Saturday, October 15, 2016

Life and Pottery

Thought I'd do a little photo round up of how life has been lately. I feel as though I've hit a creative hurricane and I'm furiously pouring myself into clay and making pots. Which feels refreshing and familiar. Part of my fervor is due to a count down to baby number 2's arrival.
Baby #2! Another baby boy coming at the end of January. We are in a state of transition.

Feels pretty surreal. But honestly I think this time around I'm truly savoring the waiting time knowing that all to soon it'll change into something a bit less familiar. I'm tapping into a creative fuel which helps me push past the exhausted times of chasing a toddler and being 24 weeks pregnant and still making things that give me peace and rest. Here lately, it's been nothing but clay. Throwing bowls and mugs (and whatever else comes up), feeling happy knowing how they will be used in an everyday capacity. Even the trial and error of glazing and firing again isn't as frustrating because I like to be learning.


My current workspace is tiny. Literally an old kitchen that needs to be torn out. But give me space, no matter how small, and I'll make it work. We artists are resourceful people.  


 

Making bowls at 12 weeks
       
    
 All about the process. 







                                     
 

                                    



I'll have another new batch out sometime this week! More of these glazes as well as some new ones too.

Friday, April 22, 2016

A Little Piece of Mississippi

Last year my mom encouraged me to participate in The Sketchbook Project. While I had heard of it in the past, I had never considered submitting a sketchbook (if you've never heard of it check it out here). Basically you buy a small sketchbook through them, do whatever you want to it, then mail it back and it becomes part of the permanent collection of the Brooklyn Art Library. Anyone can come in and check out your book (and if you get it digitized people can even view it all online). So I thought it would be cool that New York would get a little piece of Mississippi.  And me.

It turned out to be more of a reflection on myself than I planned. There's paintings and drawings of myself and of every member of my little family (yes even our dog Moxie got a page). There's poems I've written, places where I live that I sketched, things that represent my past but a lot of things that show the direction of my art in the future. Its interesting to me that so much of myself fell out onto these pages. I think I was happy to share it so it made parting with the sketchbook a lot easier.

Front cover

A little about me.












There you have it! If you are ever in New York I hope you check it out. And I'd say maybe even attempt your own sketch book for next year. You may surprise yourself.

Friday, March 11, 2016

Checking in with Goals and Getting a Little Sktchy

So from my last post back in January I shared some goals and I'm happy to say I feel as though I've worked towards them in various ways! My time management has gotten better (still not there but progress!). I've really paired down the things I commit too these days and I make sure to finish the things I'm responsible for first before starting any new projects.
Still no new adventures planned but there's plenty of time for that this year. And the pottery part is still in the works but I'm itching to get my hands covered in clay again soon!

Lastly I've really stuck to a much more consistent practice with my artwork. For those who follow me on Instagram (@theartistcatie) I've been using a great app called Sktchy that has really motivated me to paint daily AND work on painting better portraits in watercolor. Basically people get on and post photos of themselves/other people and artists take that photo as inspiration and create a work of art based on it. It's a really fun low key, no pressure way to try out new techniques and get feedback on whatever you post. If you want to try it out I'm under Catie Daniel on the app (sorry its only for iPhone users as of now, but check it out here: Sktchy App)



This one is my favorite of the bunch!








 I've realized that sometimes I've got to create work simply because I enjoy it, not for any other reason (a show or commission for example). I've noticed how much that recharges me. As a mom doing something creative just for myself gives me my sanity (haha) because I do so much for my family. It's amazing to have that "me" time when Jude is sleeping and these small watercolor portraits are quick enough that I can finish them in one sitting.








 As a bonus when Jude wakes up I have all my paints out and we play. Some how he has turned watercolor into finger paint, which is fun and easy to clean. I love introducing him to creative play at such a young age!



Here's a little video of Jude painting all by himself! 

Saturday, January 2, 2016

2016 Goals!

So if you're anything like me, a new year feels like a fresh start. A fresh start usually begins with resolutions. I have made plenty in the past (although I do refrain from setting fitness resolutions lol) but this year I'd like to think about it in terms of GOALS. Goals seem a bit more attainable to me. Especially realistic ones. I've gotten better about knowing how to set goals that I can actually reach instead of highly unlikely ones that make me feel defeated.
ANYWAY.....
Here are some of my goals for the new year (as an artist, mom and wife):


1. Work on my time management

 I know this one doesn't sound too fun but I definitely need it! I want to be able to maximize my time to balance all the things I love, being a mom, spending time with Justin and painting/being creative. While I've gotten better over the years (having a toddler will help!), I'd really like to get better at planning out things for Jude, juggling commissions, finishing things on time, and all around scheduling my days/weeks so I can be more productive and less frazzled. Pro-active instead of reactionary!




2. Make more pottery!


I've been missing clay like crazy and now that I have everything all set up and the kiln has it's new parts, it's time to get back into it. Although that might be kinda tricky with a toddler, it's definitely a goal to strive for.

3. Have my first solo show

While I've been involved with tons of art shows and collaborated with a lot of talented artists over the years, I've never had a show of just my own work. I'd love to challenge myself and rise to the task of putting it all together.

4. Plan more adventures.

This doesn't necessarily mean a huge trip, or flying any where (although sign me up!) but I'd like to explore more of the area around me and beyond. I'd love to go camping and use our kayaks more. Try new things and constantly learn, while also overcoming the things I'm afraid to do or try.


5. A few random things...
This year I want to be more consistent in my art work and practice daily, finish each piece before moving on to the next and to stop comparing my work to others. I want to push the limits of my ability, which could result with making bad art. Something that I need to be ok with. Because learning = sucking. Not every piece will be successful and that is totally ok.

Well there you have it! I'm sure I'll add more to the list as I think about it, but these were the most important to me. Feel free to chime in with your own. I like hearing what people think when they look out over the new year into the future. I'm excited to see what this year brings.

Catie