Update: daily life

Lately it feels like I've gone art crazy. I have an upcoming solo show at the Greenville Museum of Art in North Carolina, USA. It is my senior show, without it I can't graduate with my degree. my plan is to have at least 4 large wall tile pieces, along with 3-4 vases per tile piece with screen printed images on them. When it came down to coming up with a theme I went to my fondest memories from childhood: camping. What are some of your favorite camping memories? If you have never been camping, what are some of your favorite childhood memories? Show date and times: Greenville Muesuem of Art, Greenville NC. September 7-13, 2012 Reception: September 9th 6-9pm

Reflection on my Senior 1

So as some of you know I completed my senior 1 internship this spring semester.  I just a matter of months I will begin my senior 2 internship where I spend everyday in the classroom with the students.  

             In starting my senior year as an art education major I have to admit, I was a little nervous.  I was scared of the paper work, the expectations being made of me, breaking the rules, the teachers, and even… the kids.  The meeting I first attended about my senior 1 didn’t help these fears of mine.  But as soon as I sat down in the elementary school art classroom I felt that I was at home.  Once I immersed myself in the activities I realized that this really was the place I was supposed to be. 

            I may not have always responded correctly or taken as many notes as I probably should have; but I feel that immersing myself in the classroom culture, in getting to know each child, I grew in my understanding of the teaching profession and myself.  I did the best job I knew how and my comprehension of teaching expanded so much that I don’t believe I could have gotten to this point without being in the classroom this past semester.

            In the elementary school I felt more comfortable and in control.  I was constantly moving around, teaching, assisting, and never staying in the same place for very long, whereas in the high school classroom I first didn’t know how to manage my time properly.  I found myself wondering around the room looking for something to do, someone that needed or wanted help.  Unlike the elementary school, these students wanted to be individual about their work, often keeping to themselves.  By the end of the semester I was able to better point out the students in need of guidance and during my “wondering time” was able to better assess what was going on in the classroom as a whole. 

 

Photo found HERE

Tutorial Saturday

I found this tutorial first on the ever so addicting website Pintrest. Recently I've been obsessed with rabbits and making rabbit related things. I know, I'm a dork. But you have to admit, these are SUPER cute and seem fairly easy. I can't wait to start making one of these for everyone out of my scrap fabrics.

Added Idea: You could fill it with rice and use it as a heating pad. It is small and compact and would be great for trips.

To see the entire tutorial and get a downloadable pattern check it out HERE.

Sushi anyone?

For valentines day I went to a sushi restaurant in town and fell in love with it. Honestly what first got my attention was the salt water aquarium, I became glued to watching the fish swim around. Eventually I was pried away to be seated for the meal. Soon our food came and I dove into the sushi. Its textures and taste were superb. I've been thinking about it ever since and I had to do a feature. Here are just a few of the things I found on Etsy for this amazing food.

These fake pugs are so creative! I love how they incorporate sushi in such a cute design. They are handmade miniature sushi rolls made by Lyssasstuff, on Etsy. Be careful, try not to eat this sushi, might not taste as good as they look.

Talking about sushi wouldn't be complete without talking about what it is served on. AllenDesignStudio makes a wonderful set that anyone would be honored to use. It has such a unified gorgeous design you almost don't want to eat off of it.

Want to carry sushi with you where ever you go? Want sushi at the tip of your fingers? Well this isn't at the tip of your fingers, but its close. Here is a handmade ring by ixela. Check out the shop, very creative jewelry items.

Button Supply

I love making buttons. When ever I have free time in my studio I can't help it, I make buttons! recently I decided to sell these buttons in a separate Etsy shop, Button Supply. So far I only have 2 types of buttons so far, but I hope to get TONS up. They are all handmade high fire ceramic buttons. Maybe I'll post a how-to about them.

Where I've been and some updates:

Sadly its been almost a month since I posted last. This is pathetic, I know. At least I admit it right?

Lately I've spent more time doing this off of the internet. I finished throwing all those "Empty Bowl Project" bowls. Our ceramic department had a goal of 400 bowls to donate BAM! we made more than 500. The sale will be March 2, 2012. I'll let you know how that goes.

I've started making ceramic tiles again! I have spent so much time on them that it killed me when the kiln errored, but I think I can live with the result.

Shop Update:

When I first started my Etsy shop it was a mother-daughter duo. My mother and I were to create pieces to sell together. I ended up starting without her. I have recently posted some of her items, but more to come soon. She works very hard on them, her attention to detail is superb.

My Shop link: www.etsy.com/MermaidTrinkets

Empty Bowl Project Poster

You've probably already heard of the Empty Bowl Project, which helps people in need mainly focusing on stopping hunger. This year my fellow ceramics majors and I will be making 400 bowls to donate to this cause. I designed a couple posters for the event, what do you think?