a Mused Studio

aMused Website!

2015-07-03T13:32:00.001-07:00

Apologies .... my blogging has dwindled dreadfully.
I have set up a new aMused Website so in case you aren't a Face Booker you can see what is new.

Check it out... there is even a sales page as I left Etsy due to their policies regarding mass produced "craft".

Happy New Year!

2015-01-13T07:51:00.001-08:00

My resolution is obvious- remember to post in my blog!!

This poor little cyber journal has become very quiet over the last months. A victim of the seductive influence of Facebook. I am going to connect this blog with my Facebook Posts so if you are connected with me though Facebook this location may be redundant.

There has been an inspiring polymer clay chain going on in Facebook -#PolymerArtChallenge it has been a marvelous opportunity to share and explore the work of many hundreds of artists. It began as an event for PC jewelry makers but has gradually extended to vessel builders and sculptors and on and on.

Friday- January 9-

It's day #1 for me of The Artchain Facebook Art Jewelry Challenge initiated by Donna Greenberg. The rules are simple: post one of your pieces, one per day over 5 days and nominate another artist each day to continue this challenge. Thank you Wanda Shum and Karen Dickey Cowlesfor the nomination.

Today I nominate Claire Maunsell who shares my love of pieces that are somewhat archaelogical.

I am posting Tea By The Sea- 5x7 " polymer clay on canvas- completed several years ago but still one of my favourites.

"‪#‎PolymerArtChallenge‬"

Saturday, January 10

It's day #2 for me of The Art Chain Facebook Art Jewelry Challenge initiated by Donna Greenberg. The rules are simple: post one of your pieces, one per day over 5 days and nominate another artist each day to continue this challenge. Thank you Wanda Shum and Karen Dickey Cowles for the nomination!
Today I nominate Kirsten Sawatsky, a polymer clay artist from Victoria BC who has an outstanding sculptural flair!
My image for the day is a little family of "Shoreline" Muses made back in 2009. It was fun to "rediscover" these little ladies as I will be using black and white for the first projects I have in my for 2015.
.
"‪#‎PolymerArtChallenge‬"

Sunday January 11

It's day #3 for me of The Art Chain Facebook Art Jewelry Challenge initiated by Donna Greenberg. The rules are simple: post one of your pieces, one per day over 5 days and nominate another artist each day to continue this challenge. Thank you Wanda Shum and Karen Dickey Cowles for the nomination!
Today I nominate Deborah Groom, who has a penchant for connecting polymer clay with basket weaving which inspired me to give it a try. Her sculptural work is imaginative and a little bit zany in the best possible ways!
My image for the day is "Casting A Wide Net"- polymer clay and crocheted wire.

"‪#‎PolymerArtChallenge‬"

Monday January 12

It's day #4 for me of The Art Chain Facebook Art Jewelry Challenge initiated by Donna Greenberg. The rules are simple: post one of your pieces, one per day over 5 days and nominate another artist each day to continue this challenge. Thank you Wanda Shum and Karen Dickey Cowles for the nomination!
Today I nominate DDee Wilder, A lovely lady who created astonishing beautiful pieces often incorporating tiny bones and other found materials. Her work is intricate and detailed and a delight to behold.
My image for the day is a Fishy FuSion Bangle it is coloured with alcohol inks..
"‪#‎PolymerArtChallenge‬"

It's day #5 for me of The Art Chain Facebook Art Jewelry Challenge initiated by Donna Greenberg. The rules are simple: post one of your pieces, one per day over 5 days and nominate another artist each day to continue this challenge. Thank you Wanda Shum and Karen Dickey Cowles for the nomination!
Today I nominate Amy A. Crawley. Her Spirit Messengers speak to my Muses.
My image for the day is Te'Skai. she is 20" tall and made of alchohol inked polymer clay and woven kelp.
.
‪#‎PolymerArtChallenge‬

The VaCLAYtion!

2014-10-02T08:03:00.002-07:00

I am home again after a VaCLAYtion at Dorothy's Lodge in Chaffey's Locks in Ontario. It was an outstanding experience hosted by Georgia Ferrell of Artemesia Gallery. The venue was lovely with attendees housed in cabins or bedrooms in the main building and annex. We had a dock with access to a kayak and a canoe and a huge firepit for evening fires and conversation. The autumn leaves were putting on a show and there were photo ops in every direction.

