Meagan Chaney Studios

Clay and Blogs: Telling a Story

2010-02-24T14:07:00.003-05:00

I am honored to have been invited to participate in an exhibit entitled "Clay and Blogs: Telling a Story" to be hosted by the Arts Council of Moore County and held at the Campbell House Gallery, in Southern Pines, NC from October 1 - November 1, 2010. Meredith Heywood of Why Not Pottery is curating the exhibit, which includes over 30 artist-bloggers from around the world!My good friend, and potter Joy Tanner described the show in a Jan 25th post to her blog Journeys in and Around the Studio. I'm re-posted this with her permission:

"People blog for multiple reasons and even with the numerous pottery blogs out there you can find a variety pack of topics within the medium, or even a variety of reasons why people choose to blog. I think blogging is a great tool for people to see behind the scenes of the potter in the studio and their quiet musings; the ups, the downs, the successes, the failures, the determination to keep going, as well as a particular technique or what they are currently working on at that time.

For me, blogging is a great chance to clarify my thoughts about choices behind my work, and to show my inspirations behind the pots. Seeing those quiet musings in real words is different than just thinking it. Sharing it also helps others learn the voice of the potter behind the pots. I've always felt you can tell a lot about a potter from their pots. Just like people matching their dogs, potters often match their pots! That's why it's so neat for potters to raise their voices and share the inner workings of their studios. Blogging also brings about a sense of community between other potters and artists alike, who can learn, be inspired, or simply relate to the ramblings of the self employed artist."

I completely agree with Joy! While she talks specifically about pottery, I think her comments apply to other blogs as well - sculpture, painting, jewelry, woodworking, etc. Blogging has been a great way for me to share what I am working on and build a community of support.

Thank you Meredith for curating should be an exciting event! I'm looking forward to exhibiting some new work. (Which by the way is undergoing a lot of radical changes. I'll post images as soon as I'm ready for the world to see what's been going on behind the scenes.)

Cheers!
Meagan
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Fused Glass Pendants - now on Etsy

2010-02-07T10:34:00.003-05:00

Just listed 17 new Fused Glass Pendants in my online Etsy shop-Meagan Chaney Studios!
Each glass pendant I create is handmade from start to finish.

They begin as colorful sheets of glass and go through a series of firings in an electric kiln before they are shaped and polished.

Each pendant is then wrapped in sterling silver wire to complete and embellish the piece. Prices range from $18-$25 each plus $5 domestic shipping.

AND After receiving a message from a reader in the UK (Thanks Sue!) I've added International shipping. For more information about my this process, check out this link- http://www.clayandglassblog.com/search/label/Fused-Glass

Check it out! And Thank you for reading and following along.

Cheers!
Meagan

Coming Soon - New Fused Glass Pendants

2010-01-28T16:57:00.006-05:00

I loaded all 300 of these fused glass beauties into the kiln yesterday.I'm excited about some of the new color combination and refined shapes I've been working on! I'll be wire wrapping them and getting them into galleries and Etsy for online shopping soon.
Cheers!
Meagan

Arrowmont - Workshop Registration Now Open

2010-01-26T09:19:00.007-05:00

Registration is now open for workshops at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN. Classes are held in one and two-week sessions and run from May 30 - Oct 17, 2010.

Sign up now! Clay, fiber, textiles, glass, wood turning, wood working, marbling, metals, books, baskets, printmaking, photography, drawing, and painting!

If you have never been to Arrowmont, it is a truly an unbelievable experience. I am just one of many who proudly state that going to Arrowmont changed my life!

I am excited to be teaching All Fired Up! Experiments with Glass and Clay August 22 - 28 in the glass studio. It will be a fun one-week "crash course" on fused glass, low-fire clay and techniques for combining the two.

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts 2010 Online Catalog

Save 15% - Register before March 1st.
Summer 2010 Registration form - Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

Other Deadlines:
Arrowmont Artist-In-Residence Program - February 1, 2010
Arrowmont Studio Assistantship, Work Study Program and Scholarships - March 1, 2010

A peek inside the kiln before firing- small kiln castings; Fused Glass and More! Fall 2007

Students hard at work with their first clay/glass project; Fused Glass and More! Fall 2007

Glass Fusing 101, Fall 2008

What a great class! Glass Fusing 101, Fall 2008

Hope to see you there!

