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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

"Silver Lining" - newest mixed media sculpture

There are always challenges with new work.

Aesthetic challenges. (Does that look too much like an alien head?) Technical challenges. (Did this piece really take me 16 firings!?) Conceptual challenges. (How can I express the ideas in my head?)
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But you've just gotta push through and make your work. What's that saying? "The answers for your next piece are always found in your last?" Or something like that.

I did finally finish up the new, experimental sculpture I was working on for the Arrowmont Instructor Exhibition. A week late (Karen, thank you for the generous extension!) but better late than never. And it arrived before the Opening. whew!

But here it is. I'm still planning on investigating this form and developing the concept, so this is really just a starting point. It's a small piece - about the size of a grapefruit. I plan to increase the scale with the next one too.

Silver Lining, Earthenware, fused and slumped glass. 4 1/2" x 6" x 4 1/2".

Here's the Artist Statement that goes along with this piece:

"It’s 3:00am. Or is it 4:00?

I was just drifting off when I heard his small cry pierce through the walls. He must be hungry again. Already? I check the clock once more, but my brain is too cloudy to register the red numbers glowing back at me. Pulling my exhausted body out of bed, I pause briefly, take a deep breath, and walk to the nursery.

We settle into our worn, green velour chair. His small head rests in the crook of my arm. I fight to keep my eyes open. My mind wanders. I am filled with anxiety and uncertainty.

Then, there’s a brief, silent pause.

He looks up at me with a tiny grin, and I can feel the silver lining."


Looking forward to the next round of challenges - personal, professional or otherwise!
Meagan

4 comments:

Linda Starr said...

Wonderful to learn about the birth of your silver lining sculpture.

Joyful Things said...

oohhh how beautiful - makes getting up at 3AM worth it.

-Rob, Simple Circle Studios said...

That is a great artist statement. Anyone who has kids knows exactly what you are talking about.

Meagan Chaney Gumpert said...

Thanks Rob! And thank you to the others who left comments on facebook or here on blogger. I did receive them via email notice, but apparently a blogger glitch deleted them. But I do appreciate you feedback and support!