Passion for Painting Christine DeCamp's Blog of Art & Life

HOT WAX!

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:01:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of taking a trip into SF last Sunday to see the final day of SF Open Studios, which was at Hunter's Point in the old naval shipyards. The idea of artists holding open studios began in San Francisco, & that's where I first started doing open studios way back in the 80's. Looking back on it all now---it seems like that was the beginning of artists taking back their power and taking responsibility and control of their work and careers--before the internet.

It was a great day--saw lots of interesting work and made some nice connections with artists. One of the studios that really intrigued me was Howard Hersh's painting studio. Howard does encaustic and his working set up was somewhat mysterious, as he had 2 sawhorses set up in front of his griddle for the hot wax & those sawhorses were coated with thick layers of wax. It all made me very curious as to how he worked--and I found this wonderful video of him working and talking about his work and philosophy. It's very nicely done & he is quite fascinating--so I had to share it with you! Enjoy.

INTERVIEW with ERNESTO SANCHEZ for Left Coast Artists Video Project

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 20:47:00 +0000

As this interview was a bit long, I made it into two parts (You Tube was rejecting it) It's a great view of Ernesto's studio and his unique work. You will enjoy it--and don't forget Part 2!

Two Coats of Paint: A rolling conversation: Pricing artwork

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:33:00 +0000

Two Coats of Paint: A rolling conversation: Pricing artwork: Everyone begins taking their seats before the Rolling Conversations get underway. Dr. Paul D'Agostino of Centotto and Rolling Conversat...

This is a great post from artist & teacher Sharon Butler's blog
"Two Coats of Paint"--well worth a read, esp for you artists out there. From a live discussion about pricing artwork---& I LOVE what she said about OCCUPYING OURSELVES...check it out!
Christine

ANNOUNCING.....

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:29:00 +0000

THE LEFT COAST ARTISTS VIDEO PROJECT!!! This is something I have wanted to do for awhile---but it's been (and continues to be) a steep learning curve for me. I am a total newbie at video and editing and all that goes along with it. But I am having a blast doing this and I am so passionate about the possibilities of this for artists that it has propelled me forward.
The idea behind The Left Coast Artists Video Project was inspired by another blog I subscribe to called Two Coats of Paint by Sharon Butler. Sharon profiled a similar project, entitled "Gorky's Granddaughter"--which inspired me to begin.
Video is a fabulous way to document and communicate--and there are SO many interesting artists in our local area here in Northern California on the coast--many of whom are technologically challenged (Ha! I can relate!) and don't do self-promotion well (or at all). So I intend to do what I can to share the creative riches of West Marin and environs.
A huge THANKS goes out to painter Sue Gonzalez, who has been my first ~~victim~~ um, featured artist. Hope you enjoy these! I will be posting more often! :-)

THE BUSINESS OF ART AND THE ART OF BUSINESS

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 21:30:00 +0000

This has been a tough time for artists. Sales are down, funding has dried up & galleries and shops are closing. A pervasive uneasiness is in the air.

So what’s an artist to do?

Remember WHO you are & Remember your WHY. At its most basic level, art is communication. ( Drawing pictures in the sand may have been the first communication!)

The world needs art & artists now more than ever----to inspire, to lift spirits, & to empower. It’s about communication AND it’s about serving. And communication is interactive.

Artists are notoriously inept when it comes to business. The cultural icon of the starving artist who can’t function outside the studio is so strong that many artists believe this of themselves without ever questioning it. (I know–I have been there!)

I have been showing and selling my artwork since the 1970's. It has taken me a very long time to learn strategic ways to promote my business and to know that I do have a real business. I’m still learning. So how does one move forward?
I use a combination of Clarity, Mindsets, Personal Responsibility, Accountability and Strategy.

Here’s the deal:

Clarity means getting clear on your purpose, your audience and your goals.

Mindsets–this is about discovering and healing the false beliefs that hold you back from your success.

Personal Responsibility is about your ability to respond, and the necessity of a personal response.