Cheers!
Meagan

How do you measure Results?

2010-01-19T17:35:00.006-05:00

There are certain things I have learned about myself. I tend to measure "results" in quantitative amounts or by actions completed.

For example, today I finished and shipped work to 3 galleries (amount, action); shaped and grooved 25 glass pendants (amount, action); removed the dead vines, sticks and yard debris from behind the studio (3 trashcans full) (action, amount); spent 1 hour at the gym; you get the idea... I like to start the day with a list and check things off to mark the progress.
However, there is a flaw in this system that I continue to struggle with.

How to feel productive doing "nothing"? And by this I mean the quiet, still, thought provoking moments that require a lot of concentration and soul searching. This is a lot tougher to do! And I usually avoid it by trucking ahead doing things that need immediate attention or have tangible results.

If I had written down "spend 2+ hours thinking and sketching" rather than "come up with brilliant idea for next project" I could cross the former off the list instead of stressing over the latter.

But if I want my work to improve, I have to stop and ask myself the tough questions. Why did I do this that way? What am I trying to say? What do I want to communicate to the viewer? What is my work about? How could I have done so-and-so better? And does anyone really care?

While I believe I know the answers to these questions on some level, it is extremely difficult for me to articulate these ideas both verbally and visually.

Ultimately, I want my work to be the best (technically and conceptually) it possibly can. Being back in school has been a tremendous help with this process. Someone else is now holding me accountable; pushing me to address issues that I would otherwise avoid or procrastinate.

So, do you struggle with similar feelings? How do you slow down the forward momentum to make time for reflection? How do you carve out time for these tasks? How do you tackle the tough questions? How do you keep from getting frustrated? How do you measure Results?

Whew! All those questions call for a glass of wine!

Cheers!
Meagan

PS - Write 1 blog post (amount, action) :)

CURVEilinear - now showing in NC!

2010-01-18T08:17:00.005-05:00

(sorry this is so blurry! I've been fighting with both a pdf and jpg version and still cant seem to get a clear attachment. Whew! love technology!)

Meagan

Currents: Contemporary Ceramics - Opening Reception

2010-01-14T17:09:00.000-05:00

Currents: Contemporary Ceramics

January 11-29, 2010

Focus Gallery
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL

Juried by Linda Arbuckle and John Byrd

TONIGHT - Opening Reception on Friday, January 15, from 7pm-9pm

Stressing the Good

2009-12-21T16:47:00.003-05:00

I started playing this game with myself a few months ago. Shortly after I started the post-baccalaureate ceramics program at the University of Florida, I found that my stress level was steadily increasing. I had grossly underestimated how much time would be involved in going back to school, and was struggling to maintain my current work load while challenging myself creatively and artistically.

Sick of hearing myself complain about it, I made a conscious effort to remove the word “busy” from my vocabulary.

I’m finding this new game kinda fun. AND it’s actually alleviated a lot of my stress. By not focusing so much on everything I have to do and how little time there is to do it, I’m actually able to get more done and the whole experience is much more enjoyable. I realized that I was expending a lot of energy worrying, when that energy could be put to better use on positive thoughts and actions.

I guess I bring this up now because the holidays are upon us and 2010 is just around the corner. Like many, I do a lot of reflecting this time of year. What changes did I make? What was I able to accomplish? (check out Alyson Stanfield’s Art Biz Blog and Art Marketing Podcast for my favorite end-of-the-year exercise.) What would I like to do differently? How can I re-prioritize my time? How can I live the happiest life possible?

There's a quote posted in my studio that says “She succeeds beautifully by doing nothing more than being the best possible version of herself.” That is what I want; for each of us to be the best possible versions of ourselves.

Thank you for reading and keeping up with me throughout the year. Happy Holidays to you and your families and I will see you in 2010.

Cheers!

Meagan

Newest Work: Botanical Building Blocks, earthenware and fused glass, 22" x 22" x 2", 2009.

Botanical Building Blocks, detail.

New Work - "Urban Escape"

2009-12-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

Wanted to post a few quick picks of some recent work.

