LeisaWorks

Singing Color

2012-03-09T22:19:00.001-05:00

Why do two colors, put one next to the other, sing? Can one really explain this? no. - Picasso

This wasn't my most productive week as far as glass goes. I had a couple of freelance graphic design projects that I focused on instead. But I did make one small batch of pendants. I was basically experimenting with color and shape. I love putting colors together to see if they sing. With glass it can be especially fun, because of the way glasses react to each other. I was really pleased with the white petals and lime green center. I also love using the black base for these because the colors just snap out visually.

Cutting out a shape with the ring saw.

Black glass bases

Top layer of singing color.

Lime green and crisp ivory

Hot orange and cool blue

Lime green, cool blue and crisp ivory

Hot orange, crisp ivory and cool blue

Simplify

2012-03-06T09:47:00.001-05:00

The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. - Hans Hofmann

March 2009 - Moving in to my spot at the gallery in Greenville, SC.

I have an awful tough time letting go of things. So, with much difficulty I decided recently it was time for me to leave the gallery where I've been renting a space for 2 years now. For me, it is more than an business decision. I was welcomed there and developed friendships there. Plus, I just hate to give in. I'm not sure if it's being too proud to give up or the optimism that things are just about to get better.

A couple of years ago, walking up Main Street in Greenville, I noticed a handwritten sign advertising a new gallery and calling for artists. I was in a small co-op gallery in the next town over, but I went ahead and signed up for this one, thinking I could juggle both, and continue shows and festivals.

It turned out to be more than I wanted to handle, considering I also work a full time M-F job, and the co-op required me to work a day or two a month. I knew I had to leave. However, I never actually had to take any action, because the co-op decided to close. Presto...an easy way out!

In the past few months, I started to think that it was time for me to simplify again. Tax time revealed to me that I had only broken even at the gallery this year. Broken even...well at least I wasn't in the proverbial hole! But, that caused me to reevaluate the situation, and led to my ultimate decision.

I don't blame the gallery for my lack of success. My attention has been other places. I really didn't have time to get by there often enough to "flip" my work. I think my space became a little stale, and possibly a bit dusty from time to time. I believe the traffic in the gallery had fallen off too. That tends to happen after time, and the current economic reality is that people have less money to spend on things that aren't complete necessities.

Finally yesterday, after mulling for way too long and after several false starts, I composed an email ending my time at the gallery. It didn't turn out to be as difficult as I expected it to be. They graciously accepted my decision and even left the door open for me to come back at a later time. So, I will be moving out before the end of March.

I posted earlier in the year about simplification in my creative work. This decision really is more about simplifying life than anything else. I could have continued breaking even (not the worse outcome ever), but I would rather invest my limited time, energies and cash towards other things in the coming days. I am thankful for the friends I've made, for the experience I've gained, and that I could leave on a positive note.

Ever forward...

Get Away

2012-03-04T20:08:00.001-05:00

This weekend my family was able to get away for a couple of days. We went to the Wilds campsite for our annual church family retreat. It is always nice to go to the mountains and is especially nice to get the chance to spend time with family and friends in such a beautiful place.

We always stay in a duplex cabin at the bottom of the hill. That makes me get a little exercise :-) I definitely need it because the food is great, and they have this wonderful coffee shop there called Cool Beans.

We also had a great speaker who gave me lots to think about in the coming days. He really emphasized that behind every page of the Bible is the God who wrote it. He suggested too many of us read it to get something out of it, we seek promises and blessings, which is good and fine, but that perhaps we should seek to know God more instead.

Tim and Em in epic mode.

Ben in a rare pose.

Water under the bridge...

Path down to the cabins.

Emily headed up to the lodge.

The super slide.

daffodils in bloom

When we got home, I noticed that our little plum tree had bloomed.

March 1, 2012...81 degrees

2012-03-01T14:02:00.001-05:00

I know I keep going on about how Springy it is outside. Yesterday it was the rainy spring day, and today it's just skipped to sunny summer.