Accountability is having either an accountability partner or a mastermind type group you work with who will hold you accountable to your goals and encourage you to stay on track and keep moving forward. This also gives you a sounding board to bounce ideas around.

Strategy is making a plan and creating a roadmap for your success so that you know what the next step is. Success is created one step at a time.

One of the things that has helped me to move forward on this journey while using these tools is to have the support of like minded individuals. By this I mean other entrepreneurs who are creating their own businesses around their passions and dreams. Being connected to a group of people with a wide range of talents, experience and business focus presents a fountain of knowledge.
I have been working with a mastermind group led by a fantastic business coach and it has been an inspiring journey. The blueprint of the mastermind group is a proven formula for success and a manifestation of the best aspects of community.

If you are looking for some help with promoting your art or staying plugged into your creativity, here are some ways you can work with me:

Painting with Gouache Workshop (Tapping into your Creativity)
A one or two day workshop for adults
Sun Aug 28 & Mon Aug. 29
10 am to 6 pm both days-- supplies are included

Individual Art Business Coaching
Call or email me for details

Coming Soon

“The Artist’s Self Promotion Toolkit” Ebook

Art Business Teleseminar
sign up on my website to get the latest updates

website christinedecamp.com
email christine@christinedecamp.com
phone 415-663-9646

WILD SPIRIT WISDOM CARDS

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Sun, 15 May 2011 18:49:00 +0000

WILD SPIRIT WISDOM CARDS are a brand new project I have been working on. Inspired by the Tarot Deck, which I have always loved and used for many years--my WSW cards are a different kind of divination deck created with images from my paintings and a viewpoint of feminine spirituality and connection with nature. I have always wanted to do something like this and I am so excited to be able to share it with all of you!

I am offering a Privileged Preview (and FREE Download) of each card as it is completed to those who sign up on my website. Go to http://christinedecamp.com/ to sign up.

Once the design of the entire deck is completed, my intention is to first make it into a virtual online deck where you could go and give yourself a reading. I love this idea! Then it will also be published as a 3D deck that you can use and hold in your hands and work with.

This first card will go out to those who sign up before Wed. May 18. The free downloads of the card images will not be repeated-----so sign up now to receive all of them. You are free to unsubscribe at any time.

POINT REYES OPEN STUDIOS

Our annual Memorial Day edition of Point Reyes Open Studios is coming up Saturday May 28 through Monday May 30. Studios will be open 11:00am to 5:00pm each day. It's a wonderful event and we have 19 artists participating this time. Don't miss it!

My studio is in the Greenbridge Gas Station building in Point Reyes Station at 11401 Hwy 1.

Call 415-663-9646 if you need directions

THE FERTILE SOURCE INTERVIEW

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Fri, 06 May 2011 00:35:00 +0000

Tania Pryputniewicz is a wonderful poet.....I met her when she wrote to me a few years back and asked if I would like to see a poem she wrote that was inspired by my painting "The Rescue of Ophelia". I felt very honored that someone was moved enough to write a poem in response to one of my pieces, and I was amazed when she sent it to me......it was very beautifully written and I loved it instantly. We have stayed in touch, and recently she shared that she was poetry editor for an online magazine called "The Fertile Source". The magazine deals with issues regarding motherhood, pregnancy and being a woman in today's world. They profile artists and writers in each issue.

Tania recently contacted me, wanting to know if I would like to be interviewed and show some of my work. I was delighted to be asked and my work and interview is now online. Please check it out at http://fertilesource.com and enjoy!

