Inspired Ceramics

Happy Summer, Everyone!

Many of you already know that much of my work was published in the Visual Arts textbook a while back. I was flattered and happy to share my work with students in Western Australia, where this textbook is in use during the school year.

Recently I received an email from Lynda Kuntyj (one of the authors) with a photo attached. The subject of the email was "Inspired Ceramics" and the photo shows a bowl full of pots that were inspired by my "mouth of the pot" series:

The quality of the photo isn't the greatest (no offense, Lynda!), but you get the idea. Seeing the variety of expressions on these little pots just makes me smile.

A few of the published works are featured here, so you can see what inspired the students. Above: Talking Pot. Below: Say "Ah" Pot.

Above: Whistle Pot. Below: Pomegranate Pot.

Chuck Pot (below) was so named because the nose resembled that of my friend, Theresa Knight McFadden's husband, Chuck :)

Inspiration for art is all around us--in language (as in the mouth of a pot), on the street, in the newspaper, everywhere! Be mindful when you're out and about. You may just get inspired to create something wonderful!

Congratulations to Mr. Hugo!

In case you missed it, our very own Mr. Hugo has been nominated for the 2011 Henry Award for his work, The Life and Times of Ol' Alfred. Congratulations, Hugo!

Many of you already know that "Mr. Hugo" (Hugo Jon Sayles) is a talented actor, director, and writer. He has quite a few literary projects in the works, and I'm thrilled and honored that he asked me to illustrate some of his childrens' books. That said, I'll be spending a large part of my summer vacation working on illustrations.  :)

Also from The Denver Post, Shadow Theatre's new venue :)

Art Show, Spring 2011

Here are a few highlights from the Spring Art Show and Open House. The classes represented here include ATCs and Art in Miniature, Jewelry Making, and Ceramics I, II, and III, and are only a tiny sample of what was actually displayed during our last day of school.

Train by Alesia C., mixed media miniature

Almost Done by Keith C., mixed media miniature

Untitled, scratch art ATC by Stefan M.

The Zombies Want Apples, mixed media miniature by Katie I.

Snoopy, mixed media miniature by Joel Z.

Students in Jewelry Making created their own pendants using glass beads and wire. Once done, the pendants were attached to glass bead necklaces. My photos don't do them justice! :)

A Sampling of 2nd Semester Ceramics classes:

Alex's Apple Canopic Jar, whistle, and spirit ball (above).

Tasha's slab, coil, and pinch work.

Keith C.'s Canopic Jar was all about Money!

Chloe (above), Joe, and Shaelyn (below) displayed some of their handbuilt works . . .

Valencia M.'s Goddess Canopic Jar, artist stamp, pinch, slab, and coil works (below) . . .

Brothers Joel and Dillon Z. proudly display their Canopic Jars and other handbuilt works in the Art Show . . .

Matthew I.'s advanced work in Ceramics II earned him the chance to do CIII projects!

It was a FANTASTIC year for HSC art classes! We all learned a lot (including the art teacher!) and I'm thoroughly looking forward to the lineup of classes we're offering next year. New to the roster for 2011-2012 are: 

Art Books

Jewelry Making II

Digital Photography (Miss Heather)

Also new for next year: WWA and HSC will be increasing their web presence to include a school-wide blog, which brings about another change. I'll be blogging at the new site and will retain this site for my non-HSC classes (private art classes) and a few other things to be revealed later. That's the "teaser" to keep you coming back! Hope you all have a fun summer! I'll see you in the fall!

Big Hugs,

Miss Robin

PS: Remember to keep doing your artwork over the summer, and please bring in your work during the 1st and 2nd weeks of school. I can't wait to see what you've been up to :)