"Operation Beautiful Life"

Her confident hands gave me a scrap of paper a few months ago. On this scrap of paper contained many one word descriptions like: love, reunited, eternity, peace…Her request was, “I need you to paint my story”. Several years ago, she married the love of her life. Soon after their life began together two significant events occurred: they became pregnant, and he tragically passed away. I still to this day cannot fathom the ache that must reside inside her. While tragedy brought her sorrow, time brought her an angelic infant and a perspective on continued life. Her child is older now and looking more and more like his daddy. Her heart is mending and she able each new day to laugh, independently face challenges, reflect on the past with love, and embrace all of life. This painting by no measure can capture or map out the beauty of this woman’s life. I am amazed by every part of her strong soul.

Hot and Fresh from the Kiln: "EA"

"EA"
This is a view from our bedroom window. Our little eagle friend came to live with us for a couple of weeks this winter.


"EA"
Whether you believe me or not, it's Christmas morning in my heart right now. You may agree with me after watching the giant snowflakes fall from the sky today. Isn't it the middle of May? What I am about to describe is probably a common phenomenon for potters. I savor the few minutes I have as I walk to my kiln shed. In these moments, there is an anticipation for the final results and curiosity for what my creativity mixed with intense heat will formulate. I crack open my kiln lid, letting the hot air escape while I attempt to peek at the contents inside. Glaze firing is a mysterious process: You paint with liquid glass that is one particular color and then you heat it up and it changes to another hue. I am always delighted and surprised at the gifts that my kiln has to offer. I am reminded of my memories of Christmas as a child; knowing there is something wonderful waiting for me, but not knowing what. If ever given the chance, try being present at the moment a potter takes their work from a warm kiln. You may see a glimpse of their childhood Christmas in their eyes.

This pottery piece is still warm from the kiln and is entitled: "EA". Don't you hate it when artists make obscure names for their works of art? This commissioned piece is for a woman that very much intrigues me. She is a lover of words and nature. She has illuminated the minds of hundreds of children, as she is a devoted educator. She is a humorous woman who's laugh is quite contagious. She is supportive and compassionate. She is giving. She is a true liver of life. She is continuously seeking for peace in the world. She is my friend. She is the only person who will truly understand the title of this art piece...

Relics of a Hero

I just finished this commissioned piece today. "Relics of a Hero" is to be an anniversary gift for a firefighter. Today as I painted this piece, I was humbled to hear radio reports of our president walking the grounds where the World Trade Center Fell on September 11th. While "Relics of a Hero" will be a celebration gift for a committed couple, this painted vessel will draw my mind to another anniversary. I appreciate the presidential request that we celebrate or morn with "unity and renewal". Upon any event in our lives, whether they be blissful or tragic, let us embrace and grow from our experiences.

Painting Up a Storm During a Storm

"Bright Gerber"
"Orchids On Their Way"
"Sakura Blossoms"

I seem to remember spring being full of life and flowers. This past week there has just been rain and snow and dark skies. I am glad that when I need color in my life, I don't always have to wait on nature's fickle schedule, I can simply open up my paints...

Another Version of Ophelia

"Ophelia's Final Peace" 2011























For a description and the meaning of this piece, please see the November 2010 blog archive: Ophelia Revisited.

Intermountain Catholic News Article: Sharing My Skills With My Students

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

Friday, Mar. 18, 2011

Courtesy of Saint Olaf Catholic School

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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

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.