Image "Rescue of Ophelia"

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:16:00 +0000

And it's about time. Thought we were going to float away last week. High winds, torrential rain, hail, thunder & lightning--it was all pretty crazy. We came close to having flooding and there were a few significant mudslides. But now things are drying up, the sun is shining & all of a sudden it's WARM out there. Amazing. WHAT DO YOU CONTRIBUTE? Sometimes we think that what we have to offer is not significant. There are so many huge issues and desperate needs in the world. And maybe your special talents and gifts don't address those particular needs. No matter. Your unique light was meant to shine brightly and be shared. It is not our job to be critics of our own talents---those gifts are meant to be expressed, created, acted out, sung and danced to. Whatever your special talent is---- I encourage you to share it with the world. Image: "Dance of Spring"

LOTUS BUDDHA

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 03:52:00 +0000

Like most people I know, I have been thinking about the recent catastrophic events in Japan. And I have been sending positive energy that way and joining with everyone I know in visualizing a positive outcome to the nuclear situation and help for all the people there who are suffering during this crisis.
I just recently finished this Lotus Buddha painting, which is all about Transformation and Transmutation both much needed at this time. So I thought it was a good time to post the image and share it with you all out there in the blogosphere.

I also have some GOOD NEWS to share: I have been working on a NEW WEBSITE......and I am almost finished. A bit more tweaking, some photos need to be redone and few other things. It is all very exciting. It is a completely new look---very easy navigation and has ALL my work on it, from paintings to prints to cards and magnets and ceramics. I also have a shopping cart, so now it is easy to stock up on cards or magnets---or even purchase a painting! If you want to go take a peek, the address is the same as my previous website: http://christinedecamp.com

SETH GODIN & POKE THE BOX

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 05:15:00 +0000

Poke the BoxThis workbook was written to ask one basic question: What would our world look like if more people started projects, made a ruckus, and took risks?

I am one of "The Tribe"---Seth Godin's tribe, that is. I have been getting his daily blog posts for some time & I rarely delete one without reading it. I am often inspired, entertained, educated and thrilled by the ideas he shares. His newest book is called "Poke the Box". And it reminds me of the writings of our American forefathers who were in rebellion against Great Britain to create a new world for themselves. I think that we, today, are at a similar crossroads. Everything is moving even faster now and we are talking global change. Many people I talk to are fearful about what is happening and looking at the dark side. But Seth Godin gives me great hope. He and a following of young internet savvy hip intellectuals are forging ahead to create a brave new world. Kudos to them!
Here are some excerpts from Seth's creation "The Domino Project" which is a new vehicle of book publishing and idea spreading.

About The Domino Project1. What happens when a publisher has a tight, direct connection with readers, is able to produce intellectual property that spreads, and can do both quickly and at low cost? A new kind of publishing, the brainchild of Seth Godin, and powered by Amazon.
The Domino Project is named after the domino effect—one powerful idea spreads down the line, pushing from person to person. The Project represents a fundamental shift in the way books (and digital media based on books) have always been published. Eventually consisting of a small cadre of stellar authors, this is a publishing house organized around a new distribution channel, one that wasn’t even a fantasy when most publishers began.
We are reinventing what it means to be a publisher, and along the way, spreading ideas that we’re proud to spread.
Our core beliefs:Exceptionally high quality ideas, created without regard for what bookstores and middlemen want.
Ideas packaged with cogency and urgency in mind, not a word wasted, no filler.
Permission at the heart of the model. Ideas for our readers, not more readers for our ideas.
Virality first. An idea that requires a direct sale won’t thrive in a world where the most powerful ideas spread from hand to hand. Create content that works best when spread, and then package it so it’s easy to spread.
Reward the sneezers who stand up and spread these ideas.
No patience for obsolete institutions. Bestseller lists are not worth compromising for.
Speed triumphs. Rapid time to market, rapid evolution, rapid response to reader feedback.
Format agnostic. Kindle, audiobook, paperback, collectible… all good.
Different products for different customers. A variety of price points and formats to match audience desires.