Here's a quick snapshot of my car stereo temp, time and date. It's really unusual for it to be this warm on March 1st, even in sunny South Carolina.

I just had to grab a happy, warm flower pendant this morning before leaving home. I think I may have to lose the corduroy jacket though!

Close of a Winter Day

2012-02-29T19:02:00.001-05:00

Autumn arrives in early morning, but spring at the close of a winter day. - Elizabeth Bowen

I know it's not really spring. I know we are in for more cold days, but it been so very spring-like lately that it's impossible not to feel like spring is near. About a week ago, I even noticed the first daffodils peeking out.

Of course, the weather in Greenville is entirely unpredictable. It may be 70 one day and snowing the next. Still, I can't help but gravitate toward the greenest sheets of glass...the yellows and the aqua blues. My glass work tends take on colors of the approaching season.

Today was a rainy warm leap day.

Blooming right outside the office.

A sunflower from last night's batch.

Home

2012-02-25T16:25:00.001-05:00

To Create small books reflecting a sense of place that share one's experiences of Greenville County.

http://minibookcollective.org/Home_Page.php

2 Main Rules

1. The book must be made from one A3 or A4 (ISO) sheet or card in equivalent US sizing and can be folded into the format you want.

2. Cuts can be made but the sheet must remain relatively whole- so not cut in half etc. clicking the link takes you to the UK site, SomethinkCollective for examples.

So, I decided last week to take a little break from working with glass to create a mini-book for a local Minibook Collective that I had read about. It sounded like it would be fun! I've put some of the information from their website above, but basically they want books that reflect the artist's personal interpretation or feelings about Greenville, SC.

After thinking about it for a couple of days, I jotted down a quick verse about what Greenville means to me. Bottom-line...Greenville is Home. It's not where I was born, but it is where I want to be. In fact, I've been here so long, that it is now more home than the place where I grew up.

I then started the process of figuring out how I wanted my book to look. The size was limited, so that was an easy decision. The only other rule was the sheet had to remain intact... I spent some time folding the page, and then sketching out the basics of my layout. I then moved my idea to the computer, using Photoshop and InDesign to combine photos I had taken with text and effects. After the design was finished, I printed out a test copy to double check fold and placement.

The next step was to have the file output to a single sheet of high quality stock. I then carefully cut out my book, scored and folded the pages. I used pastels, Prismacolor pencils, markers, pigments and findings to finish off my little book. Now, if I can just manage to get it turned in by the deadline!

Minibook dummy - basic fold and rough sketch.

Second Draft for position and fold.

Final - Cover

Final - Open to Gate Fold

Final - Opened Gate

Final - Inside Spread

Final - Back Cover

HOME

Tiny petals drifting down

the stream of hours,

Alone, apart

from garden flowers,

Swirls in a pool,

Lands on a stone,

Lifted by breezes

and carried along,

Comes to rest,

finds a home,

Falls among strangers,

soon to be friends,

Many paths to one place,

each journey ends.

Stealing Second...

2012-02-18T18:24:00.001-05:00

"Progress always involves risks.
You can't steal second base
and keep your foot on first."
Frederick B. Wilcox

A recent show where I had to be flexible and adapt to a different set-up on the fly.

I really enjoy working with glass. I love creating with it, experimenting with new glass and new techniques. Its just fun!

Soon after I started working with it several years ago, I realized that unless I wanted a garage full of my creations, I would need to find ways to sell it. And so, I began to explore the possibilities...friends, galleries, shops, art shows and festivals. It wasn't long before I sent in an application for my first show.

Now, after doing them for a few years, I think I've gotten better at it. I feel more comfortable with the application process. I have worked and reworked my setup, streamlining where possible. I've met lots of great people and networked with amazing artists. I am getting better at knowing how to deal with potential customers - there is a definite balance between engaging them and making them feel pressured to buy and uncomfortable.

