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.

Texas, you crazy!

Houston Texas is a place where everyone seems either incredibly nice and polite or a stone cold killer. I've been warned numerous times about "security concerns" but honestly I wonder how much of it is fear mongering? There are certainly plenty of police, security officers, and armed Americans around.

Really I have no place talking about this, as a tourist. It is strange though to be warned against walking around in broad daylight, or taking the bus. As someone with a tiny amount of travelling under my belt, I'd have to say Houston is not in the top 5 or even top 10 places I've felt in danger.

Perhaps it's a bit like Halifax in that if you keep your nose clean and out of the drug & gang scene there is no sense worrying.