As a life long lover of books and ideas and a former bookseller myself, I am happy to see that there IS a future for books---perhaps not how we envisioned it, but maybe how the world really needs it. Christine

FEB 27 OPEN STUDIO & SOME NEW VASES

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 22:45:00 +0000
Here I am at the ACGA Jury night with some of my newer ceramic pieces--some vases and a few cups. I didn't get in this time around, but will probably apply again in the fall. I would love to do their big show in July at Palo Alto in 2012.
In the meantime, there's no rest for the weary (or was that the wicked?!) Either way, things are full steam ahead here at the studio. Getting ready for my next
Open Studio on Sun. Feb 27 from 1 pm to 5 pm.
This will be a milestone event, because-----
my prices are going up as of March 1.
Yes, that's right. I have not raised my prices in years. So this will be a great opportunity for you to get that piece you have always wanted at "yesterday's" prices. And this is good news for you who are faithful collectors of my work--it means the value of the pieces you own is going up as well!
Other exciting news----I have a group of new paintings simmering away here in the studio---some acrylic on canvas & some gouache on paper. (We like to mix it up!)
AND (drum roll please..........) I am working on a new website which will incorporate both my paintings AND my ceramics. Estimated completion date is the first half of March--it may go *LIVE* in an unfinished state--we'll see. So far I have been making good progress.
Check back in here for updates--OR if you are already on my email list, you will receive notification of the new site. If you would like to be on the email list, just send me a quick email at christine@christinedecamp.com

2011 STARTS OFF WITH A BANG!

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 07:21:00 +0000
In Blogging Land, I am going back & starting up with my "Stories about the Paintings" Series again. I just wrote about the above image--"Clyde" and that story was published on a website written by artist Heidi Van Impe, who is a new friend and one of my fellow Gold Mastermind members (see below) Heidi is currently working on the illustrations for a children's book called "The Great Crow Party"--and as part of this endeavor, she has invited people to share their crow stories. You can see the "Clyde" story and Heidi's Crow Party website HERE. And be sure to click on her blog to see her great videos of her Crow collages for the book.

January was not only the start of a new year, but also the start of new associations & friendships, business coaching programs and big plans for 2011. The photo above is of my Gold Mastermind group at an Uplevel Your Business conference in Asheville, NC with coach extraordinaire Christine Kane. Our group is multi-talented and overflowing with wisdom, experience and enthusiasm and committed to helping each other attain our goals. This is a year long program, which includes several of these "live" conferences, as well as webinars, teleseminars and online forums. I am SO glad I signed up for this---Christine is an incredible mentor and our group is fabulous!

I also participated in the "Smartist" Teleseminar, which was a week long teleseminar , created by Ariane Goodwin. It is a fountain of business and marketing information for artists with 13 speakers presenting on all different aspects of the art biz. I am still going through all the information and trying to absorb it all.

PICK A WORD OF THE YEAR

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 01:19:00 +0000

I heard about this idea on Christine Kane's blog--she calls herself a "Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World". (I love that idea!) For the last couple of weeks, she has been running guest posts on her blog--people writing about their choice of a word for 2010 and how that word has affected their lives in the past year. The posts are inspiring, soulfull and addictive! After reading a couple, I decided I would give it a try for 2011. I shared the idea with my friend Linda & we both got excited about it. I made up my own word by smooshing 3 words together, followed by an exclamation point Goforit! is my choice for 2011 and it is perfect for the plans I have put into motion. (More about that in a later post) If you want to check this out, you can see the guest posts in the current offerings on her blog here. And to read her earlier post talking about what the Word of the Year concept is, why it works WAY better than trying to make resolutions, and some tips for coming up with your word, go here .

Image above is me in my booth last month at the KPFA craft fair. (I finally just downloaded my pics off the camera!)

GOODBYE 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 06:48:00 +0000

It's time to take stock of 2010--our accomplishments and gratitude for another year of life on this beautiful planet.

The shift from 2009 to 2010 was marked by loss and catastrophe for some who are and were dear to me. My friend Jackie was in a terrible accident just before Christmas and is lucky to have survived it. But survive & even flourish is what she has done! And all of those who know her or have been touched by her in some way are amazed at her healing and how well she is doing. Much gratitude for that. My friend Linda became ill at Christmas--was in and out of the hospital & then suddenly died about a month later. The last time I saw her, she was fine. Then suddenly, she was gone. It was a shock, especially because she was so full of life and jokes and fun. She is greatly missed.

