Friday, April 17, 2009

A rainy Friday.


It was raining so hard this morning, that I was forced to call my sister to ask her to drive me to creative therapy. It was a hard decision to make and I had my druthers about asking her and I even thought that she would refuse to drive me there, but I called anyway and she agreed to take me whilst letting me know that she was very busy, but I just thought, "Don't go shopping where the store is closed," and waited patiently for her to pick me up.

We were there in a jiffy by car and she agreed to pick me up at 12:30, while all the while she was letting me indirectly know what a great inconvenience it was to her, by telling me all the things she had to do today, but I've had a change of attitude and think that I should just let her talk and not let it bother me one bit, because really, what's the big deal?

I had brought two small books with me to start on an altered book, so when I walked in, I said to the creative therapist that I was not going to work with clay anymore and that I was going to do something completely different.

So, together we pulled my attempt at a free form sculpture of it's pin and then I was allowed to drop and pound all the clay back into a rectangle so it would fit into its bag again and this was a lot of fun. You drop it from a great height onto the table surface and listen to it go splat and mesh into a solid form. You do this repeatedly until it is one solid rectangle.

Then something fun happened. A lot of the sculptures that we had worked on were pulled out of the oven and there were three of mine there. That meant that we got the paints and the paint brushes out and went to work on the sculptures.

I painted mine black at first and then with three shades of bronze and one shade of gold gave them a patine color, which is tricky if you've never done it before, but lots of fun once you get the hang of it. I was determined to get them done today, because together they weighed 7 kilos and I would not be able to get them home by bike. One of them was even to fragile for that.

I worked as quickly as I could, while still doing a good job, and got finished just on time. We packed them in a box with plastic bags as cushioning material and off I went to the exit where my sister was just driving up in her car, so the timing was perfect.

The Frog

Sitting Figure

Reclining Figure.

There is another sculpture I made that's not done yet, that's quite big and I hope it's done next week, because I would like to finish it and have them all home. Sort of as a done project that I am finished with. I have proved to myself that I can do this and may do it again in the future, but for now I am finished with it, I think.

When I got home, I moved some things around and gave each sculpture a proper place and hope to God the cats don't knock anything over. Things seem pretty solid, but you never know.

The Exfactor came over with the memory stick and stayed for one cup of coffee and four cookies. He braved the rain to come here, but as a serious motorcycle rider, that ought not to faze him one bit. He was dressed for it. He bragged about the enormous puddles he drove through. They were pretty much the size of ponds or small lakes, not to mention the mud he encountered.

I had to wait for a lull in the rain to go to the tobacco shop to pick up my weekly supply of tobacco, which they keep behind the counter, which makes it all look very clandestine. All we have to do is start nudging and winking a lot and look at the customers very suspiciously.

It rained a little bit when I took out the Überhund, but he didn't mind, as long as it's not a downpour. He isn't smelly yet, so that's good.

The Exfactor gave me some extra photographs, so I'll pick some of those out to add to this post. I'll give you all the entertainment you want. I have these in large format, so if your name is John and you want some of these, just give me a holler.



That's all I've got to tell you for today, folks. It's time to put my pajamas on and watch the news and be ever so cozy on the sofa.

Have a great evening and let's hope for some nice weather tomorrow.

Ciao...

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am really beginning to appreciate pictures of the trees and nature, they are such an interesting subject to photograph.

I think I would agree about you and your sister, she shouldn't be inconvenienced when helping out her sister. Family is so important. Maybe one day she will realise.

CJ xx

aims said...

I haven't read all your post yet Irene because I had to rush here and comment about your clay figures.

I can't believe you are giving it up when you are so incredibly talented! They are stunning! Wow! You really are good! And knowing you've never done this before I am just amazed!

Oh Irene. Don't let me force you - but don't give it up. Maybe put it aside - but don't give it up. You are just too talented. And believe me - I've looked at a lot of pottery!

Mean Mom said...

Your sculptures are an absolute knockout and the finish is wonderful! As far as your sister is concerned - well, at least you didn't get wet and you got your sculptures home. I do like the photo of the tree with the fence.

lebanesa said...

yay you - sculptures. yum. they are wow.
I can see that you are really being taught how to do these things properly.
The fact that you didn't feel they were working as you wished is your decision. The books are another thing to do - I love book art and look forward to that. You can always go back to the sculpture if you like. Supportive positive therapy. all good.

Your sister has issues. You know that. Never mind. She is what she is and she is there for you in her own sort of way.

Sounds like a pretty good day in all.

hugs
xxx

lebanesa said...

BTW - I laughed out loud about the EXfactor and his lakes. He is a true romantic.
But he is a kind man and I still remember how he looked after you in some of those terrible times. No matter things went wrong and you were unhealthy together, he is a good friend.

Wisewebwoman said...

Bravissima Irena!
Lovely work, you are extraordinarily talented, what is the book project? I'm keen to find out.
Also your sister's attitude has nothing to do with you, it is her baggage and let her sort it.
XO
WWW

Jean Levert Hood said...

Finally I get to see your work, Irene!! I love your sculptures! Very creative, lovely.

Now I will wait to see what you decide to do next.

I enjoy the Exfactor's photos!

Take care, J

Breakfast in California said...

I think it's great that you didn't rise to your sister's bait. And I love your figures. Perhaps you'll go back to clay someday. I can't wait to see the altered book project. We went to an exhibit of those sorts of works last month.

Sounds like you had a good day!

Maggie May said...

It was rainy here all Friday too. Very murky and cold. Hope today will be better.
Your sculptures are very impressive...... especially the first one. You have imaginative talent, Irene & I'm sure whatever artistic thing you attempt in the future will be fine & you will produce something good.
Photos are great and I have pictures of the Exfactor coming over on his motorcycle like a knight in shining armour on a stealthy steed!
When it comes to family..... we have to accept them as they are. Only way to keep from flipping, and I think you motto about the shop is brilliant & I shall certainly remember it.

Tessa said...

WHOOSH <---- that's me...blown away! Irene! Those sculptures are simply stunning - what an incredible talent you have. I must, must show the photographs of your work to my sister who is also a sculptor and potter. Are these the first you've ever done? Seriously, Irene, I am staggered. They are quite outstanding.

And I must reiterate what 'aims' said - you absolutely cannot stop. Please, please go back to clay at some stage - you have a gift. Seriously.

Hehehe, I had to giggle at your description of the Exfactor's amazing feats of daring on his motorbike! And for some reason, the precisely stated 'cup of coffee and four biscuits' made me hoot with laughter as well... xxxox

San said...

I am impressed by your clay sculpture! Very expressive.

And I could do with a little dropping clay from above and hearing it go splat. YOWZA.

VioletSky said...

Yay, we finally get to see examples of your talent. You are very imaginative. I think you should try any kind of art that strikes your fancy - you can always return to the one that feels just right for you. It is "creative therapy" afterall, so don't feel bound by one form.

flowers said...

Hey you, I love your sculptures...post more pics! Can I put in an order for one? :-) Also...your grandson turned 11 on Friday. Time flies... xoxo your kiddo