
Distracted?
I don't know about you but I'm easily distracted.
For example, I was recently getting ready to load a bisque fire. I gathered all the bone dry pots and staged them on my canvas covered work table when their shadows caught my eye. I continued to prep for loading the kiln but the shadows kept pulling me back. Look at us, they called! It wasn't too long before I was adjusting the studio lights, rearranging the pots and standing on a stool taking photos. A task that usually takes 30 minutes became a visual exploration that stretched into a couple of hours. Was I wasting time? Of course not! Even though I was pulled off task I came away feeling relaxed and happy for having spent time traveling down the creative rabbit hole! Most artists will understand this phenomenon having been there themselves. It's a joy having the time and freedom to embrace the moment. And for that I'm grateful!



It only takes a moment!
It only takes a single moment of distraction to turn a smooth glaze session into a chaotic mess.
I can’t tell you how many times in 25 years of teaching I’ve told my students “Make sure the lid is on tight before you shake the jar.” Or how many times I’ve reassured a student when they didn't and glaze wound up everywhere!
Still, I was completely unprepared for the shock when one moment my glaze session was going well and the next it wasn’t. Textured Turquoise was splashed on my bisqueware, splattered on my apron, across my glasses and dripping on the floor and my sneakers.
It was a humbling reminder that we all learn through our mistakes, no matter our experience level.