In 2010, I went from playing around & experimenting with ceramics again---to showing and selling my pottery at markets, art fairs and my Open Studios. In May, I purchased my own kiln and became a member of Mill Station Ceramics in Sebastopol, where I have a studio space and where I installed my kiln. I joined the Association of Clay and Glass Artists, and am signed up for a jury in late January to be accepted as an exhibiting member, which would greatly increase my options of exhibiting my clay work.

It was a tough year financially---the markets were slow and the outcome of many shows was unpredictable. Open Studios is still the best thing I do and I am grateful for that.

All in all, it was a challenging year, but a very creative year for me with my work. I have made some new friends and connections and I am really happy to be spending so much of my time doing the work I love.

2011 looks like it is going to be a great year! I will be writing about the plans for 2011 soon.

Images: Artichoke platter and bowl set
Butterfly serving bowl

A FEW MORE DAYS......

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 18:36:00 +0000

until Point Reyes Open Studios AND the Holiday Sale and Raffle at Mill Station Ceramics. Whew! I am in the last stages of glazing for a final firing tomorrow before the shows. I also have more work that is ready to be glazed & am hoping to get another firing done before the KPFA Crafts Fair in 2 weeks.
My complete schedule is in the right hand column here if you need an update.

In the meantime, I am sharing a few images from the previous firing that I haven't shown yet.

Happy Thanksgiving!

HOT OUT OF THE KILN

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 06:14:00 +0000

More vases from the "Reversible Vase Series"....and something new---slab built and hand painted cups! We're having fun here....more to come

FRESH PAINT

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 05:56:00 +0000

I just finished these two paintings this week---have been neglecting my painting a bit while I build up my pottery inventory. These are both acrylic on canvas--the top one is "Reclining Buddha with Fallow Deer" and the bottom one is "Four White Pelicans". It felt good to be into the paint again. I love going back & forth between the two mediums of painting and ceramics. Somehow they feed each other in terms of creative energy. Can't explain it very well--but it feels right.
I will be at the Healdsburg Art Festival this Saturday. The show is set up around the square in old Healdsburg and runs from 10 am to 5 pm. Should be a good show. It is a benefit for the Healdsburg Center for the Arts.
Sunday I will be in SF at the Stonestown Farmer's Market--located behind Macy's in the parking lot of the Stonestown Shopping Center off 19th Ave. near Sloat Blvd. The market begins at 9 am and goes to 1 pm. Come check out my new work!

MILL STATION CERAMICS--YESTERDAY'S OPEN HOUSE

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 20:09:00 +0000
My work in the foreground--Heide's work behind mine--that's Heide on the left.
The other side of my area.

Asa's work

More of Asa's work

Jane's work

Jane's work on the right--Asa's work on the left

Heide's work in the foreground--mine in back

Here's a few pics from our recent open house at the clay studio.

Here's What You Missed

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 21:57:00 +0000

For those of you who couldn't make it to this weekend's open studio, here is a quick peek at what you missed.

Labor Day Weekend Open Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 03:58:00 +0000

Even though it's 9pm & I still am not set up for tomorrow's open studio--here is a little preview of new stuff you will see if you attend, and a reminder that I am open Sat & Sun from 11 to 5.

(And thanks for the nudge--you know who you are )

JULY FLIES BY

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 02:45:00 +0000

Above images: 2 bowls from my last glaze firing

I have been so busy I have not had time to catch up here on the blog. I have been showing some work at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts and that show is (already!) coming down on Monday Aug. 2. I have also been at the Grand Lake Market in Oakland a few times, and at the Stonestown market and the San Rafael Civic Center market as well.

I have several paintings working--all at different stages. And I am about to do another bisque firing with my ceramics. I am experimenting with a new kind of clay, which I am planning on using slips and oxides on, and am very excited to work with that again.