Urban Escape, 38" x 38" x 1 1/2", earthenware, glass, steel, fiber

Thanks for checking in on the progress! The ceramics post-baccalaureate program at the University of Florida has been great! Final critiques are this week. I hope to post few words of reflection as well as pics of our final projects by next Friday.

Cheers!
Meagan
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Whimsical Wares - Marietta, GA

2009-11-09T07:28:00.005-05:00

Whimsical Wares - 13th Annual art and gift show featuring 90 artists!
This Wednesday through Sunday in Marietta, GA.

For more info and directions, check out www.whimsicalwaresonline.com

Cheers!
Meagan

This weekend - Studio Stroll in Asheville, NC

2009-11-09T07:21:00.004-05:00

Hope to see you this weekend down in the River Arts District in Asheville, NC for the annual fall Studio Stroll!

Cheers!
Meagan

New Work - City gardening and pocket parks

2009-10-19T11:43:00.005-04:00

Thought I post a few quick images of some new work. This piece was inspired by Pocket Parks - or community gardens that are planted on vacant lots within large cities where space for parks can be hard to come by.
Each 'box' or 'building' is 6 x 6" square and between 1 - 2" high. They are all mounted on a steel background that has been treated with a copper heat patina to give it that cool, moss-green color and texture.
Here are a few details...

the garden...

I got some helpful feedback on this piece during our recent critique, and I'm already excited about the changes I'll make in the next one.

That's it for now. Thanks for checking in!

Best,
Meagan
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September Summary - School, Studio, Stress, and Success

2009-09-29T20:20:00.010-04:00

"Some of the brightest days start out cloudy, some of the best endeavors start out tough, and some of the most wonderful experiences start out challenging. " -Unknown

September flew by and was nothing less than a challenging, exiting month...

Since starting the ceramics post-baccalaureate program at the University of Florida, I've found myself repeating the above quote quite a bit. It's almost become a daily mantra.

I am a creature of habit. Adjusting to a new schedule and routine has been challenging. The commute to campus is challenging. (I hadn't realized I would be spending 10 hours a week in the car!) And pushing yourself to make new, thought provoking, exciting, innovative artwork is a constant, but necessary challenge.

Some days I feel overstimulated and want to begin everywhere at once. I leave class with so many ideas, it's tough knowing which to investigate first. Right now though, I'm trying hard to absorb as much as possible, without filtering anything too soon.

There's been a lot of sketching and researching happening as I investigate new concepts and forms. Most of my ideas still seem unresolved, but the prospect of new, better work keeps me going strong.

Meanwhile, work continues in the studio at home. Progress is coming along nicely on this sculpture commission. Here's the scale drawingand a few of the unfired forms.

My obsession with glaze testing also continues... I wanted to see how my glazes reacted when overlapped and layered with each other. I did a series of 17 of the 12" test tiles using 42 of my favorite cone 04, low fire glazes. (Only 5 tiles are shown in the above picture.) There were some fascinating results that I cant wait to put to use in my new work!Test tile with more overlapping and layering of underglazes, terra sigillata, lowfire crawl and lizard skin glazes.
So, life and art continue. I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to the many adventures October has in store. (That, and a little bit of pumpkin pie!)

Best,
Meagan

PS - I just updated my website and the right side bar of this blog with my Fall 2009 events. Many of the details are still being worked out, but I'll keep you informed as the information becomes available. Hope to see you at something in the coming months.
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Opening Reception Tonight - Rock Hill, SC

2009-08-27T10:00:00.002-04:00

I'm honored to have had two pieces selected for the

20th Annual Juried Competition
Dalton Gallery
Arts Council of York County
121 E. Main Street,
Rock Hill, SC

Public Reception & Awards:
Thursday, August 27, 6pm .... That's tonight!

If you cant make it to the reception, the exhibit runs through September 18th.

Rock Hill, SC is located about 25 miles south of Charlotte, NC.

Outburst, Earthenware clay and cast glass, 37" x 34" x 2"Heart's Ease, earthenware clay, 33" x 20" x 1"

If you're able to swing by the show, could you take pictures for me? Wish I could be in two places at once!

