I sometimes wish I had four arms to work with. Would life just not be easier? I mean, I am pretty good at multitasking and planning ahead – but there are always things to do!
I feel I may have given myself waaaay too much to take on this month, but I also wanted to push myself a bit to see how I would cope.
It seems upping the pressure on my already overcooked body and brain seems to have transformed how I am working.
#WinNumberOne – Working more effectively and efficiently.
I would probably work in my studio all night, every night if I could. I however made the concrete decision to embrace my days off, and to enjoy them – even if I do nothing and enjoy my microwave popcorn in bed (I never mastered making it on the stove so no judging).
#WinNumberTwo – My clay prints for my workshop came out of the bisk kiln in-tact… no bottoms detached or cracked during the firing, which honestly gave me sleepless nights!
#WinNumberThree – I had my first clay 3d printing workshop.
I decided to ask some potters that I know to come and experience the demo.
My weird phobia about having tons of people in my private studio is something I seem to have gotten over as soon as I saw all of their expressions as I turned the printer on.
Watching their excitement as they all sat around the printer engrossed by every move the printer made warmed my heart and I realised how much joy it brings me to share my experience and work.
It reminded me of the first time I saw the printer in action, and my reaction was pretty much the same, except it was followed up by a little dance shuffle.
The day was a huge success, and the workshops will be starting next month. I can honestly say I am proud of myself for just going for it!
#WinNumberFour – My first artworks will also be available to buy next month.
They look like such simple prints, but in truth there were many days and nights of experimenting and endless dramas to finally get to the final designs.
They should be up on my website mid-June because I couldn’t decide how to decorate them, but I seem to have finally made up my mind (who knows it may change in a week when they come out of the kiln!)
And with loadshedding just getting worse, I hope they will be done in time!
#SideRant – If you don’t know what loadshedding is, it is when the government steals all the money from the country, and the citizens are left with the consequences.
Like sitting in the dark because the state-owned electricity provider did not make provisions for future electricity consumption leaving the country in the dark at specified times during the day because they stole all the money and did not update the infrastructure. Meaning, when the grid is under pressure, they switch off all the lights, as simple as that.
#WinNumberFive – 3d Printing the tallest print I have ever made without running out of clay, it falling in or warping, or me accidently knocking it as I try and move it (which has happened a few times). Woop Woop!!
Will it survive the kiln? This has yet to be seen. What makes the print so special is that it forms part of my portfolio collection, and it is completely unique!
It is actually, staring at me right now… I still have to add some of the finishing touches before it is off to be fired. I am scared to touch it, but I guess I better swallow that fear and just get on with it.
I will be putting all the information regarding my workshops and artworks for sale on my website when everything launches in June.
Furthermore, you don’t need to be a potter or have any technical skills to enjoy a workshop. There will be different options available for groups and individuals.
I am so excited, but first let me tackle that mega clay print #WishMeLuck!