But, the thing I'm still haven't figured out, and I'm beginning to realize I may never figure out is which shows to do and which to take a pass on. There is always the risk that a show will be a total failure. I've had more than a few of those. I had one where I didn't make a single sale. I was stuck there for 2 whole days and in the hole a $100 show fee and the piece I donated as a door prize...depressing.

Occasionally, the risk pays off. There was one show that I hesitated to do because it just seemed to have "dog" written all over it... ended up being the very best show I've ever done.

I would have to say that the best shows seem to be the ones that are organized, that stress marketing and advertising. These shows seem to have a buzz about them that make people want to attend. They usually have a cohesive look and great signage. They have volunteers that help you unload, direct you to your setup area, and even booth sit when needed. Some shows have a built-in clientele - think trade shows and conferences. These good shows usually have a little higher show fee and are juried and selective about vendors. They also may require vendors to have white tents, table clothes, etc. to create an certain look.

The worst shows are unorganized, have little advertising, obscure locations and terrible signage and buzz. In my experience, shows that aren't juried, aren't primarily about art (family festivals with rides and jumpy houses, health fairs, etc) are the ones to think about avoiding.

Of course, none of this is set in stone, I have been pleasantly surprised in the past. Sometimes, it's good to trust your intuition and take a risk. Because, no risk, no progress.

I've also found it helpful to anticipate what you can and learn to be flexible and adaptive. No show ever goes exactly like you expect - there are just too many variables...rain, wind, sun, a bad spot full of tree roots, water draining through your booth, neighbors that block/take part of your space, no customers, no sales, too many customers at once, no bathroom breaks, no parking near your spot, no place to unload, rude people who say loudly that they or their child have seen/made better and cheaper, and this list could go on and on.

So, I will keep trying new things. I will keep being positive, keep learning and growing, improve where possible, and to keep leaning toward second base.

Little Cat Feet

2012-02-16T08:36:00.001-05:00

The fog comes on little cat feet? It sits looking over harbor and city on silent haunches and then moves on. - Sandburg

Yesterday I drove to work in this beautiful, mystical fog. Everything was blanketed with it. Pieces of the tall glass buildings were piercing through it with reflected sun - which created these odd shaped floating lights. It really was breathtaking. I snapped this photo after I pulled into the parking lot at work. I got in just in time to catch the sun rising, but before it got up enough to burn off the fog.

This week I've been focusing more on my day job. I've had several big projects to finish up, and my husband had the opportunity to work with us at The Schools Channel studio. He got the chance to use his considerable puppeteering skills on a project we are working on. He has been building puppets and performing since he was a child, and, forgive my bias, he is really good at it. As you can tell by the photo, he had a great time!

I did get a request for 2 heart pendants, so I've been working on getting those created and ready to ship this week.

I also got a request for some design work, which I love to do. so, I'm looking forward to beginning that project as well. I will post more on that later.

Saturday with the Master Gardeners

2012-02-13T09:54:00.001-05:00

Why try to explain miracles to your kids when you can just have them plant a garden. Robert Brault

Saturday was my second time as a vendor at the Greater Greenville Master Gardeners Regional Symposium. I was excited to get the opportunity to go back, because the first time was a great experience for me.

This time, I went on Friday afternoon to set up and took my time putting things out. They had a whole bunch of volunteer help, and they helped unload my car, had a big cart waiting and even wheeled it into my spot while I moved my car.

I spent a couple of hours setting up on Friday, so that almost everything was ready to go Saturday morning when we got there at 7:30. I even had some bags and tissue set up for the first sales. It's important in this kind of show to be ready when the first attendees arrive for the breakfast, since they will come into the vendor section before their first class or session.

We would get hit with a wave of shoppers between each of the early sessions. It was really too much for just me and Tim, so thankfully my mother also came to help out. Between sessions, we had plenty of time to regroup, rearrange, put out new stock, look at what the other vendors were offering and just sit and talk.

My booth setup for Master Gardeners Show.

