Alice Ballard's studio
Tending to the goldfish while their pond gets cleaned...
I love this image - the face of "Peace". . .
“I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life - and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.”
What can I say except the experience of teaching 4 Vessels for 4 Seasons at the Bascom was exceptional in every way! Of course it always starts with a vision of excellence for a program and Frank Vickery, in charge to the clay program, has that and the knowledge, experience and energy to go with it! The workshop was well organized, every imaginable tool was available, there was help that anticipated our every need and the "icing on the cake" was the participants. The were fabulous! Each participant gave something special that added to the class experience.
Corbin Tucker was the "brightly burning candle on the cake". Though her title was assistant, with all her experience and expertise with clay, she could easily teach this workshop. Best of all was the fun we had planning this workshop. Together, I feel we were able to share our excitement not only about the medium of clay but about our mutual love of the environment, especially the lush mountain environment of the Highlands! Of course, having the benefit of her husband Robert's splendid garden at our fingertips and the surrounding forest as a resource for harvesting spectacular leaves, pods, flowers and branches, made it extra special.
Let's not forget the first morning and the mesmerizing performance of Ralph Deville, owner of the Stone Lantern, who shared his knowledge of the art of Ikebana along with the tools and special tricks of arranging plant materials in a variety of containers.
Ralph's demo plus his explanation of the major points of the philosophy and history behind the art of Ikebana proved to be inspirational as we tried our hand with available plant materials...
And of course the splendor of the Botanical Gardens set us on our journey and path for the day...
Sallie, a special thank you for hosting the potluck at your fabulous home. So sorry I didn't have my camera but one thing I remember is all the moss, ferns, and moss gardens for your grandchildren. Looking out over the lake was like dream vision of beauty...
Yeah!!!!! Our 1st bisque firing....
For me, the energy and ambiance of the class allowed me to be both teacher and student... It just does not get any better than that. Thank you to all involved. And thank you for my special Ralph recommended Ikebana scissors and fabulous "frog"! I will remember all of you and our experience together whenever I use them....
Oh yes, the outline for the class - I promised it would be loose but that we would attempt to cover the important points along with special requests. Hope we succeeded! What we didn't cover, we can cover in 2016!
Look for more pictures from the workshop this weekend.
When we arrived on site at Abacus Planning Group, located in Columbia, SC, all the templates sent in advance had been carefully spaced and measured and taped to the wall. Sarah Young not only had the placement of each Pod marked and ready for us but had a sturdy ladder and table along with other items we just might need, set out and ready for us. This made the whole installation process go smoothly...
After laying a possible 13 Pods out on the floor, the shuffle began. The challenge was to pick the ten Pods to be included in the 10 Pod Triangle. Next we had to decide where they should be best placed in the triangular format to achieve the best aesthetic results for the Abacus office space. Enid, Sarah and myself started by eliminating Pods with too much similarity... Next we looked at color, texture, value and mood. The point of the Triangle seemed the perfect place for the white Pod because of it's blend of simple bold form blended with the drama of its white terra sigillata surface. After another round of discussion about the placement of each Pod, the milkweed inspired Pod took it's place in the center. The neutrality of it's subtle color, coupled with it's particular texture seemed to make it perfect for the central spot. This Pod brought a visual harmony to the 10 Pod Triangle needed for this particular site. The site was a long but wide dramatic hall with sky and special additional lighting and the color was orangel This part of the process was quite special and fun. I like to think the process that Enid, Sarah and I shared was in the spirit of the kind of teamwork that I heard about and observed on my visits with Cheryl Holland when we were planning this site specific piece for Abacus.
Thank you Enid Williams for all your help!!!! Your superb aesthetic sense, great "eye" and steady hand resulted in a 10 Pod Triangle that was installed smoothly and quickly.
An elegant Ta Da!!!!!!!!
A less elegant but heart-felt Ta Da from me!!!!!
Thank you Sarah Young for all you did in advance to make our job an easy one!
Above all, I would like to give Cheryl Holland, founder of Abacus, a heart felt thank you for offering me this significant opportunity to create a special piece for a beautiful site within the Abacus Office space. I am honored to be part of the Abacus art collection. I would also like to congratulate Cheryl for the support she continuously gives to the South Carolina arts community through projects like mine and others.
The following quote from Cheryl expresses beautifully the reason for my enthusiasm for about my experience working with Abacus...
“Founding Abacus was my professional chance – and personal challenge – to create a unique culture centered on listening, creativity and collaboration.” Cheryl Holland
Sagger fired Pod
One of my favorites - Bee Balm!!!! The flowers remind me of clowns with tousled hair...
The last of 13 Pods to be considered for a 10 Pod Triangle.
Greenware in the process of drying...
Airbrushing terra sigillata takes place just outside my studio door on a nice day...
Yesterday, I made a trip to Penland School of Arts & Crafts, truly a sacred place in the arts and crafts world. While there I stopped by the Penland Gallery. I was so impressed by what I saw, I want to share a few pictures I took, as a way of enticing you to take a trip to see for yourself the new and elegant look of the Penland Gallery!
A new look at the Penland Gallery - open and spacious, a thoughtful and spare layout, each work displayed elegantly within its own space. Put this together and it creates a quiet, contemplative and Zen-like atmosphere. Congratulations to Kathryn Gremley, Penland Gallery Director, and staff!!! http://penland.org/gallery/
A beautiful display of work by Joseph Pintz.
A detail of how smaller pedestals of varying heights and sizes add to the experience of looking at each work. I would like to add that seeing the new overall approach to displaying the work has given me several great ideas that may be useful in the display of my work at a show I will be having at the Greenville County Museum of Art that will November 15, 2014.