Best,
Meagan

UPDATE - September 1, 2009
I just found out that my sculpture "Outburst" (pictured above) was awarded Third Place! What an honor!

Education is for the Soul

2009-08-26T13:14:00.010-04:00

Yesterday I started a post-baccalaureate program in Ceramics at the University of Florida. It's a one year/two semester program for students interested in developing technical skills, aesthetic sensibilities, and personal concepts.

My decision to go back to school was based on several factors.

Technique - My work has shifted from being predominantly glass to predominantly clay and I'd like to further develop my technical understanding of materials, process, and techniques.
Community - After working alone in the studio for the past couple years, I wanted to work among other artists sharing ideas and engaging in critiques.
Artistic Development - I felt like it was time to get out of my comfort zone and push myself. I want to be asked those "hard questions" about my work. Why do I make the work that I do?
Opportunity - juried shows, lectures, visiting artists, art openings, network with other artists and professionals, etc.

We had a great first class yesterday! Our instructor, Linda Arbuckle, is an amazing artist and is just full of information! I left class feeling energized and inspired. Our first project is due on Tuesday. We will each be giving a power-point presentation defining our concept of interest and showing sources/inspiration images that support that idea. Research! I love it! And have already checked out a rather large stack of library books.
Back to school also means a shift in my studio routine. While I will continue to blog, fill gallery orders, and complete commissioned work, I want to allow myself the time needed (and required) to get the most out of this program. This year is going to be more about process than product.

I'm looking forward to sharing this next chapter of learning, personal growth and artistic development with you.

"What sculpture is for a block of marble, education is to the soul" - Joseph Addison

Thanks for reading!
Meagan
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Glass - Kiln Casting and Slumping

2009-08-20T15:21:00.006-04:00

Finished up these tile plaques this week. This series of 6" x 6" x 1" plaques incorporates kiln cast glass and slumping, so I thought I'd share a couple pictures of the glass process today.

Finished Wall Plaques

Unfired glass stacked into steel molds. The molds are lined with fiber paper so the castings wont stick. Yes, I use the same L&L ceramics kiln to fire both ceramics and fused glass, and it works beautifully! I do have separate sets of selves, and 2 different types of kiln wash (aka shelf primer) though.

Kiln castings after being fired to 17250F. Interested in my glass firing schedule?

Check it out here.
In my kiln, this firing is set to Program #5. The kiln castings after the glass has been taken out of the mold and cleaned up a bit. Each "brick" is between 1/2" to 1" thick. Slicing the cast "bricks" with a table top tile saw.
(My least favorite part of the process. So loud and messy!)But it's worth it! The colors and patterns of the glass castings are revealed after they are sliced open. They've always reminded me of geodes. Once I have the slices, they 're cut down to size with a hand held glass cutter/scoring tool. The windows are also coated with the same primer/kiln wash that is on the shelves. This allows the glass to slump through the clay opening with minimal stress and cracking on the glass.

The pre-fired, glazed tiles are loaded into the kiln upside down, with the glass covering the window opening. They are then fired to 1300oF.
This is Glass Firing Program #2 .

After firing, the kiln wash/shelf primer is cleaned off with a damp sponge and the glass is glued back in with 100% silicone adhesive.

Here's a tile without the steel backing.

Well, there's a very quick runthough of what I've been up to this week in the studio. If you have any questions about any part of this process, please just let me know. I'm happy to share info!

Cheers!

Meagan

For those of you that like to plan way in advance...
Save the Date - August 22 - 28, 2010
All Fired Up! Experiments with Glass and Clay.
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN.

Glazing - My Process

2009-08-06T09:40:00.007-04:00

Hi there!

I've spent most of the week happily glazing away in the studio. Many more Mini Sculptures and Tile Plaques in the works! And while I've talked to many potters and ceramic artist who find glazing/decorating tedious, this is my favorite part!
After the clay has been bisque fired, I organize the work by size and style and then get to work labeling. (Those of you that know me are laughing at the words 'organizing' and 'labeling' - I know, I know, I cant help it!)
Anyway, using a pencil, I go through each piece, decided which glazes will be used where, and then write a code or abbreviation for the glaze in that spot. I have about 70 glazes mixed, but really only use about 35-45 of these on a regular basis. So there are a lot of codes, most of which would look like gibberish to anyone else!
Then I go through each glaze one at a time, applying it with a small #6 brush. It becomes a "glaze-by-number" and I'm able to sit back and enjoy my favorite podcasts (This American Life, or Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me, etc.) or listen to audio books. (Recently I listened to and loved Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Thanks for the recommendation Betsy!)

