Calling your Muses

I go to the creative well and it is dry. Now what? The answer is go to the studio and work. The muses will come. I'm not going to tell you that the work produced in this dry spell is good. It usually is crap. However, with each try, comes creative solutions which force me to grow and become better.

I have pieces that inspire me. These objects in my studio reinforce my place in humanity. The need for art. The need for wonder. The need for exploration.

Here are some pieces I'd like to share with you.

I love this pig. My Grammy would set up a putz at Christmas and this little guy was always in the scene. Mr. Pig reminds me of my family, my Pennsylvania Dutch roots, my spirituality and the need for artisans.

A sprig of thyme. Doesn't that stir up a potful of meanings? It was grown by my cousin, Dee. She came to my studio with a bottle of wine and this sprig wrapped around the bottle. She gave it to me and asked, "Do you have thyme for wine?" Yep. Humor is in our DNA.

Jeanne Petrosky is my friend and mentor. She is always there to give me guidance.

I met Janis Cutler Gear At the Flemington Fine Artisans Show. Her pieces inspires the spiritual part of my work.

Lisa Muller's Amphisbaina means walk both ways, combining the tangible and intangible. YES speaks for itself.

Jerry Bennett's porcelain pieces combine fine craftsmanship and humor. This piece is from his Viking series.

Sherman Oberson is a mentor and friend. He was one of the first people to share their endless knowledge of polymer clay. I am eternally grateful. He is the current president of the Philadelphia Area Polymer Clay Guild.

The copper was found on the beach of Chincotaegue, VA after Hurricane Irene.

I love that the dents, patina and age is what makes this so interesting and beautiful.

I found the leaf on a walk. It gives me the tenacity to keep changing and growing.

I start my day with a cup of coffee in a mug crafted by Lisa Naples. I took one of her clay workshops. She has shown me how to remain true to my inner voice.

This is a small sample of work that inspires me to be my best. I will share more in future posts.

I have highlighted the names of artists who have websites. Click on their name to access their work.

#inspiration #muses #lisanaples #jeannepetrosky #jerrybennett #shermanoberson #janiscutlergear #lisamuller