After The Wake

Our tree blooming beautifully

Weddings and funerals are regular events in a large Italian family. You think that there would be no inspiration to be found at this point in such events, but oddly enough being at the wake, seeing family again, and saying goodbye to Uncle Johnny gave me new found energy and many inspirations. I hit the studio on full speed this week and want to share with you some of the things that are transpiring.

Firstly, I've been trying to bisque fire and glaze many, many vessels I just never got around to finishing. I figured if I do a little at a time I'll have a nice table full again come next Christmas. Lord knows it will take until Christmas to fire all that I've created already. Only problem is, I think my kiln is a bit ticked off that I'm making her work so hard. Just look at this mess!

My kiln is angry

My LORD that is NOT what I had envisioned!!! Not sure what to do with these pieces, but the larger one will get experimented upon. I hope to learn some new things cause it is truly killing me that I ruined a great shaped vessel in stoneware, non the less.

Horses are on the brain too. Not only did I open up my commission books today for another sm sized slot but I got the bug back to start my Proud Arabian Mare. She has only been waiting for me for about a year now. I'm trying to hone in on a pretty color for her. How I love this mold. It's so feminine and graceful.

Gals getting their primer on

Of course, the Working Girl resin was totally tempting and a "must nab" for me. I was dying to paint her and sorta hope whom ever wins the commission slot tonight might have one of these gals to paint. She's pretty hot!

Getting her coat

PS...Pumpkin the pony had to be put on the side. I'm just tired of looking at her. Tired of trying to see what exactly is wrong and tired of trying to rush her. :/

Morta

Black n Tan Commission in progress

Morta...this post is about that awful inevitable. The goddess sorta took a bit of a rest here in our household and won't leave it seems.

First, the meanest rattie I have ever owned, (from Petco I must add) Fawn up and died. Not before she came to me, curled up and started being nice and friendly. :/ Too little, too late, but I'll take it. She was scared. Then Toby gets ill, badly ill and has to be put down. Next, we missed the little hint on the Sea Monkeys website which states: "For better results feed only HALF the small spoonful of Sea Monkey food the first time you feed."

DOH!

Cue four year old crying and mom reassuring him that the Sea Monkeys were greeted by Fawn and Toby and that God takes everything back to Him and that new ones are on the way. New Sea Monkeys in no time.

Of course, all joking aside, we did have another death in the family. My father-in-law's brother passed after a very long and painful battle with cancer. He is at peace and despite another wake to attend it will be nice and comforting to see all our family again this afternoon.

Another comfort on the flip side of death is of course, life. All new babies are a joy and as I watch all the birds outside in our yard chasing each other and preparing their nests I think about my new baby ratties coming home in May. When I contacted the breeder I had no idea I wouldn't have any rats left by the time my new babies were ready to greet me. I figured I'd be a house with six rats. Nope.


Photo: © 2009 Meghan of Paper Heart Rattery
Coming soon my gal Petunia

Photo: © 2009 Meghan of Paper Heart Rattery
Coming soon my gal Cinderella
Yep, she's nekkid!

Not only are the new babies ready, but I was also asked by another rat lover if I could help rescue a rattie from LaGuardia College Science Dept and the call couldn't have come at a more perfect time! I heartily agreed to give a rattie who has helped others learn through the sciences a home.

So, hopefully, Morta will have grown tired of her stay soon and the house will be bursting with new life and friends AND with new Sea Monkeys too.

Enjoy your weekend.

Quiet Reflections

I love "Tutu's" muzzle. So kissy!

Quiet. Reflective. Painterly.

That pretty much sums up me right now. I sat down at my studio desk last night and didn't really have to force myself to work. I really wanted to paint and welcomed the calming feelings that came with several hours of non stop finishwork.

I tried not to focus on having to put Toby down, but thoughts of me somehow betraying a friend just wouldn't leave. I know it was the right thing. He suffered too long. So, in trying to ease these thoughts I decided I would try and complete two projects I took on a few weeks ago that won't find finish for one reason or another. The porcelain tea light below was one of those projects. It's now ready to meet its new owner and hopefully cheer her up. The thought of it cheering someone up, cheered me up a bit.

So, animal wise we have one less here at the Danza house. I thought it might be fun to get a few photos of all our animals here. I'm going to do that soon. Once the fish wake up outside in the pond and once my new adopted baby ratties arrive in May. All positive and good things to reflect on.

Spirit Jump tea light

Another Sad One

Sweet Toby

Today was a tough day. I've yet to do any work. I've yet to think about any work. I doubt I'll get much work done. My boy Toby had to be euthanized today and it was a very difficult decision to make. He was suffering. He isn't suffering any more. I was searching for a nice photo of him today for the blog and I totally forgot how amazingly beautiful he was. He suffered too long I think. I tried to do the best thing possible. It still sucks all around. :(

Snuggled Around Mud

Wee little batch of bunnies

Ceramic work is ruling the studio this week. My mind is just wrapped snuggly around mud. I'm happy here and I'm totally on that "artist's high" at the moment. Check out the vase below. I started etching the flower into it and hopefully have a technique in mind that will look as nice in person as it has been looking in my head.

Pencil drawing on dried mud

It's Uncomfortable, But...

Odd, but inspiring viewings
As uncomfortable as this artist's images are making me feel, they are also inspiring me fully: http://www.bedeltiscareno.com/

And although the pieces are mostly mixed media my mind is forcing me to think ceramic. Perhaps it's the glossiness of it all. In any case, I like the way my mind is twisting my own thoughts about ceramics and ceramic sculpture this morning over my coffee.

Somewhere floating around is also thoughts of my pony sculpture and my mind is forcing me to believe this piece is near completion for the sake of a NAN deadline, but my heart is telling me different. The dilemma? Rush to be a part of the party? Just let it be and get it right? The caster is waiting and I've stopped seeing...

Comparing sides.
One looks fairly decent, the other needs much work

Listen, the first batch

Poster for LIsten

Today begins the official release of my rattie sculpture "Listen". I am very excited and hope to have things ready to move this evening.