Fragments of a Creative Life

I checked in with my heart, took a deep breath and saw my heartbeats in what I chose to work on. 

I find myself drawn to laying bits and pieces of things, maybe even broken into a plant pot atop the soil.

Fragments of a creative life.  Of my creative life, may look like a few house plants in clay pots and bowls I made myself.  But not without shells, maybe a brick shard, smooth stones or a bee marked clay bead I made.  

A three-footed plant pot I made. I inscribed on the white underglaze in my doodle style. That technique is called Sgraffito.

 I have always enjoyed collecting things, even as a child. But, recently I have uncovered about myself how many collections I have, as well as the various sizes of my collections. One serious collection I have is all about the bees! Other larger collections - shells, pens and other marking materials, old jewelry. Smaller collections - succulents, old hymnals, old bibles, old tools, glass jars, stamps, and marbles.

Bright paintings I did several years ago hang on the side of one of my set of drawers. Maybe I have a cross collection also?

I love small things. Stepping into my studio inspires me when they are laid out for me to see all the colors and feel the textures.

A small collection of feathers and shells is necessary, it seems for my creative life.

My first hand cut copper cross I have made.

My creative life seems to thrive on seeing earlier work. It sets the stage for new work to find its way into being.

My jewelry area is still a work in progress. I tend to stop cleaning when I find a bead that catches my eye.

Old paintings that were stored now dawn my studio walls. It feels good, so good to give them a space all their own. Having a creative life is tracking the creative path you took to get where you are today. These paintings do just that for me.

A clay bead I made and hand painted. It finally found a home on this beautiful silver chain.

A creative life is not compartmentalized. Each section dissects another. Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

My latest raku cross necklace with moss agate beads. And just like my potted plants, I tend to add small things to my jewelry work also. For example, these smaller clay beads to the cross.

A creative life, or at least mine, is filled with exploration and experimentation. Sure failure happens, but I am learning more and more to be thankful for those times of failure and what they teach me.

My first ever platter using a monoprinting on clay technique. Special thank you to Marsha Rogers at Back porch clay studio for her mentorship.

I live my creative live excited to explore something new to me every chance I get. Oh and I forgot to mention I seem to collect art technique books also!

A few of my newest necklaces.

This creative life is not a perfect one. Sometimes I am plagued with self doubt, perfectionism or needing to purge. But I am a lifelong learner and find curiosity is my closest confidant. She is always asking questions!

Handmade clay heart. Also, a monoprint on clay technique.

Once can’t have a creative life like this without some serious love and support from friends and family. I am thankful for each of you and how delightful you make my creative life. Thank you.

Building this creative life, one experience at a time~

Hannah