I also had time this time to hear more about what it means to be a Master Gardener. Being someone with very little natural ability to grow anything, I was really impressed with what these people do to be called a Master Gardener...classes, tests, volunteer service, and many hours of hard work.

Mom "mans" the booth.

Tim restocking the pendants.

Silent Monuments

2012-02-07T15:59:00.001-05:00

Darell Koons - Michigan February Morn

(watercolor) 10" x 14" $ 750

Isn't the piece above lovely.

It makes me wish I was there - walking up that road, snow crunching beneath my feet, heavy cold air on my face. It was painted by one of my college art professors - Darell Koons.

A few years back, I wrote the poem below in his honor. I really don't write much poetry, but sometimes the words will pop into my mind, and I jot them down real fast. I ran across it when I fired up an one of our old Macs, and wanted to share it here.

Mr Koons is an amazing artist and an even better person. He is so very humble. I saw him give an artist talk recently, and he was completely down to earth and funny. If you have time, click on the link below for a look at some of his work.

Alone -

He see them,

Silent Monuments

To a time that's past,

Weathered and worn,

Built to last.

Stark -

Still and strong,

Solitary Sentinels

Beckoning his eye

With hints of red,

Against cold, gray sky.

Steady -

Brush in hand,

Master Artist

Capturing time on board,

With skill, patience,

And Glory to the Lord.

http://www.hamptoniiigallery.com/index.php?id=410

Mystery and Surprise

2012-02-05T22:00:00.000-05:00

Mystery is at the heart of creativity. That, and surprise. - Julia Cameron

One of the really fun parts of working with glass is the moment when you open up the cooled kiln. The pieces go into the kiln and all sorts of happy accidents and mysterious reactions happen in the intense heat - colors deepen, edges soften, shapes shift. It takes from an hour to several hours to fire a load of pendants depending on which kiln I use. After the firing is complete, I have to let the kiln cool before opening, that takes another 8 hours or so. Saturday, I created a big batch and fired them in my biggest kiln. It was like opening gifts on Christmas morning when I got to open the lid this morning. Below are pictures of the pieces inside the kiln and then some close-ups of the finished pendants.

Closer to Heaven

2012-02-03T19:01:00.001-05:00

Climb a tree - it gets you closer to heaven. - Author Unknown

Why?

2012-02-01T19:38:00.001-05:00

Every January, I read blogs and articles recommending a step back to create a plan for the year, to reevaluate and simplify. So, I've been thinking about why I spend time working with glass, why I create the things I do, where I hope to go with it...

I don't imagine I'm alone in sometimes wondering if it's worth it - from creating, to blogging, to selling - it is a lot of hard work. I do get overwhelmed at times - especially before a big show. I also get frustrated because I have so many things I want to try and there is never enough time. There are moments when I consider packing it all up in a big box, and pushing it into a dusty corner in my garage.

But, I really would miss the creating (the selling...not so much). I love the process and the work. I love the happy feeling when I pick up beautiful new pieces of glass. I enjoy the discoveries, the challenges, the anticipation of opening the kiln to see what the heat has wrought. It's fun to have ideas humming through my thoughts. And It's fun meeting and talking with the other artists and customers at art festivals and shows.

I hope to create art and jewelry that is unique, that is affordable, that is fun and vibrant and makes people feel happy. I don't think it's any deeper than that for me.

I guess as an artist I'm not complicated, edgy or tormented. My work doesn't have some deep philosophical meanings and undertones. I just like what I'm doing and am pleased when others do too!

So, my goals for 2012:

Create what I love.

Enjoy it when others love it too.

Try new things

Relax and enjoy the journey.

A Glassline Garden

2012-01-30T21:26:00.004-05:00

This weekend, I downloaded and watched the entire first season of Downton Abbey. While watching, I was also working on a new set of Glassline painted pendants.

In mid February, I'm going to be a vendor at the Greater Greenville Master Gardeners Annual Convention, so I wanted to have some fresh flower pendants by then.