I've found that listening to podcasts or books during the day passes the time extremely quickly, I learn a lot of information, it keeps my mind focused on positive things rather than worrying (see previous post) AND I'm able to get tons of glazing done! A Win-Win situation all around.

Do you have any routines, habits, or techniques that make "tedious" tasks pass with more ease and enjoyment? Or, any podcast or book recommendations?

Well, those ceramic tiles and Mini Sculptures are in the kiln now, so I should probably go check on them. Thanks for reading a bit about my process.

Cheers!
Meagan
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Balancing Work and Life

2009-07-28T11:33:00.006-04:00

How do you balance "work" with the rest of "life"?

When you love the work that you do, how do you distinguish between work and play? Professional success with personal success?

It feels kinda like those cartoons with the angel on one shoulder and devil on the other. Except sometimes it's tough to tell who is who.

One side is excited about the new work that will come out of long, productive hours in the studio. The other side wants to skip studio time, work on our vegetable garden, finish remodeling the laundry room, and go for a bike ride with my husband. Then my thoughts switch to keeping my website updated, posting to this blog, and working on new marketing ideas. Then back to wanting to schedule lunch with a friend, or where I'm going to find malt extract for that new bread recipe I just found.

All of these things are tasks that I actually, honestly, enjoy! So I want ALL of them to be a part of my life. So I am accepting the fact that striving for a balance will be a life-long task involving lots of checks and balances.

So does that also mean...
less hours in the studio = less income?
less hours in the studio = less success?
Or ...
less hours in the studio = more time spent on the rest of my life? (family, friends, hobbies, exercise, gardening, travel)
less hours in the studio = more sources of inspiration for time spent in the studio?
less hours in the studio = more success?

Our society seems to value and praise the Overworked and Busy individuals. I'm beginning to think that there's a better way to go through life; A slower pace with the enjoyment of simple pleasures. (And for a woman with workaholic tendencies, this is MUCH easier said than done, I admit!)

What I do know is that I want more days to be filled happiness and joy, than consumed with than worry and stress.
These are some of the things I have been thinking over these past few weeks. After working like a mad woman all Spring and early Summer to prepare for my exhibit at the Appleton Museum, I'm enjoying a slower pace with time for reflection. (Or maybe the Florida heat is making me delusional)

Whatever your thoughts, hope your finding (or making) time for all the things you want in your life.

Best,
Meagan
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Studio Construction - One Year Later

2009-07-17T09:00:00.001-04:00

It was one year ago today that we passed our final inspection on the studio and I started moving in!Construction took 8 months and we literally did the work ourselves. We learned so much about zoning, construction, building codes, regulations, nail guns, and electrical! The only tasks we didn't tackle were pouring the concrete slab, plumbing and drywall. We brought in the experts for that.

So, I thought I'd take a moment and reflect on some of the construction milestones...

Getting ready for concrete

Raising the first wall

With wall framing complete, we moved onto the roof trusses.

Working awayInstalling the metal roof

A photo with the house wrap, windows, and roofWorking on electrical. Gotta have enough power for those kilns!

The drywall crew at work.Finishing touches and trim.

I feel extremely fortunate to have such a fantastic space to work in! I am amazed how much studio work I have been able to accomplish this past year. But it's good to remember how much hard work and dedication it's taken to get to this point.

My message to you today is - don't be afraid to jump in and do it! We had never built anything like this before. We got a zoning book, made lots of phone calls, asked lots of questions, read library books, and would stop mid-construction sometimes to go check online for how to do something. We set small goals along the way and tried to focus on one thing at a time. And it has all been worth it!! Every step of the way.

If you're thinking of building or remodeling a studio space, I'd love to hear from you. I'm more than happy to help answer any questions that I can!

