What a crazy-busy winter and spring! The life of a teacher is so intensely absorbing - I wouldn't have it any other way although I wish I could find more balance in creating time for my own artwork (and for playing outside!) - isn't that always the way?!
In early April, I had the pleasure of attending the pre-NCECA (n-see-ka) conference at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff where my former professor, Brad Schweiger, was one of six guest artists giving demonstrations and talks on the topic of "Potters as Sculptors". The other guest artists were Don Reitz, Eva Kwong, Crista Assad, Karen Thuesen Massaro, and Russell Wrankle. What a diverse and interesting group of clay artists - Bravo Jason Hess! It was a grand dose of inspiration and nostalgia to see and hear Schweiger in action after a decade has lapsed since I earned my BFA. It's true that we teach like we've been taught and I'm honored that Brad's influence resonates in my actions as teacher and artist.
Left to Right: Brad Schweiger, Crista Assad, Don Reitz
For those not hip on the clay-lingo, NCECA is an acronym for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts. This years' annual conference was hosted in Phoenix, AZ. The conference was four days in length and packed with concurrent lectures hosted by preeminent artists and teachers in the field of ceramic art. Each year the hosting city also sponsors clay art exhibitions throughout the town and hosting hotels which makes for lots of fun and conversation in the late evening hours.
At the end of April, my high school students hosted their annual art fundraiser the "Soup"er Art Show. In our small town of 7,000 people, students were able to sell all 110 of their handmade bowls and several drawings and paintings to earn $1,200 toward an art field trip to the Los Angeles area. In the middle of May, we headed down to Laguna Beach (a six hour drive) to tour art colleges, galleries and museums (okay - we snuck in a little beach time but we're hearty mountain folk with cabin fever - we NEEDED beach time!).
Sadly my 11 year old dalmatian companion, Maceo, developed a bone infection in March. Although he's been religated to a 6-12 month course of heavy antibiotics, I think he'll pull through. Maceo has been a source of inspiration in my recent works. Hopefully spots and polka-dots put a smile on your face like they do mine. I can't help but giggle and want to go outside and play when I come home from work and see my spotted pooch-a-roo.
Schools dismisses for summer break on June 10th for an 8 week summer vacation (oh yes!). I hope to sell lots of works at our local 4th of July and Labor Day art festivals to pay for vet bills and support my clay habit. I'll send more updates in the fall. Be sure to check out the newest artworks in the galleries of "Rena's newest work" and my "high school students' work".
Until next time . . .
Do what makes you happy, love deeply and live fully.
Yours truly,
Rena at elementalartworks.org