These are really fun for me. I usually start with a piece of black or brown glass as a base. Glassline paint is water-based and has kind of a gloppy, chalky feel consistency that can be thinned with water, but after a lot of practice I am starting to get a feel for working with it.

Sunflower with a Purple Background

Pink Sunflower

Gray Sunflower

Daisy Spiral

So I have this Facebook Page...

2012-01-25T14:22:00.001-05:00

A few months ago, I started a Facebook Page for LeisaWorks. I had spoken to several friends at art festivals, and they told me it was something that I needed to do. I'm still not exactly sure what it is I should use it for. it seems that I mostly still blog and link my blog posts to it. As a result, I don't have the most exciting FB page, but that goes for my personal FB page too.

I also started a "contest" that involved getting 100 "likes" and then giving away a pendant. I didn't realize how long it would take to get 100 "likes" though, I think I was overly optimistic. However, I'm at 83 now and closing the gap. The pendant below is what I hope to give away before Valentines's Day. If I still don't have the magic 100 by then, I may have to give away something more generic. I have learned to setup my "contests" differently in the future. I'm not sure exactly how yet, maybe comments on a specific post or photo, a time limit, etc.

Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions on what I should use my Facebook page for, I'm open to your ideas! And, if you are not among the 83 who currently like my FB page, then please click over to facebook.com/LeisaWorks to add to my number and have a chance to win the pendant.

Sweet and Swift

2012-01-24T12:07:00.001-05:00

The tile above was created especially for Kara. She wanted a redbird, but also requested a more muted palette than some of my other pieces. I tend to gravitate toward bright, bold color and pattern. This piece was created by hand painting a piece of black Wismach glass with Glassline paint. I love the wonderful way these paints handle - thinned with water they take on a lovely watercolor quality when fired.

This piece also reminded me of this poem by Robert Frost. It seems whenever I post a poem, it is by Frost. Something about his work resonates with me. I am always touched by the imagery he uses. I feel like I am there seeing and feeling what he saw and felt. After reading a short biography on him, I was also deeply touched by the hardships he endured during his life.

Looking For a Sunset Bird in Winterby Robert Frost
The breath of air had died of cold,
When shoeing home across the white, I thought I saw a bird alight.
In summer when I passed the place
I had to stop and lift my face; The west was getting out of gold,
A bird with an angelic gift Was singing in it sweet and swift. No bird was singing in it now. A single leaf was on a bough, And that was all there was to see In going twice around the tree. From my advantage on a hill I judged that such a crystal chill Was only adding frost to snow As gilt to gold that wouldn't show. A brush had left a crooked stroke Of what was either cloud or smoke From north to south across the blue;A piercing little star was through.

Pawley's Island Weekend

2012-01-23T20:33:00.001-05:00

Don't grow up too quickly, lest you forget how much you love the beach. -- Michelle Held

A couple of weekends ago, we were invited to go to Pawley's Island with our friends. They had been given the use of her bosses beach house for the MLK weekend. It was absolutely beautiful and just a little bit cold...but I guess that's to be expected in January. We had a great time. The house was perfect, sitting right on the beach with huge windows that overlooked the surf.

When we got back home, I started a glass piece as a way to thank my friend's boss for allowing us to use his house.

Detail of pre-fired Pawley's piece

Pawley's piece after firing

My family on the beach

Sunrise at Pawley's

Our walkway to the beach

A whole new world...

2012-01-14T14:21:00.001-05:00

So, I have been having the best time learning how to use this Taurus 3 Ring Saw and exploring the possibilities. I was doing just fine until the blade snapped. I had to order one from Canada, so it put a crimp in the fun.

Finally got it back up and running, and I am once again playing with new ideas. It allows me to cut shapes into the glass. This may not sound like a big deal, but when cutting by hand, I was pretty much limited to basic squares and rectangles. I could cut a curve or cut off the edges to get a more rounded shape, but forget intricate shapes - well, not any more...

