2018 a typical year

2018 In Review

It was a busy year – pieces created, pieces collected, wonderful adventures, some disappointments, and new directions. In essence, 2018 a typical year.

New works

A new direction of creating a series of smaller sculptures marked 2018. Having heard very often from collectors that they are running out of space and want smaller works, as well as people who love my art but cannot afford larger pieces, I started with eight works.  They range from 9″ to 14″ tall.  The six featured here are available directly thru my studio.

One had a bad kiln experience – the mold blew out. But I’ve re-sculpted it so we can recast and give it a second chance.  (If it’s successful, how would you like the name Second Chance?)  And one has been gifted to a very special someone, as you’ll read below.

Works Collected

It was a rewarding year with two major works and one small treasure finding new homes. Kenn Holsten of Holsten Galleries sold Mariah to collectors in northern California. Kenn has been representing my work since 2012. 

Plus, in December, Adam Blau Gallery director Cheri Discenzo requested photos of Enigma for an interested client. Cheri and I worked together while she was Gallery Manger at Tom Reilly Galleries and continue to do so in her new venture.Stay tuned for a very fine 2019 outcome to the inquiry.

Occasionally, a collector contacts me directly from my website.

In 2018 Ode to Morph caught the attention of collectors in southern California who have a residence overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

They had been searching for a piece of glass art that spoke of wave motion and the color of the sea.

Ode filled their quest.

On the home front, several times I caught my wife Gaye walking around the house clutching Treasure in her hands and I was deeply moved. 

In gratitude for her endless support, inspiration and partnership in my glass art adventure, I gifted the piece to her, especially since she had already named it. 🙂

When you push the boundaries…

I am a restless creator. Constantly pursuing new ideas and pushing the boundaries of the possible. And, so, sometimes I find out where the boundaries are. I semi-lost these two pieces in 2018.  Time and experimentation will tell.

Work is in process to try to salvage the first one by re-firing the piece – and see if it will cooperate. If not, then it and I will have a quiet conversation about what it would like to be when it grows up.

As there are some shape similarities, the fate of the second piece may benefit from that of the first one.

These really are devastating moments when a piece fails. A lot of time, energy and money is invested in these endeavors. And it is a crushing blow when one doesn’t make it.  Rather difficult to just say, “Oh well, it’s part of the process.” But, in fact, that is the bottom line. Do a postmortem. Learn what I can. Figure out a creative second-life. And/or go on to the next piece.  As I progress, I’ll post the outcomes in Works In Progress.

Buffalo Creek 2018 Artist Residency

Weeping willow trees grace and shade a stone-wall edged grassy knoll.
Weeping willow trees abound at the Art Center.

And, in case  you don’t already know about my unsurpassable experience at Buffalo Creek Art Center, please do read all about it.  That was a great adventure!