Residency: Week 6

The worst of the flu is now behind me. I am deeply grateful for a really good friend who took such good care of me all the way from Seattle. I was bed bound for 3 solid days, my body was in so much pain and my brain was not computing. I wasn't anticipating on getting so sick, I was not prepared. I didn't have pain relievers, tissues, cough syrup, food, etc. He made sure I had everything I needed, it was all delivered to the door. What a life saver.

I was able to complete the final class of the Korean Moon Jar workshop with Dave Kim at All Bout Clay - we learned how to throw a composite moon jar.

I was feeling a lot better by Tiff Saw’s Carving class at Slo Slo Studio where we started carving our porcelain pieces.

I made progress at the studio with glaze testers, and also recognized that I have become too focused on the “wrong” thing.

Glazing has been a source of grief so I think subconsciously/consciously, I wanted to front load addressing that component by creating smaller/medium pieces to use as glaze testers. I also wanted to play with different clay bodies, which meant more glaze testers. I was stretching myself too thin by wanting to explore so much.

After having a very meaningful conversation with Tina, amazing artist and studio owner, I realized I was losing sight of my main “why”/goal. She posed a very helpful/important question: what am I setting out to do during this residency?

I took some time to dive internally, reflecting deeply on that important question. I found answers, and further refined my answers.

I am here to explore wheel thrown large scale, composite ceramic art. To give myself grace for growth, to expand what I think is possible for my art, to make connections with artists and the community.

I have created 2 part composites, and will explore 3 part composites next to push myself. I am curious about altering these composite forms.

Through taking workshops, I have been gifted opportunities to expand my knowledge as well as meeting artists and other creatives from various studios around New York City (Midtown, Brooklyn, Chinatown, Queens), creating friendships, and connections in the local community. AlterWork Studios is my home studio, and I could not be more grateful for this beautiful match. When I am able, I go in as soon as the studio is open for members - 7am. I stay until I run out of steam, which ranges from around 3pm - 6pm+ depending. I am fortunate to meet the wonderful studio technicians, and creating friendships with artists of various artistic disciplines. There are two collabs in the works! I am deeply grateful for crossing all these beautiful paths in this one conscious life.