I am taking a 12 week pmc class at the Kalamazoo Institute of Art. It's proving to be very interesting. I'm learning some new techniques (made my first hinge and a box bead this week). It's also proving to be somewhat humbling. The other students all seem to know each other and be on the same wave length; they make very nicely finished, tidy pieces. Some sell their jewelry and use class time to make things for customers. They walk around during class and admire each others' work. Frankly, when they look at my pieces, they smile encouragingly (they are nice people) and walk on. No one seems to know what to say. My pieces are definitely different (I don't do tidy and I like rough finishes). I sort of feel like I'm swimming upstream while everyone else is swimming downstream. It's disconcerting (sometimes discouraging). But, I like the things I'm making. I write this, not to air my insecurities (I have a long list and no one has that much tolerance for that long a blog entry), but because I think there are a lot of us who feel the same way about our art. We're not in the mainstream, but we keep going in our own direction because it's who we are.
I brought my pieces home to finish them up and then made a few extra pieces this week-end (I have the luxary of having my own kiln). I'm both rather pleased about them AND needing a little external affirmation about them. I plan on making some jewelry with these and using the rest as embellishments on collages and dolls.
I love these, they are beautiful... great job!
Posted by: Nellie Wortman | March 14, 2011 at 01:55 PM
These are awesome! Can't wait to see them in your work.
Posted by: Robin Orewiler | February 27, 2011 at 07:24 PM
Love your pieces Joanne. Those other students are getting an education...they just don't know it. They will think back to your art work and have an ahha moment. Stay true to your own style. Love the buttons and the beads.
Emily
Posted by: EMily Fawley | February 25, 2011 at 11:42 AM
I don't like tidy and perfect looking either. I'm loving your pieces!
Posted by: Nancy B | February 23, 2011 at 08:02 PM
These are spectacular Joanne! the faux bone beads are terrific. The hinged figure ROCKS! You are becoming a master with this clay. The imperfection of your work is what makes it most attractive to me. Hand made should look hand made. Polished, tidy and perfect can also be done by a machine...not my taste but I guess it is for some.
Posted by: Kris | February 21, 2011 at 11:03 PM
Well, you SHOULD be pleased and I'm more than happy to add my external affirmation to everyone else's! These are beautiful -- it's hard to decide a favorite because they are all different with wonderful texture and burnishing. I think you've just nailed a new creative outlet to add to your stash of talents. Bravo!
Posted by: jeanie | February 21, 2011 at 06:05 PM
Joanne, your work is just awesome and I'm just totally impressed - you go girl! Diann
Posted by: Diann | February 21, 2011 at 04:42 PM
Joanne, I think these are awesome! They have a unique, antique and slightly mysterious quality. I especially like the tube beads and making
Silver buttons is brilliant.
Posted by: Karen Owen | February 21, 2011 at 02:28 PM
They are very beautiful pieces. I love your work and I agree with the others, they have he artist Joanne in them, which is what makes them soulfull, beautiful and "OMG I must own one of her pieces". If you started doing neat and tidy it wouldn´t be JTH art. And that is what we want. :)
I wanna sell your pieces in my store.
Love from Denmark
Posted by: Mette | February 21, 2011 at 10:29 AM
I love them all and wouldn't change a thing about them! Your work and your attitude are inspiring!
Posted by: Deborah | February 21, 2011 at 10:00 AM
Awesome work. You are truly becoming the button queen! Can you add them to garments and have them go thru the wash?
Posted by: last minute lynn | February 21, 2011 at 09:12 AM
I love your metal clay work!! And I think it's wonderful that you don't conform to the mainstream! Your hinge is awesome and I am in love with those star buttons! I love each and every piece that you created! Stay creative and keep marching to your own drummer!
Posted by: Jackie Smith | February 21, 2011 at 02:35 AM
You are doing beautiful work. I am sure the others in the class were thinking they wished they had your vision. You are an inspiration to me in my art and my life. Keep on keeping on.
PS My birthday is coming up and I will be wearing my Joanne crown and feeling every inch loved.
Posted by: ann | February 21, 2011 at 12:42 AM
I think your pieces are very cool. Especially the hinge and celtic hearts!
Posted by: Vicki | February 20, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Joanne your pieces are vibrant and soulfull and full of vitality! They sing! Let them keep their perfectly polished, perfectly smooth store bought look alikes. I would go for yours every time. It has the had of the artist in them!
Posted by: kari | February 20, 2011 at 07:18 PM
OMG Joanne! These are fabulous pieces! I love a more organic look like this rather than "finished" surfaces. Those faux bone beads are just killer!!! Great work, girlfriend! xo Deb
Posted by: Deb | February 20, 2011 at 07:13 PM
I love your work Joanne. Your probably so above all the students in the class, you leave the instructor speechless. I would love any of these pieces. But I would only use them on something that belongs to me. I woulod never give them away. Keep doing what your doing. It's all marvelous.
Posted by: Kathy McElroy | February 20, 2011 at 06:54 PM