Pat prepared wonderful meals for us while braving wicked heat in unseasonably warm weather.

We clayed for three days.

On Day 1 we made name tags and gave the newbies a chance to get some polymer clay basics.

We had two work areas- The main room was noisy and laughter echoed constantly.

The second work area was in a sun porch and was whispery and contemplative.The Zen Zone.

I taught my Two Day On The Wall Workshop
On Day Two I taught my clay on canvas with crackle technique...
.Day 2 was an introduction to alcohol inks on clay on canvas.

The completed Crackle Canvases. I hope to share detailed images in Facebook
as each participant makes their photos available. (hint hint)

Jill's maple leaf crackle project reflected the beauty of an Ontario Autumn

Natalie had never worked with clay before the workshop... it is hard to tell.

Deb travelled from Wisconson to treat us to her Texas drawl and
whimsical take on a Dr Suess inspired landscappe.
Mmmm Hmmmm.

My daughter Gen joined me on the trip and she worked on her illustrations
while the clayers did their thing. It was lovely to have her along.

Alana designed her projects on her iPad then translated the image into 3D with clay.

Moyra "in the zone"

Line was inspired by a picture in her cabin and worked on figurative themes

Carol's work integrates a delicate composition with a delicious palette.

It was inspirational to watch Cathy work.

Carolyn's Colour Sense is exquisite

Moyra's House

Susan's Jellyfish

Isabel's Cardinal in the Snowy Birches

We celebrated each wonderful day around the fire... hope to meet again next year!

A Sales Page!

2014-08-12T11:31:00.003-07:00

In response to some very kind email requests I have finally set up an Online Gallery Shop. I will be adding Muses and Vessels this week.

Twiggie Muses

Flowers and Fruit

2014-08-11T10:26:00.002-07:00

Some recent pieces featuring Flowers and Fruit!

Poppies in a Purple Vase approx 8x18 inches $250

Just Apples and Oranges 10x12 inches $200

The Green Vase 9x12 inches $300

The Red Vase- approx. 10x12 inches $300

Demo at South Shore Gallery in Sooke!

2014-07-31T11:47:00.003-07:00

I will be doing a demo at South Shore Gallery in Sooke from 11:30 am until approximately 4 pm this Saturday- August 2, 2014. I will be working on my new Segmented Vessels and Bowls. Hope some of you are able to drop over and say hello!

Vessel Building continued...

2014-07-21T09:24:00.002-07:00

Here is the latest vessel- it includes some weaving with clay.the piece is 7x4 inches and is coloured with inks.

Returning to Inks and Organics

2014-07-18T09:02:00.001-07:00

A few days ago I saw the amazing "holey" bowls that Donna Greenberg is making. It was an epiphany moment... I got the inks out again and made this petite prototype. It is 2.5x4 inches. I also spent some reintroducing myself to my Twiggy Muses with a new hanging structure. These ladies are 4x7 inches. It is always good to switch things up every now and then!
I will be doing a demo at South Shore Gallery on August 2nd and I'll be making Muses & bowls.

Keeping Up

2014-06-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry that posts on this blog are somewhat intermittent....more should be coming up soon with some more work that is underway - I do have an aMused Studio Facebook Page here

Ending the Mystery--- Koi and Red Lotus

2014-06-10T10:43:00.005-07:00

The Red Art Gallery Mystery Show has wrapped up... I was able to go to the Artists' Reception and the artwork on display was stunning. I felt very proud to have been included in the selection! Here is Koi and Red Lotus- my mystery submission!

It's a MYSTERY!!

2014-05-23T16:48:00.007-07:00

I just got word that one of my pieces has been selected for the red art gallery Mystery Show! I can't share my image of the work.. or, well, obviously it wouldn't be a MYSTERY!

Show details are HERE!

LOOK Show- May 3-24!

2014-05-01T18:37:00.001-07:00

Hope to see you there! A great opportunity to purchase beautiful art from established and emerging LOCAL artists!

The Red Vase

2014-04-26T12:29:00.001-07:00

Another flowery theme! This one will be going into the LOOK Show- more info to come.

