Sunday, March 20, 2011

Intermountain Catholic News Article: Sharing My Skills With My Students

Saint Olaf students ready artwork for school's annual auction

Friday, Mar. 18, 2011
Saint Olaf students ready artwork for school's annual auction + Enlarge

BOUNTIFUL — As Saint Olaf Catholic School’s Annual Auction approaches, each grade is working to produce a class project which will be used as an auction item. Students enthusiastically participate to produce a unique and creative item that will achieve a high bid from the auction goers. This year, our Pre-K students are actively involved in the creation of a real work of art guided by their very talented teacher, Janelle Davis, who is an accomplished artist in the field of hand-built coil pottery. Mrs. Davis hand-fashioned a large pottery cylinder using coils of pottery clay and pinching techniques at which she is a master. Once the cylinder was completed, the students began to carefully carve their own designs into the clay. Mrs. Davis patiently instructed each child individually so that every part of the design is a creation of each little hand in the class. Once the carving and cleaning is complete, the cylinder will be fired to harden it. Each design will then be painted and decorated by the creator of that particular design. After the artistic work is completed, the cylinder will be fired once again and will result in a one-of-a kind piece of art that is sure to bring lots of large bids at the auction. Not only have our youngest students provided a remarkable project for our auction, they have learned the joy and satisfaction of learning to create something artistic and unique. Saint Olaf is very fortunate to have such a talented artist as a member of our staff who not only teaches and molds our youngest students each and every day at the beginning of their educational lives, but allows them to learn an artistic skill and to experience the gratification of creating a beautiful work of art.

Courtesy of Saint Olaf Catholic School



http://www.icatholic.org/article/saint-olaf-students-ready-artwork-for-schools-annual-108965

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Commissions: Impressions of Others

I am always honored when individuals love my art. I am especially honored when individuals want to share my art with their loved ones. I am always inspired when individuals tell me their love story and commission me to describe this love on clay... A dying husband wanting to impart a gift to the love of his life, his wife. A joyful friend celebrating a marriage. A daughter giving beauty back to a mother that has devoted her life to children and now grandchildren. A family holding on to childhood memories. A woman gifting her own life and battle with cancer. A couple wanting to capture the embrace of a tango. A collaboration of friends wanting to thank a neighbor for their kindness. Over the years there have been so many faces and so many stories. Each one bringing me a new perspective and creative challenge. During Lent, we are reminded that we are from the dust of the earth and from the dust we shall return. I like thinking that we make impressions before we leave this life. Impressions on the people we love, impressions on the love we convey, and sometimes even impressions on the clay of this earth.

Here are a few commission pieces that I have recently completed. Each clay vessel tells the story of a person's life and represents their love:


"Sakura Blossoms on the Tracks"

To a dad that surrounds his life with love, trains, and nature. Beauty is around you and can be seen in the distance.



"Shine"

To a brilliant family of five. Always stay connected and always shine. Happy Birthday Becky.




"Union with Daisies"

To a happy couple married at Union Station 2010. Though your wedding flowers have faded, vividly remember your bright love on that day.



"Red Rocks and Our Starry Night"
To a joyful couple that captures beauty as long as they are together. Happy Birthday Christa- March 31st 2011.



"Lemon's Grove"

May this piece remind you of those happy memories in the woods. Merry Christmas 2010.



"Tending to her Blossoms"

To a mother and grandmother that loves hummingbirds and her posterity. Each blossom is marked to remind you of those wonderful grandchildren that blossom in your care. You are loved by many.