Messing Around with Clay

David Bellar is an amazing potter. Here is a wonderful essay from him about his beginnings as a artist. Please take some time to visit his website to read more and view his one of a kind pieces.

"There have been many fun things to cross my path. Too many."

"One day, the opportunity to work casually with clay presented itself. "I can do that", I thought. I remember playing in the muddy muddy creek as a kid. I had also been exposed to a ceramic studio early in my life. There was very little mystery there. It all made such good sense so the approach was one of confidence. So it was a girlfriend who demanded that with my construction expertise, I should put together a space for her to pursue her new found interest in pottery. "Sure darlin', whatever you want." I have to admit, the hobby was a lot of fun. There were plenty of reasons to continue trying, learning, building and reaching until it occurred to me; I need to vent artistic. Who knew?"

"I knew nothing about it, not necessarily a bad thing. I started looking around. I recalled a certain piece my mother owned. A small plate with two lizards cozied up. I thought it was a masterpiece. I was inspired. I also had a vague idea of the work being done locally in clay. These were the forms I new, therefore the forms I would try to emulate. I see now that for all I have accomplished, laziness was truly my strong suit."

"Aside from keeping my inquisitive eyes open, making a probingpest out of myself, attending the odd master workshop and basically wanting to limit my failures, I have struggled to learn the medium all by myself. My "problem solving" attitude is a reliable ally. I figure I can do anything I want to do. Keyword..."want". I am sad for those who have allowed themselves to be defeated. Those who say they "want" yet deny themselves the experience mostly due to a learned version of fear."

"I am currently taking full advantage of the weak economy to take a break from pottery in favor of catching up on some long neglected chores. The building of a new and improved pottery studio with kiln as well as the development of a radical new design for a piece of studio pottery equipment heads the list."

"Life is short. Try it. Take it a day at a time. Keep a positive attitude. Control your fears. What's the worst that could happen?"

"More ramblings here....
www.potterycarolina.com"

David Bellar's work is currently up for auction for Aroma of Art at Taste Full Beans Coffee House in downtown Hickory, NC.

Maria Headrick of Mosaics by Maria

Maria Headrick, another of our delightful artist donors, is giving us a glimpse into the world of her artwork. See below her interview and view some pictures of her engaging mosaic pieces.

What is your background/how did you get started in your medium?

Ten years ago I found a book on Mosaics in the public library and instantly fell in love. I began making items for my home, then to give as gifts. I was part of an online community of mosaic artists and I began to sell hand cut stained glass tiles for use in mosaic work to other artists. The following year my online retail mosaic supply business was born - Mosaics By Maria .

I continue to create and sell my own art while providing other artists products and advice for their own mosaic work.

What effect are you trying to have on people through your art?

I love how mosaic work refuses to be rushed. Every piece must be carefully chosen and laid. There is a meditative quality to mosaic work, you must get into a rhythm. I also fell in love with the variety of gals, mirror and tiles available to work with.

Who were your mentors/inspiring artists as you began to discover your art?

Early in my career I was lucky enough to be mentored by Sonia King and Laurel Skye, two mosaic teachers who have since become revered in the mosaic world. They are both gifted teachers and have published books on mosaic techniques.

What was your first piece of art you created and what inspired it?

A mosaic mirror with an Egyptian design. I was inspired by a stained glass panel I had seen at an art show.

What are some of your favorite projects?

My favorite project to date is a mosaic guitar. I also love some of the birdbaths I have created. There is something wonderful about taking an ordinary object and making it into a piece of art!

What are you working on right now?

I am currently working on a series of 6" X 6" panels that are reminiscent of small tapestries or rugs. I am having fun trying new color and tile combinations and the challenge of working on such a small surface.

I recently opened a studio in the Harris Arcade, suite #103. We have a mosaic gallery, supplies and classes.

Please come and see Maria's work up for auction at Taste Full Beans Coffee House and Gallery.

Bud Caywood, Contributing Artist for Aroma of Art 2010

I am so pleased to share with you interviews with our wonderful artists who contribute their creative pursuits to the Aroma of Art silent auction.These are the special people that over the years give of themselves to make a difference in the community by helping to raise money for the Catawba County Humane Society and ALFA.

Our first artist to be featured is Bud Caywood. Mr. Caywood is a long time contributor to Aroma of Art and is again this year giving of his time and creativity to support the mission of Aroma of Art. Following are some questions I posed to our contributing artists, and Mr. Caywood graciously agreed to give us his insights into his art. All of the photos are of Mr. Caywood's work.

Interview with Bud Caywood

What is your background/how did you get started in your medium?

I am a freelance furniture designer, designing for over 38 years. I have been fortunate to be able to use my creative talents in my profession. There is no clear beginning point for my creativity. I have been creating art as long as I can remember.

What effect are you trying to have on people through your art?

All visual images leave a permanent physical mark. For the "image makers" who value beauty in art, the quest is to share an experience with the viewer. When this works I am justified.


What drew you to your particular medium?

No single medium controls my creativity. I don't want it to be a burden. I work in acrylics, plaster, paper, fiber, wax and just about anything else that will stick to a foundation. My subject matter can be abstract, expressive or real. I don't want to get stagnant.

Who were your mentors/inspiring artists as you began to discover your art?

The one person who I can credit in my development as an artist was my high school art teacher. He taught me to use everything I could hold in my hand as a tool to create art and that anything that could be applied to a foundation can be a medium. That brushes and pallete knives were available to everyone, but the sole of a shoe or the bent top of a tin can were made for "not just any artist". That anything that can be applied to a surface is a medium. I have used this practice since.

What was your first piece of art you created and what inspired it?

I have no clue, but do have a woodcut I made in 1969 that was inspired by a a true story about Siamese triplets separated at birth which is still one of my favorite pieces of art.

What are some of your favorite projects?

Every several years the Caldwell Arts Council invites artists to participate in the Postcard Exhibition. Each artist has to create a piece of art that fits on a 4" x 6" postcard. As much fun as I have creating something in such a small space I have even more enjoyment from seeing what every other artist creates. It is a tremendous source for inspiration and creativity.

What are you working on right now?

Encaustic paintings and sculpture for exhibitions in 2011.