Thursday, December 30, 2010

GOODBYE 2010







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