The biggest takeaway I’ve learned from my pandemic clay project is that even the most skilled clay artists don’t know EXACTLY what their piece will look like until after its final kiln firing. The whole process has some unpredictability to it, and the big reveal is when it comes out of the kiln for the final time. I was pretty pleased with the results of my first attempt at this. I learned a LOT and had a lot of fun.

I am still learning.

During the pandemic, I have taken many online courses and tutorials with a number of artists in a variety of mediums. I’ve explored pottery building, mosaic creation, abstract art techniques, digital illustration and even cookie decorating – anything to stretch my mind during a time when the danger of creative stagnation is REAL. 

The digital illustration pictured here was created in Procreate, a digital illustration app that, until now, has scared the beans out of me. “Too many brushes! Too much of… everything!”  But watching YouTube videos and various training sites has helped me take baby steps into the big, (not so) scary world of drawing on a tablet.

This is “Olive Moon.”

I tend to jump from project to project, depending on my mood, available supplies, creative inspiration and available time. 

The clay project that I started over the winter with Clayworks in Ware  is STILL in the rotation. I’ve been learning what NOT to do the next time I attempt a project of this magnitude. The folks at the studio have been very patient with me and my crazy ideas, and I think I’m pretty close to finishing up. 

Here is one small part of the larger project during the under glazing step. Many pieces, including these, are ready to be fired in the kiln. I’m looking forward to seeing them completed, and I’ll be sure to post some pictures of some of the finished pieces!

During a pandemic, non-profit art organizations need to be extra creative to keep their doors open on a shoestring budget. My friends at Workshop13 and Clayworks in Ware offered a “Take and Make Clay Workshop,” where 25 lbs. (!) of pottery clay, online tutorials, zoom meetings with instructors, semi-private in-person glazing instruction and kiln firing services were all part of the remote class. I dove in for one solid week, creating trinket dishes, tiles, wind chimes and other items in my studio, watching online tutorials and scouring Pinterest for inspiration as I went along. Here are some of the items I created. Watch for future posts to see the progress towards completion!

While I still have a lot to learn about creating mosaics, I’m really enjoying the discovery process! Here are a few pieces I’ve completed so far. 

A couple of years ago, I attended a workshop at Snow Farm in Williamsburg that introduced me to the fundamentals of creating mosaics. It’s been simmering in my brain since then, and the now ideas are starting to flow! FaceBook groups specializing in this art form have really fanned the flames. There are so many projects I’d like to work on, including creating my own pottery tiles to add to my new pieces. Here’s the start of my journey – a new, fully-equipped workstation. Stay tuned for updates!

The local crafters community is trying to get a jump on holiday season sales, while at the same time ensuring the safest shopping experience for customers.

The “Christmas in Barre” event will be outdoors this year, on the town common instead of inside the town hall. There will be 50 vendors and lots of wonderful creations for everyone on your list. Little House flour sack towels are always a hit!

Marking my 11 years of being cancer-free, our 2020 online umbrella auction features 11 hand-painted umbrellas donated by talented artists throughout Massachusetts. Every dollar Team Pam raises through Without A Net events is donated to the UMass Mass Cancer Center. Here’s a sneak peek at my contribution! Watch for a live link, coming soon!