Friday 31 January 2014

Earrings

White and blue porcelain beads (8mm), sterling silver


There are less than three weeks until the beginning of my exhibition in Vienna starts and there is still a lot to be done. Last weekend, I have opened my last kiln. So, no more glazing and firing for the next few months. I am so happy that I was able to finish it as planned.

Here is a sneak peek of what I have been doing between throwing pots.
These earrings are made in the neriage technique with white and blue coloured porcelain. I have been developing these earrings for nearly a year now and I am very pleased how they look. I think that the striped pattern makes them perfect for the summer.


White and blue porcelain beads (22mm), sterling silver

White and blue porcelain beads (11mm), sterling silver

And some faceted turquoise porcelain beads, of course.

Faceted turquoise porcelain beads (8mm), sterling silver




Saturday 18 January 2014

Home Studio



Before we moved from Berne to the mountains I had the studio that was situated very close to the river Aare. Not only that I had the nature just around the corner, but also a very creative neighbourhood with architects, graphic designers, ship builders, etc. I needed seven minutes to reach my studio by bike and I cycled along the beautiful river Aare all the way from my home to the studio. Even though the way to the studio was so short I only went to work there on the weekends when I didn’t have to study or work elsewhere. If I had one hour break I wouldn’t go to the studio because I knew that by the time I get there, change into working clothes and say hello to my neighbours, I would only have some 20 minutes left to work with clay. So I didn’t go to my studio…

Now that I have my studio in our house I learned to appreciate those short breaks. I only have to go few steps downstairs and I can enter my own creative area. Yes, I had to learn to be grateful for this new situation. At the beginning I missed the high ceiling, plenty of light and the abundance of space of my former studio. Also, I missed the whole inspiring and creative community in my former neighbourhood. Finally, I missed the feeling of actually going to work. 

Having the studio in our house turned out to be a big advantage. When my son was born three years ago, I could go to my studio when he was asleep. At the beginning I didn’t do much, but bit by bit I worked more often. If my son is “working” with me I usually do smaller jobs like trimming, wedging the clay, sanding or making sketches. Doing pottery 8 hours a day without a break is a rarity now that I am a mother. So I learned to arrange with this new situation and I use every possible moment to go to the studio. 

Also, there are disadvantages of having your studio in your house. The biggest one is the dirt. Doing pottery produces amazing amount of dust and dirt. If I don’t clean my working space at the end of the day I would have the clay dust all over the house. Another thing is that you don’t have the feeling of going to work. If there is bread in the oven I may interject my throwing session just to take it out of the oven. Usually you don’t do this when you are at “work”. No matter how well I may have organized my working schedule, I am still at home. 

My son thinks that everyone has a pottery studio at home and that all mamas are “doing porcelain”. So, when I tell him that I am working he would correct me that I am not working but rather “doing porcelain”. He is probably right. The word “work” doesn’t sound as fun as the idea of having your hands and your apron all messed up with clay. 


Saturday 11 January 2014

Let's Meet In Vienna


I have some great news to start with this year: I will have my first exhibition! The exhibition will be held in Vienna in the Gallery “DIE AUSSTELLUNG” from February 18th till March 13th 2014. It will be open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5 PM till 8 PM. 

Beside my ceramics you can enjoy beautiful textile art from Gabriele Aschermann-Schmidtkunz from Vienna. 

So, let's meet in Vienna!