Happy Building,
Meagan

For more, check out the Studio Construction archive tab in the right side bar.

Now, if we could just get that AC installed! It sure is hot here in Florida!

Museum Exhibit -The Photos are Back!

2009-07-07T20:58:00.010-04:00

Sunday was the official closing of my exhibit at the Appleton Museum. I've had a busy month of travel (literally out of town the last 4 weekends in a row!) so I feel like the exhibit was just installed yesterday! How quickly a month passes.

Thought I'd share a few pictures and my artist statement for those of you who couldn't make it by the Appleton. (Photos by Russell Martin Photography)

In and urban setting, nature is often organized and controlled. City parks, botanical gardens, arboretums, and courtyards contrast industrial concrete and steel, allowing us to reconnect with nature. The plants selected are colorful, clean and fragrant, producing a manicured and idealized environment.

My current work explores and celebrates the city garden and our urban scenery. The goal is to stylize botanical forms by creating simplified shapes that reflect the organization of a planned city landscape.
For many, the simple act of gardening provides a welcome respite from everyday urban life. Overall, I strive to recreate feelings of comfort and harmony through composition, color and texture.

Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed the quick, online museum tour.

Best,
Meagan
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Opening Reception - Green Hill Center

2009-06-26T07:22:00.003-04:00

Opening Reception Tonight

June 26 from 5:30 - 8:00 at
The Green Hill Center for NC Art

The Nature of Being
curated by Flanders Gallery
From "Gallery Nomads: Six Raleigh Galleries Set Up Camp at Green Hill"
Greenhill Center for NC Arts in Greensboro, NC.

The exhibit runs through August 29th.

Green Hill Center for NC Art is located inside The Greensboro Cultural Center

If you're able to make it by tonight, please take some pictures for me. Wish I could be in two places at once!

Have a great weekend!
Meagan

Almost Finished and Etsy finds

2009-06-24T20:44:00.003-04:00

Just need to glue the fused glass cabochons into place and this batch of Mini Sculptures will be ready to go!

Meanwhile, I was inspired by Jan, a fellow blogger over at ...in my spare time, to do an Etsy search based on keyword. Jan has a fabulous Saturday Shopping List that she puts together that full of fun, creative works all found through keyword searches. Here's what I found under "sea urchins"

Element Clay Studio/Heather Knight, porcelain; Jennski, archival digital print; parisottodesign, 18K gold earrings; Happy Goat Soap, handmade soap.

Mini Ceramic Sculptures in the Making

2009-06-23T17:42:00.003-04:00

Glazing again! Yay! These mini ceramic sculptures are due to be shipped out on Friday to The Store at The Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh, PA. I also plan to have more added to my Etsy online art gallery and store in the next couple weeks! (Check back soon!)

This morning, I was able to finish glazing and load them into the kiln before I headed to the Appleton Museum to meet Russell Martin, a fantastic photographer I contacted to take installation shots of my exhibit. Russell spent 3 hours with me photographing the show and taking a few portraits. Thanks Russell! Cant wait to see all the shots! I'll be sure to post some of the pictures after I get them back.

Well, its time for dinner. Hope you're having a great day. Thanks for stopping in and checking on things around here!

~Meagan

Oh, i never posted about The Studio Stroll in Asheville, NC. It was a fantastic weekend! Thank you to all who came out, strolled, and enjoyed a day in the River Arts District!
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Free Shipping Promotion - giveArtfully.com

2009-06-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

In case you cant make it down to Curve Studios in Asheville, NC this weekend, here's another great way to shop....

www.giveArtfully.com is offering Free Shipping through the month of June!

Purchase a gift for $39 or more, and it will be shipped ground and insured free of charge!

Upon checkout, simply enter code: freeshippingbaby

Have a great weekend!
Meagan
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Asheville, NC - Studio Stroll

2009-06-10T11:02:00.001-04:00

This weekend I'll be at Curve Studios in Asheville, NC participating in the River Arts District Studio Stroll. Come down and check out the new batch of Mini Sculptures, tile plaques, fused glass pendants, and other goodies I'll have for sale. And yes, you read that right there are 115 artist studios to visit and enjoy! What a great way to spend the weekend!

Best,
Meagan
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