Sculpture number 15.

I've had a very productive month which is unusual for the holiday season.  My shoulder is just about 100% and I'm working on getting my elbow back into shape.  I have some great ideas I want to explore and I'm recommitted to pursuing sculpture and my challenge.  For awhile there I was ready to give up as my elbow hurt I had next to no studio time at home.  Now I'm over the dark thoughts and ready to be creative again.

Sculpture 14 A small box.

Lucky Sculpture 13

I've had a good week and finished several pieces.  With this head rather then let if be a head that just sits there I made it into a box.  I used to make lots of boxes but stopped.  I think I'd like to make them again.

Sculpture 12

I'm getting back on track.  My elbow is feeling better.  I'm up to date with finishing sculpture.  I think December will be a great month.

Sculpture 10 and 11

Sculpture Number 9

I just finished the Walrus Rider.  My younger daughter likes Walrus.  While we were sitting around on the back porch talking about animals and it came to me to do a sculpture of a girl riding a walrus.  At first she was going to be barefoot while wearing an evening gown.  After tossing around ideas the sculpture told me it had to  wear a parka, boots and mittens.

Sculpture Number 8

At last another post.  I included a photo of the piece while I was still working on it with the model in the background.  I love the way my piece came out but I don't think it looks like the model. After finishing this we got lessons on making our own glazes.  I've been attending a figurative sculpture class in Chicago at Lill Street now for 2 years.  I've learn so much and improved so much.  Before class this week I just felt down with no time to sculpt with the kids activities and before that my injury.  I was not able to keep up my personnel challenge and thought perhaps it would be easier to just get a job or read my book.  I was not happy with this piece at first but after spending time yesterday I've changed my mind.  I need to work more and the kids are almost back in school so I'll have more time.  But the bottom line is I won't always have the most perfect time to sculpt so I need to learn to sculpt during the inconvenient off moments.

Sculpture Number 7

My shoulder is better so I'm back at work.  I lost an entire month which upsets me but I'm determined to completed my challenge to myself.  Making a large volume of work is really the only way to get better.  I've already seen improvement.  This piece is the Goddess in crone form.  I don't really want to sculpt barbie dolls.

Some Finished Work.

I'm getting back into the swing of things.  With physical therapy and the kid responsibilities I'm not getting back into the studio like I wanted to.  It will come.  I had someone inquiry if the above bust was for sale.  When I sent the price, size and shipping they lost interest but at least I'm starting to get people interested.  Until next time....

Sculpture Number 6

I'm back after a month long absence due to a shoulder injury.  I though I had a rotary cuff tear but its just inflammation and well .....  I was not happy sitting around and not getting into the studio.  I missed a whole month. I felt like I was letting myself down after making the big public announcement of my challenge.  I guess challenges have to go on despite injury.  So here I am back to work.  This piece is from a model at class.  I'm not really a big fan of busts but they are good face practice.  Generally I cut the face off and collect them but this time I left it on its base.  I'm not sure what I'll do with it but its finished and I'm posting and I'm back.  Today that's all that matters.

Some Finished Work.

No new work to speak of.  I am getting my hands dirty with two new pieces but they are taking longer then expected.  I really like both and can't wait to post them.  I'm a bit antsy right now waiting to hear about the results of my 14 year old daughter's soccer try outs.  Her team folded so we had to try out at other teams.  I'm trying to enjoy the wait but not so much right now.   Until next time....

Sculpture number 5.

It took me almost two weeks to complete this sculpture rather than the one I'd planned.  But it did teach me that I can find studio time during a crazy busy week filled with two many distractions to count.  My studio was tied up for one whole day while I had better lights installed.  A friend was doing the installation  while I had tea with his wife and our dogs played outside.  I do enjoy time with friends but it cut out an entire day from my work schedule.  The new lighting is wonderful.  My studio is in the basement and now I have such bright lights I feel as if I'm in a room filled with windows.  I have four canned lights with 90 watt daylight spotlights shining down on my table.  With my table ott light I don't think I'll get eye fatigue anymore.  As I'm not really young anymore that is a good thing.

One other problem holding up production was the head.  It kept falling off every time I moved the piece despite a skewer through the head and body and a clay piece under the head for support.  It just needed time to set up a bit before I could continue work.  So I may wish to complete a piece in one week the clay may have its own agenda.  Until next time....

Sculpture number 4 and a finished piece.

Here is sculpture number 4.  I saw simple heads at a sculpture show and this is my take on a simple head.  The finished piece is sprayed with Josh green and yellow salt cone ten glazes.  The piece just finished has a little bit more detail in the nose and has a more oval shape but for the most part it is just as simple.  I like this look and its easy to achieve.  As its only Wednesday I can start on a more complicated piece with the extra time I have left this week.  I'm thinking it may be some sort of dancer or wolves.  I've done a lot of research on wolves and may start those pieces.  I'll just have to think on it.  Until next time....