Surprise Reasons for Vacationing...

   Don't worry how he looks, he's happy I'm back!

So I went to my studio...

as soon as I could after we got back from our vacation trip. I could not wait to see all my guys, see how they were doing and bringing them up to snuff on everything. I noticed that they had not changed a lot. Other than having dried some in the heat, things seemed much the same.

Except, I realized I’d changed. I had to explain that I’d actually gained a new perspective, or two.

For example I had to admit that I really missed my studio. That I had thought about it a lot, and according to my traveling companion I also talked about it all the time. That I was possibly a bit too anxious to get back home I suspect, for her liking.

Also, that since the art show was about 7 months away it was important to kind of step back and prioritize my creative work. Discipline myself to make a list of artwork that might be “relevant” for the show in Feb. What feelings and issues did I really want to express? I could tell all my guys in the studio thought that had been a good idea.

Then I had to do some thinking and planning about how I would go about making enough time for myself to make all of these items. I explained that I had a plan that I could realistically implement. I could hear the applause.

So, now that my business stuff for the end of July is done and I can get down to it. I’m  glad I had the vacation and I’m glad I’m back. Let’s turn on the music, the coffee maker and get busy....

“The slave drivers kept pressing them, saying, "Complete the work required of you for each day...”   Exodus 5:13

A Creative Vacation...

So I went to the studio...

On Saturday, the day before we were planning to leave for our vacation trip I dropped into my studio for the difficult task of seeing that all would be ok for my being away for two weeks.

I gently un-wrapped the hands sculpture to check the repair on the cracks that had showed up and I had repaired earlier. It looked good. They were gone. Now I needed to repair the under-glaze that was disturbed in doing that repair. Plus, I needed to put another coat of Ivory over the cuffs and paint in the dark tones on the cuffs and the lower arms. This I did slowly and with the knowledge this would be the final coating before the bisk firing. I ended with going over the whole thing and doing the final touch-ups of all colors. (black, Ivory, and yellow)

I have come to a decision on a working title for this hands piece. I’m thinking...“6.5 Weeks”. This refers to the time that it took to find Candace and therefore the amount of time her body lay frozen in the shed. The more I think about it I like it.

Now, what will I be doing on my vacation? Will I do anything regarding my art? After all, I have to plan art pieces for the art show that my Daughter Odia and I are doing in January of 2012. We are planning to major on pieces inspired by the loss of Candace and the trial which took place this February and is still not quite over. We now have the appeal to go through yet. I will be taking, my sketchbook and my camera along and begin planning and sketching ideas for art projects for the art show. Both sculptures and charcoal drawings. I actually have ideas but I need to prioritise for the show. Only 7 months to go, which is not that long! I already have some ideas using the “hand theme” like this one I’ve been working on now. “Ouch” is all I can say.

Yes, it is a vacation, yes we are going to a nephews wedding in Victoria BC and yes, it is important to take time to contemplate and plan what emotions and feelings I must share.

“For he is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in its season...”

Psalm 1