Almost fire with a remaining spark

Imperfection

It didn't start out with the thought of imperfections and our view of how we feel about ourselves but when I was looking at the disfigured thigh and legs, the bumps on the abdomen I heard my studio mate Dayna's words "please don't throw her away" and thought that's what we do to ourselves mentally when we look at our own imperfections. 

 I wanted to make a series of sculptures I could experiment different finishes on.

 As well as tryout an assortment of armatures.

 It took several days and a few techniques before the clay was on and ready to bake. And then.

 It almost started on fire...crap it was smoking so much we were afraid it would set off the smoke alarms. Not my idea of how to get to know others in the building. I hung out the window for about 5 minutes.

 Two days down the tubes...not happy! I took it home and gave it a coat of paint.

 She looked brave standing in the brush jar, I kept looking and my thoughts stared to drift.
I was only 5 years old when I fell off the chair and into the wall nearly knocking out my front teeth. The dentist pushed them back into place not knowing he was twisting the buds of new adult teeth at ridiculous angles. For the next 40 some years I was teased by my family and attempted different ways to straighten them none of it worked. Finally a dentist took action and ground them down and capped them. I could smile without self criticism. You that know me know I was not permanently damaged by this, but rather a small spark of a thought as I worked. The thoughts moved on to all the others that don't like parts of themselves, oh the brain of a human.

I think my series will also include imperfections and who knows maybe a little bit more.

Recent work and random photos

Day of the Dead at Guardino Gallery

Death on the Railroad Tracks

DOTD 2014 

This lamp is in "Anatomy A Body of Work" at the Stone Buddha.

It is 6'5" a swing arm lamp with a Edison bulb for fun.

 

Salem Art Group camps at Katy's cabin in Camp Sherman.

Salem Art Group at Dayna's prayer flag project.

Ring from a hand made bead bought at the coast.

 

 I bought this bike in Idaho and was happy when came into full bloom this summer.

New garden gate built this spring.

Star Book Tutorial

 

 

 

Try a Star Book for your next journal - it has less pages and is a real show piece when finished. 

I have been making these Star Books for many years I never get tired of creating new ones. I have mounted them on old platters, tall pedestals and upturned bowls, finding the perfect finial is like going on a treasure hunt. Also the pages are removable for easy painting and journaling.

Enjoy

 

Recently off the bench

 

 I have been building inventory for the "Celebration of Creativity" art show March 6-9 in Beaverton OR.

"Up a Creek"

 This group is titled "Sail Away" I will also be teaching them at Small Studio in May and Art Unraveled in Aug.

"Fishing for Stars"

 

For some reason I used a magnifier the other day and really saw what I was doing...that was good and bad. I started to obsess on every little flaw. It's funny how you need to train yourself for a new tool even a magnifier. I will find the balance and know when to just let it be.

 I will have large Santos in the show as well and will be teaching them at all the retreats including Art and Soul  April in OR and Oct in VA.

 

"Dreams of Wings"

I have been so random on the blog I would like to invite you to follow me on Facebook it's under my name Tory Brokenshire. I post daily and enjoy the interaction with everyone - hope to see you there.