets absorbed by the clay quite rapidly, and means the clay will slump really fast. Otherwise its really cold in the studio, with no real heat, unless the bisque kiln is going. So I usually do things like take photos of my work, think about projects, and wait for things to warm up. You can see my latest photos at: http://www.ovcag.org/ and click on members, then my name.
About now, I usually start with hand building projects, and later move to throwing projects. Later on I'll start on a series of new glazes and try them out. Last year I reworked a lot of pots by adding a commercial englobe on top of the old glazes, and then re-glazing on top of that. I got some interesting results. None of them are up on the Orchard Valley website, but they are quite interesting. Later this month, maybe I'll find the photos and email them to you.
It's interesting to write to your blog. I enjoy exchanging ideas and clarifying my thoughts.
Take care,
Pat Dailey
Hey Ken,
After eavesdropping in on your conversation in the Beehive with the two gentlemen in the corner...I have a great idea for your blog.
To sign or not to sign the front of your painting. I promise to post a blog under it:) You know me and being in the secondary art market...I will have plenty to blog on about this one!
Hi,
My recent experience with the hyde park jury would make for an excellent blog. It seems that all my deadlines are due this week and then i will look forward to blogging more frequently.
thanks
ken
ps. it would be a good idea to use this blog to shamelessly plug your business rather than post anonymously.
LOL,
I will once i have something to blog on about:) OK I will now too
Peace Love,
Jane's Fine Art and Antiques
East Riverside Drive
Augusta, KY
18th-21st Century Art, etc
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