Confession: I love a good sunset! I came out of the studio the other evening and walked into one of the prettiest sunsets I had seen in a long time! This is an unedited shot of the sky...it looks like it's right out of a renaissance painting! I half expected to see little naked angel babies floating around up there as is common in renaissance paintings.
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Back in July I did a 30 in 30 challenge. The idea being to have 30 finished artworks by the end of July. I didn't really complete the challenge due to moving and other circumstances, but I got a lot of things started! This super girly casserole being one of the things I did. I have this desire to make more lidded forms...not sure why! This one is so girly that I am thinking I'll keep it for myself, but I may try to make a few more in a more...grown up style and try them on Etsy.com.
I always wanted to make really cool, architectural, edgy ceramics. Instead I can't seem to resist putting scallops or polka dots on everything. I keep thinking that maybe I'll get it out of my system, but so far it doesn't seem to be working. Does anyone else want to make work that is different from the style they naturally gravitate to? When I first started art school I never drew for fun. It's still the least natural way of making art for me, but one I have come to appreciate and enjoy! I used to be in awe of my classmates' sketchbooks. These weren't just full of crude sketches and ideas or class assignments. Nope. They were works of art in their own right! Since then I have made it a goal to have a beautiful sketchbook that was full of more than lists and assignments and awkward sketches.
So to keep myself accountable I will likely post a few peeks into my sketchbook every so often. And this is the post to kick that off... Artistic friends are the best! Their enthusiasm for their artwork is contagious! I was playing around with a couple of ideas I lifted off two artists I know from around town. The flower frame was inspired by Lisa, who makes cool portraits and paintings/prints. But I particularly like her flower paintings which are whimsical and feminine. The quote inside is something my friend Hope and I had talked about in one of our many conversations about making art. Hope creates beautiful watercolor paintings and it seems there is no style she can't own! From detailed impressionistic paintings to abstracts to figures...she's done them all and has done them beautifully! So not only does she add to the beauty with her work, but she is also a dear friend and her sweet spirit adds to the beauty of all the lives she touches. I'm so thankful for artistic and inspiring friends and acquaintances! *Also thankful for toned paper...love! First post! Welcome to the blog!
These last few weeks have been so busy! I lightened my work schedule at the beginning of summer because I wanted a to free up time to devote to building a business around my artwork. Little did I know that this summer would include a move and other bothersome things like car issues and that sort of thing. I'm glad I did cut my hours back as it gave me the time I needed to deal with those things as they came up...funny how even when things don't go according to our plans God has grace in providing what we need. But here we are now, all moved into our new place and quickly approaching the beginning of September! In the middle of all that moving and hectic life stuff I only wanted one thing and that was to run away from everything and sit on the beach at Lake Michigan. Preferably in the evening so I could watch the sun set. Somehow watching sunsets has a very calming effect on me. As the sun gets nearer to the horizon line I feel my anxiety levels drop until I feel quiet and rested. Sometimes you just need to get away from the noise and distraction and watch a sunset. Or at least I do. Being that I was in the middle of a very busy season it felt a little bit wrong to forget my responsibilities and spend an hour or so sitting and not doing anything productive. But I kept thinking about the story of Mary and Martha...how Jesus said that Mary chose what was best in resting in him and listening to him. That that was the most needed thing. And it was true for me too! In the end all that packing and moving got done. Did I finish my art goals for the summer? No, but I made progress and I didn't lose my sanity in the process. Besides, when Michigan gives you warm days and beautiful sunsets you better enjoy them while you can! I know that during winter I'll be kicking myself for not spending more time outside while I could! I get more done in the studio when it's cold outside anyway. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of catch-up work to do in the studio! I've got big plans that I need to get working on! |
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Hello! I am Grace Goswick. This is where I share thoughts, stories and photographs of my work and life. Archives
December 2015
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