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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

September Summary - School, Studio, Stress, and Success

"Some of the brightest days start out cloudy, some of the best endeavors start out tough, and some of the most wonderful experiences start out challenging. " -Unknown

September flew by and was nothing less than a challenging, exiting month...

Since starting the ceramics post-baccalaureate program at the University of Florida, I've found myself repeating the above quote quite a bit. It's almost become a daily mantra.

I am a creature of habit. Adjusting to a new schedule and routine has been challenging. The commute to campus is challenging. (I hadn't realized I would be spending 10 hours a week in the car!) And pushing yourself to make new, thought provoking, exciting, innovative artwork is a constant, but necessary challenge.

Some days I feel overstimulated and want to begin everywhere at once. I leave class with so many ideas, it's tough knowing which to investigate first. Right now though, I'm trying hard to absorb as much as possible, without filtering anything too soon.

There's been a lot of sketching and researching happening as I investigate new concepts and forms. Most of my ideas still seem unresolved, but the prospect of new, better work keeps me going strong.
Meanwhile, work continues in the studio at home. Progress is coming along nicely on this sculpture commission. Here's the scale drawingand a few of the unfired forms.
My obsession with glaze testing also continues... I wanted to see how my glazes reacted when overlapped and layered with each other. I did a series of 17 of the 12" test tiles using 42 of my favorite cone 04, low fire glazes. (Only 5 tiles are shown in the above picture.) There were some fascinating results that I cant wait to put to use in my new work!Test tile with more overlapping and layering of underglazes, terra sigillata, lowfire crawl and lizard skin glazes.
So, life and art continue. I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to the many adventures October has in store. (That, and a little bit of pumpkin pie!)

Best,
Meagan

PS - I just updated my website and the right side bar of this blog with my Fall 2009 events. Many of the details are still being worked out, but I'll keep you informed as the information becomes available. Hope to see you at something in the coming months.
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6 comments:

Patricia Griffin Ceramics said...

Wow, wow, wow... I thought I was a busy one. You are an inspiration Meagan... Maybe you can listen to This American Life or something else that will relax you and make you laugh during your car-time. Look forward to reading more about your journey. So much growth. Good stuff.

Meagan Chaney Gumpert said...

Thanks Patricia! Yes, I love This American Life. I just wish it was longer. Or that it came out more than once a week!

ang design said...

hey meagan, so that's where you've been... excellent you have some work ahead of you then, busy as..! I love the shot of current sculpture in the raw, looks great..!

Emma said...

For the first time i am here.I read your profile and i think you are an interesting person.Your hobby come profession is related to our glass business.We do glass business in Rio Grande.

amber reece said...

hey meagan! love those test tiles, all the different textures and colors.... glad to hear your keeping busy and way to go on school! loved the photos of the studio, would love to see it in person someday... maybe tina and i could come visit you? keep up the good work! ill be adding your blog to the short list of blogs i follow. all the best, amber

Meagan Chaney Gumpert said...

Thank you Emma and Amber!

Emma - I'll have to check out your site to see what all Anything Stained Glass has to offer. Thanks!

Amber - it be great to have you and tina over to the studio one afternoon. Hope to see you soon.