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Published: July 7, 2010
maryannb@lightlink.com
http://www.maryannbowman.com
The desire to make stuff has been with me always. Fortunately I overcame my resistance to working with clay which led to many years as a potter and then to the "what else can I do with clay?" phase where I am happily still seeking the answers.
The shift from having a production list as my "to do" list to having as my guidance only a few scribbles on paper or a strong inclination to create some dancing creature made me wonder about this new venture.
Fortunately, I really wanted to see what that dancing something would look like. And I still do. I know how to roll out the clay and make a simple form. Then the creature/character takes over, the head being formed to its liking, the facial expression being just what it wants, and the wings/arms/fins adding emphasis to that.
Best of all is when they're all glazed and fired and ready for action. I used to take great care to place them properly in the studio to show them off but it's way more fun to see the random gatherings as I pile them in bunches onto tables or move them out of the way for a new project. They talk to each other and it's a different conversation depending on who they're with. This is where the story potential shows up. My customers can see it and often share what story comes to mind for them. We all have such a great time. And it just goes to show what I've often said. Life is supposed to be fun.
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