The Green Vase

2014-04-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest- The Green Vase. It's 9x12x1.5 ". Polymer Clay and acrylic medium on canvas. I'm thinking of teapots now but I stumbled on a Japanese Ikebana arrangement in a mall the other day and was very inspired with the arrangement! More soon.....

Flower Power!

2014-04-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

I got carried away with this one- "Spring Spectrum"! It is approximately 10"x6.5"...it is being boxed up and heading to Ontario tomorrow. I am not finished with flowers and vases quite yet....

Floral Explorations continuing...

2014-04-05T16:06:00.005-07:00

This 6x6" 3D polymer on wood panel with alcohol ink is my favourite work of the week! It will be shipped to Artemesia Gallery on Monday!

Clay on Canvas on PCD!... want to learn how?

2014-03-27T10:25:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to see my latest clay on canvas piece in Polymer Clay Daily today! I will be teaching this technique in my On The Wall! workshop this September in Elgin Ontario. Visit the Artemesia Facebook Page for details. The class is filling very quickly.

Clay and canvas--- getting bigger!

2014-03-21T13:33:00.004-07:00

Here's my latest piece - Poppies in a Purple Vase- it is on a 16x8" canvas. I think this one will be stowed for the time being for the Bowker Creek Show in August.

It looks nice in my dining room too! Scuse the orbs... that might be our resident ghost- Frank.

At Home with Clay on Canvas- two new pieces

2014-03-18T12:29:00.003-07:00

I am revisiting some of my favourite themes with clay on canvas. Here are two Little houses- themed pieces. Other concepts are percolating on the back burner. I was having a great time until I realised that my three pound box of unused clay was white rather than black so it's time to clear things up and switch over to ink work for a while....

Houses 1- Polymer Clay and mixed media on board 6x8 inches

Houses 2- Polymer Clay and Mixed Media on canvas 6x12 inches

Seasonal Inspriration

2014-03-12T09:35:00.001-07:00

With spring exploding outside of my window this theme will be blooming for the next while!

5x7" Polymer Clay on Canvas

ON the Wall!- My Workshop in Elgin Ontario- September 27-28 2014

2014-02-24T13:37:00.002-08:00

I am so pleased to announce that I will be teaching a two day workshop

in Elgin Ontario on September 27 and 28, 2014!

The workshop is a part of a fantastic polymer va"clay"tion retreat at

Dorothy's Lodge in the heart of the Rideau Lakes.

4 pm Thursday September 25 - Monday Morning September 29th.

The maximum number of participants will be 15 for the two day workshop.

Cost for the retreat/workshop will be $440.00 CD.

$100 Deposit required by April 1, 2014.

For further details and registration please email Georgia Ferrell

igeorgiad@gmail.com

More Little Canvases

2014-02-19T09:01:00.001-08:00

It's great to return to this concept! I'm finding I have changed my approach here and there in the two years or so since I made these...my only problem is getting hands on time as I have been traveling here and there ... next week promises to give me many hours and I will be starting on the woman with the kaleidoscopic coat!

A little something...

2014-02-05T09:34:00.001-08:00

When I was at Opus I spied some tiny 3x3 canvases and right beside them were these little easels. Not a hugely original concept but a fun polymer project! These ones were delivered to Side Street Studio for sale.

Fashion Resources

2014-02-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

I have often used Vogue as a source of inspiration but now I have a new source- Etsy! A few days ago I saw a post in Facebook sharing an Etsy photo of this amazing jacket by Katwise

that turned on that little lightbulb above my head and made me grab my sketchbook! Her Etsy Site is glorious and the colours are outrageously fantastigamocorically incredible! I am a dreadful seamstress so the patterns won't help me but I would be over the moon to own one of those sweaters. How perfect as a craft show outfit!

I love the gesture of the model in the photo and the flow of the garment. I will add my own colour and pattern spin on the piece. Here's my preliminary sketch.... a modest start and certainlly not reflecting the feast of colour I have in mind- I have to say I am very excited!

I purchased a 16x20 board for the piece and work will commence tomorrow!

Polymer Clay on Canvas- Tulips

2014-01-22T15:38:00.001-08:00

I finished this little celebration of Spring today. It is 3D polymer clay on a 4x4" canvas. The next one is already underway- a bit more abstract ... more soon.