Missed the mark

I some how feel that the two boxes dotty boxes I posted yesterday missed the mark and didn't measure up to the vision I started with. In the past I have been able to create a whole box in a single day (pre my son arriving) and now it takes much much longer. In fact these two dotty boxes took almost two full weeks to complete. Some where along the way I lost my original vision and I just wanted the project completed. I might have (oh ya I did) rushed the finaly details just to get it done. I am busy with my son and my husband works full time so the energy and time I have to work in the studio is minimal. (I know the saying...excuses are like a**holes everyone has one) I am finding that when a project takes too long I loose interest and my original vision becomes clouded.

I know the dotty boxes are just all right and I have previously made boxes that I love even more. I still have the urge to create and play with clay but I also experience frustration and disappointment at how long it takes to produce something I really like.

I suppose this is the stage of life I am in and I need to appreciate that I do get time in the studio how ever that may look. So my question to you is how do you feel when a project is taking too long or doesn't meet with the idea you originally started with?

Green and Gold

A friend of mine challenged me to make something with green and gold. The insides of the boxes are green while the outsides have been given a real shine with 3 different shades of gold pearl ex. In the middle I have added some tiny holess green beads


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Pen boxes

After making so many pens I figured it was time to make something to hold the finished pens in. Previously I have shown off my pens in the orginal cardboard box I bought them in, that wasn't quite the display I was looking for. So i created 2 boxes based around the cardboard box I bought the pens in. These 2 boxes are all clay and as of this moment haven't been sanded.

Fear, risk and being creative

I have often found myself thinking about trying a new technique or method in polymer clay and being reluctant to get started. I don't understand the written directions, not enough pictures or I don't have all of the required materials. I have a couple different choices when I come upon these self imposed obstacles. I can simply not attempt the new technique, which in truth is the fear taking over and this option frequently over rules and I stop before I make a attempt. I can try the new to me method and hope for the best, sometimes this even works. Then I become very excited and think to myself "why was I so scared to try?" It turned out great! My other option is to seek support and encouragement from some amazing and talented artists that I call friends. I have met so many people in the clay community who I can chat with online. Some of these women I have had the good fortune to meet in person and some only in online chats. Discussing my fears, reluctance and concern over learning something new is very helpful. The chat could revolve around my fear to attempt a new technique but more often it's a discussion around what it is that I am trying to learn. Maybe I have read a article online or seen something in one of my polymer clay books and I don't understand the information. This opportunity to chat in real time with friends and artists is a phenomenal learning experience in it's self. I feel so joyful in knowing how many clay friends I have made and that we can and often do lean on each other regarding creative ideas and I think more importantly we support each other through every day events. Having all of this wonderful support lessens my fear and increases the risks that I am willing to take in my creative journey. I strive to learn and improve my artistic knowledge. Sometimes fear of things failing stops me from taking a creative risk but knowing that I have support decreases my fear and I jump in with my heart and hands.

Thanks to everyone who is part of my creative community!