Back to Work

Started a new batch of Minis this week. I can tell they've already changed and developed some from the ones I made just last month. I'm trying hard not to judge the work while I'm making it. I'll reserve that critique for the end. The ones here are drying up and will probably go in the kiln toward the end of next week.

My ankle is finally doing a bit better. It has gone through the phases of color from deep blue-purple and is now only that sickly yellow tone. And most of the swelling has gone down. I can put my weight on it, but still don't have the full range of motion. Hopefully just a few more days of hobbling around.

Progress Report: Our drywall for the studio is almost done!! They are coming back in the morning to spray on the finish. We'll have fresh coats of paint on those new walls by next weekend. Whoohoo!

Hope your weekend is both productive and relaxing. (My favorite kind!)
~Meagan

A Running Start

Ben welcomed me back last night with a fabulous grilled dinner and pecan pie for dessert! After being gone 12 days and spending all day in the car - just me and an audio book - it was so great to be back home!

I was so anxious to get settled back in and get down to work today on all the ideas that started to form while I was in Asheville.

But, true to both my luck and clumsy nature, I sprained my ankle this morning! I work up early
to go for a quick run before the guys came to install the insulation in the studio, and tripped over a curb. I could barely limp back home! Grrr! Frustrating!

Glad someone else was working on construction today so we could still make some progress.

Retreat and Recharge

I left Raleigh yesterday and drove to Bakersville, NC to spend the evening with my good friend and fabulous potter Joy Tanner. We stopped by Will Baker's for a visit too, and then headed up to Roan Mountain for a quick, and freezing walk among the rhododendrons. Joy and Will are two of the most wonderful people I know. If you don't know them, or their work, you should stop everything and absolutely check them out! Every detail on their pots is carefully thought out, and they have mastered soda and wood firing so the results are always absolutely stunning!

The rest of today was spent calmly walking around downtown Asheville,NC. I feel so recharged!! Between swapping stories, sharing advice, and laughing last night with a fellow artist and all the wonderful galleries and shops I visited today, I have so many ideas to take back with me to the studio! It feels great! Thank you Joy and Will! Thank you Asheville!

The Stroll

Had a great Studio Stroll over the weekend! The turnout was great, despite the rain on Saturday!

If you came down to see us (the 80 or so artists with studios there) thanks for the support!!

If you've never made it to Asheville, NC for a Studio Stroll you should check it out. 2nd weekend in June, 2nd weekend in November every year!!

I'll be in the Raleigh area for the next couple days, but will post when I can.
Thanks!

Any Ideas...

I've been sketching more lately which feels great! It's been a fantastic way to stay creative while we work on the studio.
















Here are a few ideas I have for some med-size ceramic wall-installation type pieces. For whatever reason, I've really been into textile prints lately. Not sure where that will lead me, but I guess I'll just run with it for now.

I've lived in Florida for 16 months, working in various rooms in the house until I have a more permanent studio. I'm anxious to see how the experiences of the last year will effect my work.

Though sometimes I worry that I'll move into my brand new, clean studio, and freeze up. I'll have all these ideas, and not know where/how to start.

Anybody have any ideas as to how to keep this from happening?!?

Whoohoo! After a few minor corrections, Ben and I passed our electrical rough-in inspection! What a relief. This part has been the toughest and most frustrating for me. We'll be ready to move on to insulation and drywall when I get back from the Studio Stroll.

New Work!

I just started making these "Mini Sculptures." They are made from an earthenware clay, with carved and slip trailed design elements. Glazes were applied with both a brush and spray gun to give great texture varieties!

I plan on debuting them next weekend at the River Arts District Studio Stroll

June 14-15, 2008

10:00am - 6:00pm

Curve Studios

6 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC

Under Construction!!

Both my new studio and my new blog page are Under Construction!

The following posts show our progress over the past 6 months.

Here, Ben's starting to install the electrical panel.

Finished exterior. Cant wait to have grass and landscaping to truly complete the outside!

All the windows and doors are installed. We'll move onto siding next.
Ben installing one of the windows
Screwing down the metal roof
Handing off sheets of metal roof for installation

Ben, Al and I working on the eves

All of the roof trusses and wall sheathing are installed

Ben and I working to secure one of the roof trusses

Ben positioning a truss into place

We started installing the wall sheathing.

Finished framing the exterior walls. It's really starting to take shape!

We raised and secured the first wall! Landmark moment!
The concrete crew working on our foundation
It took 8-10 loads of dirt to raise and level the site for construction
Before any construction began...