I will be doing markets through August, and then September is going to be a wild and mixed up kind of month. Here's the lineup:

*Sat & Sun Sept 4 & 5 (Labor Day Weekend) I will be doing an OPEN STUDIO at my studio here in Point Reyes which is in the Greenbridge Gas Station building. Hours are 11am to 5pm.

*Sat Sept 11 We are having an OPEN HOUSE at the ceramics studio--MILL STATION CERAMICS at 9878 Mill Station Rd (near Occidental Rd) Hours will be 3pm to 6pm. We have 4 members--all with different styles and processes.

* Sat Sept. 18 I will be at the Benicia Fine Arts Fair on 1st St. in downtown Benicia. This is a great show. Hours are from 10am to 4pm

*Sat Sept. 25 I will be at the Healdsburg Art Festival on the Square in Healdsburg. Hours are 10am to 6pm.

I also will be at Stonestown market and the San Rafael Civic Center market if I have enough energy.

And last but not least--Rainbow Grocery on Folsom St. in SF is carrying my cards & magnets again and has pledged to continue carrying them--so stop in and buy a card so they know I'm wanted! (Smile)

2 New Paintings

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:40:00 +0000

I was able to finish these before the Live Oak Park Fair last weekend. Both are acrylic on canvas and 11" x 14". The top images is "Two Plum Trees" and the bottom one is "Baby Owl".
The "Baby Owl" painting was sold at Live Oak Park Fair.

LIVE OAK PARK FAIR

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:29:00 +0000

Berkeley's 40th Annual
Live Oak Park Fair
1301 Shattuck Ave.
Sat & Sun June 12 & 13
10 am to 6 pm
This is one of my favorite fairs--I have been doing it now for about 4 years. The setting is lovely--quality of the work presented is excellent, and it is a pleasant and mellow event. I will be showing original paintings, giclee prints, cards and magnets. If you are in the Bay area, check it out. And it is only a couple of blocks away from some great Berkeley restaurants Come & enjoy!

POINT REYES OPEN STUDIOS

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Wed, 26 May 2010 07:23:00 +0000

POINT REYES OPEN STUDIOS is this weekend--MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND--from Sat. thru Mon. 11 am to 5 pm each day. I have been working on the publicity committee and we have been doing everything we can to make this a successful event. And it looks like the weather is going to co-operate as well! We have 17 artists participating in many different mediums. It's a great event and a really fun weekend. We get all kinds of accolades for the quality of the work and of the event itself. So come to Point Reyes this weekend and enjoy!

I just finished firing some ceramic pieces that I will have on display. Above is a preview.
Pictured:
Quail Tile
Pomegranate Tile
Poppy Bowl
Pair of Pears Plate
Bunny with Veggies Serving Platter
All my ceramics are food safe and fired to cone 5. The clay I used for these pieces is Hawaiian Red.

BRANCHING OUT

noreply@blogger.com (Christine DeCamp) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:13:00 +0000

Mill Station Ceramics Studio in Sebastopol

Making Tiles with Press Molds

My front porch studio in Pt. Reyes Station

8 Tiles in wet clay

Closeup of Quail Tile

Closeup of Pear Tile
A big THANKS to Laurie Curtis for the photos of me working on the porch

So much is happening I can barely keep up. With my changing situation regarding doing ceramics (no place to fire) I have spent a lot of time looking for something that will work and allow me to continue in clay. (I'm just really getting back into the swing of it--and loving it) I tried using a firing service and didn't have a good experience so I have decided to bite the bullet and take advantage of an opportunity that came my way.

I just joined up with a co-operative studio space in Sebastopol called Mill Station Ceramics Studio. We currently have four artists involved and are undergoing a reorganization, since several people left & there are 2 of us new people. I will reveal more in a later post.
And--most exciting for me--I have bought my own kiln and it is being hooked up at the studio this weekend---so no more problems for me getting things fired!

Another thing I have been working on is tiles and making molds. I am working out the process and have made 4 pretty successful molds and now have 8 tiles in wet clay that are drying and hopefully will be part of my first bisque firing in the new kiln!