Residency halfway mark

One month in here at medalta and so much yet to do. I've made more work than I can reasonably expect to get home, but I keep pushing for more. Something about this format makes it feel like a race. 

But I have managed to try out some new things, proven and written off a few ideas. I hope the next month can prove as valuable. 

I don't have any great images yet but have a look at the strong effects of light and shadow the sun provides me with twice a day.

Making at Medalta

A few full days in the studio back-to-back will do the body good. I'm having an excellent time here in Medicine Hat. Lots of experiments, hopefully I'll have something exciting to show ya soon. 

Careful what you wish for

Well I've been hearing rumours that the installation I put up a few weekends ago has all but disappeared. I wanted audience interaction, and I guess I can be sure that happened. 

The main disappointment is that so many people will not be able to see the work. Experience the installation. I knew I was taking a risk... But to have it be over so quickly. Dang. 

I've been asked to send out a second wave. And today I went and packed up this little group in the hopes they fare better. 

Uncommon Common Art stop #11. Collaborative edition.

 

Uncommon Common Art

So a few weekends ago I went to the cape split trail and installed some sculpture as part of Uncommon Common Art, an outdoor art event from June to October. 

This installation has been very exciting to put together. One of the best parts is that the installation is collaborative, the way I left it is not the way it will remain. I've ensured this by placing small tactile objects unsecured into the landscape. I haven't encouraged my audience, but they've certainly been playing along.

I hope that when I go back to collect the work in October there will be some work to collect. These are all fresh new pieces that I'm very excited about, but if they fall victim to nature, weather or people... I'm prepared. 

Trusting the world to take care of these little beauties is hard, but the engagement with the audience in this situation is much more visceral than a traditional gallery setting. 

Waugh's Growin On?

This spring, late though it was has been quite fruitful so far. A summer residency at Medalta has been secured, an outdoor showing of my work is lined up, and I even got my name in on a garden plot! Good things all round.

Planting new seeds, and trying to keep on top of the weeds in all aspects of my life right now. Wish me luck Internet!

New things as seasons turn

This winter has been hard. Late and frequent snowstorms, ice upon ice upon ice. And a cabin fever I have never experienced. I hadn't really made anything since the fall. 

Eventually though, I got tough on myself and forced my way into the studio. Some cute, quiet little things came out of it. And how lovely they are. 

Colorado, I like you

Up before the sun on my first day of class. Excited to get to Anderson Ranch and see what excellent learning experiences they have lined up for me. 

Took this snap getting out of the plane yesterday. 

Colorado here I come.

So, after a very tumultuous few days. It is official, I'm going to Anderson Ranch for a three week studio intensive! Much excitement, lots to do and figure out before then. 

Oh geez! It's overwhelming! But so so so good. Feeling super lucky to have a great employer who will let me take this much time off on short notice. 

Wow. 

Time now to find/drum up some cash so this doesn't all have to be on credit. 

Rainy day dreaming

A bit of a grey day here in the studio, perfect for reflection and planning things out. I'm getting geared up for a little inspiration trip out to Montreal, visiting friends, galleries and delicious restaurants. 

Very excited! 

Meanwhile here in the Halifax, there are shows to make work for. Apartments to clean and pack up and move from. Day jobs to attend to, and creepy self-portraits to keep me company in the studio. 

Have a good one!

It's the little things in life

It's looking a little springy out there, and I finally feel alive again after the long winter of hibernation. 

Sprouting new leaves and forming new habits is on the agenda. But I shouldn't promise anything.  

A fun little collaboration with my studio neighbour Jess here at Wonder'neath arts collective. Magical.

All the pretty little things

Fall is creeping up on us here in Halifax, though I suspect we haven't seen the last of cruel summer humidity. With the cooling of the air comes my yearly September envy, I wish I was going back to school.
So this year I've given myself a schedule of deadlines. Applications and proposals to keep me busy and learning. One of my self appointed tasks is to learn how to photograph my own work. Small steps so far, but I think I'm getting somewhere.
If you've got any pointers, please let me know.

All in a days work

Sixes of sevens, and twenty to eight. Full days in the studio are double plus great!

Setting up

Packing moving and unpacking boxes has taken up most of this past month... But the work is nearly done and soon I'll be able to get down to the business of making. I hope fun new things are springing up for you out there in Internet land.

Reflection at the end of an era.

Today I made the last piece I will ever make at Turnstile pottery cooperative. It's nice to find that a positive experience. When the closure of this studio first came to light, I was not a fan of the idea. The more time I've had to mull it over though, it seems more and more like a blessing. Comfortable is not the same as happy, this is a lesson I've been trying to learn for a while now. Time marches ever forwards and so too must I.

Moving the many heavy fragile things will be no cakewalk, but I'm ready for this change now.

Process

Right in the thick of things, the middle. Where nothing is quite resolved, but you can almost see the finished product. I like this phase of artwork.

Today I was able to go and visit my mentor Steve Higgins at the MSVU art gallery where he is currently building/installing an exhibition of new work. It was an excellent experience to be in there partway through. The fullness of that space when it is done will be mind boggling.

I'm also closer than ever to nailing down a new studio space. Having visited and submitted my homework for a new multi artist space opening up within walking distance of my apartment. Yay! Fingers crossed that it works out.

Progress!

Today after work I planned on stopping into the studio to unload a kiln, half hour/ forty five minutes tops.

One thing led to another, there were sculptures ready to be assembled and reclaim to deal with. Somehow four hours skipped by. I guess that's how to tell if the magic is still in a project. That focused, time melting contentment where all of a sudden you realize how hungry you are.

These next few months are pretty art full, and I couldn't be happier. The show at the Ross creek centre is fast approaching, if all goes well kiln wise the work for that just needs to be fired up and delivered.

Now if only my brain would slow down enough to let me sleep we would be getting somewhere.

Till next time!

Home again, home again, jiggity jig

Well my time in Houston is almost up. A shuttle and a few airplane rides before its all said and done. I don't really want to leave, but I'm excited to get this information home.

Good bye hostel, see you around sometime?

Vacation relaxation

I'm treating myself to a little sun before the galleries open today. Listening to the birds and trying to digest all of the visual information that's been presented this week. Halifax seems like forever ago, but I'm excited to go back and share what I've seen. On today's list a private collection, a contemporary craft museum and maybe the big museum of art if there is any space left in my brain.

Travel, I need to do this more often.

Sense of direction

Today, I got lost. It looked so simple on the map but somehow I missed a turn and ended up at the freeway. It was starting to rain but I pressed on.
Map reading is not one of my strong points... I found myself behind a power station and probably crossed the same creek four times. It can be nice though, taking the long way around. I didn't get to the gallery I was looking for, and by the end I was rather wet with rain, my brain appreciated the break from galleries though.

After some traditional tex-mex and a margarita I stumbled upon the Art League Houston and some very fine work.

Tomorrow I will try again for the elusive Mother Dog Studios, one more day packed full of ceramic delights before heading back to my regular life.

Sensory overload

Today I took in some lectures, viewed lots of of objects and performances, and took part in some serious crowds. I could have done more, but I think my brain would have exploded.

Once I get back to my computer I'll upload you some images, I've taken hundreds today. I'm overwhelmed with the information. Some of the studios where delightful, huge repurposed warehouses, so good.

Walking through crowds of hundreds viewing ceramic works by dozens of artists... Woah. This is something to be experienced for sure.

Tomorrow is the last day of the conference. Then a day of touring, then home and up to my eyeballs in that. Keep on rolling.