A Bit of Summer in January

2012-01-04T12:32:00.001-05:00

Here are a few recent glass creations. It's cold here today for South Carolina, probably won't get above 50 degrees today. Personally, I'm missing the warm days of summer about now. These pieces and their blue skies and vibrant flowers remind me of the warmer days to come.

Time in the Garden

2012-01-02T13:42:00.001-05:00

I think that if ever a mortal heard the voice of God it would be in a garden at the cool of the day.

F. Frankfort Moore

Happy New Year to everyone! I am so grateful to all of you who faithfully keep up with things here. I really enjoy posting, it's kind of a diary of sorts for me. It's fun to look back over the past couple of years and see the things I was working on and the places we've been.

Over the break, I began work on a commissioned piece. I decided it would be a garden piece and included a dragonfly since it's a gift for someone who loves them. It's still a work in progress, I have to decide how to finish it, frame it, etc.

Thought I would post a few in progress photos of this piece. It's about 9"x12"- the canvas board is 11"x14".

Roses in December

2011-12-29T20:36:00.001-05:00

"God gave us our memories so that we might have roses in December."
- James M. Barrie

Last year at this time, I got my first try at enameling. I loved it. I like cutting into the copper, creating the shapes, filing the edges, punching holes, sifting, firing...the whole process! Layering enamel powder, transparent ruby base with bright red second coat

Heading into the kiln

Inside the kiln

Fired and ready for wire bails

Something New!

2011-12-27T19:09:00.002-05:00

Before Thanksgiving I got an email from someone I had met at a show last year. She had worked in glass for a while several years ago, but had decided to sell some equipment and glass. She wanted to know if I was interested. I ended up buying a ring saw and some glass.

I was in the middle of getting ready for a couple of shows, work was really busy and the holidays were coming up, so I didn't really get a chance to play with the saw until the last couple of days. It's so cool! Now I can cut curvy and more intricate shapes. When cutting the glass by hand, I was basically limited to straight lines. I could do some curves, but it wasn't easy.

Yesterday, I cut out and created some random shapes and then tack fused them to create these whimsical flower pendants. It opens up so many possibilities. It may take quite a few more tries to get the feel for using it. It's not too difficult though.

Christmas Blessings!

2011-12-25T10:13:00.001-05:00

Unassembled

2011-12-22T10:43:00.001-05:00

"Snowmen fall from heaven Unassembled." - Unknown

It was almost 100 degrees in the shade. This past August, while sweltering under my canopy at a local festival, I created a little snowman pendant. Actually I created a whole family of snowmen that day. I painted the snowman on black glass and capped them with clear glass. I added snowflakes on the clear layer prior to firing each piece. They ended up having a cool, kind of snow globe look.

These guys went fast at my fall and winter shows. I even made several more batches in November. My mom-in-law made a special request for one, so Monday I did a couple more to ship to Chicago.

This time, I took a few pictures as I "assembled" them...

Be as a bird...

2011-12-21T21:42:00.001-05:00

“Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings.” Victor Hugo

I had all these little copper birds cut out and waiting for enamel. This week, I finally got around to working on them. I really enjoy the whole enameling process. I love layering different colors, and scratching in texture and line. It is amazing to see what happens when they are exposed to the intense heat of the kiln. I like to experiment with wrapping and bending the wire to create the slightly odd pendant bails.

I'm linking this post with

Kristin's Share Your Creations.

LeisaWorks

Singing Color

Simplify

Get Away

March 1, 2012...81 degrees

Close of a Winter Day

Home

Stealing Second...

Little Cat Feet

Saturday with the Master Gardeners

Silent Monuments

Mystery and Surprise

Closer to Heaven

Why?

A Glassline Garden

So I have this Facebook Page...

Sweet and Swift

Pawley's Island Weekend

A whole new world...

A Bit of Summer in January

Time in the Garden

Roses in December

Something New!

Christmas Blessings!

Unassembled

Be as a bird...

“Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings.” Victor Hugo