Studio Update

I’ve started these monthly updates for myself but also for those who don’t follow my instagram account. Although instagram is my main basis for posting live updates, it’s also bit annoying how everything is all on one platform… I’ve read lots of posts and articles on small business or ceramicists having their accounts hacked or suddenly just gone one day and not having any form of backup plan. Which is very scary! So, this is going to be my back up plan.

Over this April month, I was quite busy. It might not be quite clear from my outloook, but I work part-time on my ceramics, working only Monday and Tuesday’s. The other days of the week I have a part-time job as a Heritage Engagement officer for a local council. It’s a challenge, but must be done as my ceramics doesn’t earn any money (nor do I push for it to make money).

At the beginning of the month I had my 2nd art market, which was quite nerve wrecking as I don’t put myself physically out there much. The build up to the market was also quite stressful, I took off a few weeks from my other job to get myself ready and prepare all my ceramics for the journey. I’d never actually been to Rye before, even though it’s not far from me, I choose Rye because I’ve heard it’s quite an arty town, with lots of small galleries and markets cropping up.

My second art market in Rye

Below is a video of my table at the market. The market was lovely, however it wasn’t quite the right fit for me. The reason I say that was because my price standard was far higher than others e.g. my min price for a sculpture was £20. When I applied for the market, I thought it might not be a fit but I wanted to test myself by getting out there.

After the market I also visited an antique shop called Puckhaber decorative Antiques. They had this amazing bench with lichen all over since being left outside- it’s pretty common but outdoor antiques or terracotta like this seem to catch a lot of money as it take years to get that appearance.

Photographing work for the website

I desperately needed to photograph a lot of work. It’s one of those jobs that isn’t at the top of my list but if I don’t do it it’ll never get done! Lots of my work is mainly just for me, I don’t tend to take commissions or push to sell them. As mentioned at the beginning, I have a sense of freedom at the moment by creating work that I want with my own ideas and outcomes- it’s a bit privilege and I don’t take it for granted. I do however find it difficult to squeeze in my website, social media, photographing, glazing, mounting, tidying and other bits into my 2 day schedule as every hour is precious to me. If i miss a day that week, I can feel myself lagging and in turn, i’ll work a bit at the weekend if I can to make up for it.

Sketching

Sketching out ideas for my liberty collection. For those who don’t know liberty work, it’s a form of horsemanship that allow you and the horse to be loose or free from restriction. You commonly work in an open area without leadropes, headcollars but through open body language. It’s not always easy, and you have to work at it to get an equal connection. The reason I’m doing this collection is because i’ve always been facinated by the bonds between animals and people, it’s so complex and often unqiue for everyone yet the ground ‘rules’ stay the same; two very different creatures trying to find common ground and evolve from there.

I have a pony at my parents farm where I work. Ranger is very nervy and didn’t trust anyone (still is skeptical, but that’s just his personality). When I had him when young, he was flighty with no ground manners yet not dangerous or aggressive, just constantly unsure. I was always taught that when riding, you should be the master (hence bridles with bits) and show them where to go- be the leader or boss. Liberty is the opposite; a state of being free from restriction, being able to do as you wish and go where you want. When you apply this to training horses, liberty training relates to any work done with horses while they’re loose, without a rope or reins, so they have the freedom to move around at will. There’s a balance of listening and thinking through body language.

Pot Fest

The first time I went to pot fest and it was so cool! I’ve heard about it before, but they’ve expanded the festival pop ups over the years due to popularity, with one opening up at Glynde in East Sussex. There were so many incredible artists there, with everyone bringing out the best of their work for the big 2 day event. It was a bit wet on the day however the atmosphere was lovely, and the potters were so friendly. That’s the lovely thing about ceramics, ceramicists or potters are incredibly friendly and welcoming, they want to share their tips and tricks with you or point you in the direction of how to improve your work. One particular ceramicist was Ashdown Pottery. If you want to find out more about Pot Fest click here!

Horses are fight or flights animals but also work in a herd. The beginning of liberty work is working in a close small field (or round pen) and pushing them around in a circle gently. By changing the direction with your body you can get them to listen to you, by moving them forward when they want to stop or graze you can get their attention, and by listening to the horses body language you can slowly understand their language. Once the horses head has lowered, ears are listening to you, licking their lips, or curbing into you, you can turn your body away to encourage them into your space and approach you. It’s easier said than done, sometimes it can take hours or days and isn’t quick. We have another horse at home who is retired Irish Draught who is pushy and uses his body- he’s very bossy and don’t like to be told what to do. After a few years, i’ve only just joined up with him! See a clip below of liberty training I did a few years ago.

Making Plinths for my two figures sleeping

I’ve struggled big time to figure out what plinth my two sleeping figures would go on. Most sculptural plinths are flat rectangular bases which are nice but I didn’t feel it was quite fitting. I’m testing out these out! Currently drying out and they’re quite thick.

General updates of making

I’ve decided to add legs to my horse and figure. It’s quite a challenge adding the legs; they’re fickle and fragile, easy to bump and crack! And finally I’ve hung my ceramic sun sconce at home! I would’ve liked to sell it however there’s a big crack across the cheek and the glaze was dodgy!