دسته: شهرسازی

  • How to use color harmony in colored pencil drawing – Veronica Winters Painting

    How to use color harmony in colored pencil drawing – Veronica Winters Painting


    veronica winters colored pencil

    When you begin realistic drawing in colored pencil, the artistic aim is to copy what you see in front of you or your reference. Beginners in colored pencil drawing pay attention to small things like details and textures, and they’re important. However, they become truly important only when the basic drawing is in place. If you begin shading one spot and forget about the rest of your composition, you might end up having a colored pencil drawing that has no consistency or unity in color harmony and composition. In this article, I’d like to share a few strategies I often employ using color harmony to create mood and atmosphere in colored pencil drawing. Let me give you some ideas on how to use color harmony in colored pencil drawing so you can discover your unique approach to drawing.

    Another extensive article on colored pencil portrait drawing and the use of values and color: https://veronicasart.com/realistic-colored-pencil-portrait-drawing-guide/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFdssDSWL3c

    Color wheel use in colored pencil drawing

    While the color wheel isn’t everything for colorful pencil drawing, you do need to know these basic definitions and color triads.

    Definitions:

    • Hue – means color. Red, green, yellow, etc.
    • Value – means how light or dark the shading is.
    • Chroma – is the color’s strength or color intensity. Colors can be super intense or muted.
    • Value – the lightness or darkness of a color.
    • Color Intensity – the saturation or purity of a color.
    • Neutralized color – the color with less intensity that’s either grayed down or mixed with its complement.
    • Local color – the natural color of an object as it appears in daylight (green of the cucumber or blue of the blueberries). Art students see only local colors in objects rather than the colors of light and reflections.
    This is a page from my coloring book titled “How to color like an artist“, in which I explain basic color theory as well. My art instruction book, titled “The Colored Pencil Manual” has the entire chapter devoted to color theory for advanced artists.

    I know it’s difficult to remember all the definitions, and I strongly recommend buying a color wheel because it’s visual. You can rotate the dial to see complementary colors, triads, etc. I still use it every time I design my colored pencil drawings. You can buy it at any art supply store or on Amazon.

    Color Wheel is available on Amazon.
    • Primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. If you put all three primary colors (making them equal in intensity), your colored pencil drawing will be screaming with too much color.
    • Secondary colors are orange, violet, and green. They’re mixed with two primary hues.
    • Complementary colors in colored pencil drawing are opposite each other on the color wheel. Complements intensify each other. You don’t want to have all the complements in one drawing for that reason. Red-Green, Violet-Yellow, Blue-Orange.
    • Analogous colors in colored pencil drawing are hues adjacent to one another on the color wheel.
    Analogous colors: red-red-orange-orange
    Analogous colors: green-green-blue-blue
    • Triadic colors in colored pencil drawing –
    • Split complementary colors in colored pencil drawing – are the colors on either side of a color’s complement. For instance, if your primary color is blue, your split-complementary colors would be yellow-orange and red-orange. Violet’s complementary color is yellow, and its split-complementary colors are yellow-green and yellow-orange. Blue-purple and red-purple are split complementary colors. Red and green are opposite each other on the color wheel, so red-orange and blue-green are split complementary colors. Split-complementary colors seem to be less color-intense.
    • Tetradic colors in colored pencil drawing are a color scheme that uses four colors that are equally spaced around the color wheel. The four colors are made up of two sets of complementary colors, which are also known as double complementary colors. To be honest, I don’t think this color scheme is very useful, although you can try it, of course. I think it’s too many bright colors competing for attention unless you use a single dominant color in this color scheme.
    • monochromatic color harmonies- colors composed of variations of the same hue but different in color intensity and value. Red is a hue. Its monochromatic variant is pink and maroon.
    koh-i-noor colored pencils review
    color wheel_color intensity-color harmony blog
    Color wheel & Color intensity:
    Color Intensity – the saturation or purity of a color. Neutral colors are mostly browns, but
    Neutralized color is any color with less intensity that’s either grayed down or mixed with its complement.

    Colored pencils don’t mix to grey unlike oil, acrylic and watercolor paint. Therefore you need to use grey colored pencils to neutralize the color so that there are 1-3 dominant colors in the picture, and the rest are neutralized. By using the grey colors you create selective focus as well as beautiful, subtle color variations and texture. In the closeup drawing below you can see grayed down fabric. I shaded with some bright hues first and then added light greys over them.

    Blue lily dream, 20x30 inches, colored pencil on art board by Veronica Winters
    Blue lily dream, 20×30 inches, colored pencil on art board by Veronica Winters

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZLdARPsFxI

    How to use color harmony to create mood and atmosphere in colored pencil drawing

    I’d like to share 5 drawing tips on using color harmony to make your colored pencil drawings more realistic.

    1. Consider overall color harmony design in your colored pencil drawing

    Decide on the overall color theme of your colored pencil drawing. Is it light or dark? Is it monochromatic or in full color? How do you decide? Look at your main reference to see the dominant color. Make that particular color your main focus in colored pencil shading. Everything else should be less color intense to support the dominant color. The color harmony you decide on may not be unique to you, but you make it unique by choosing the unusual point of view, stroke, or subject. Your choice of a dominant color(s) and contrast determines the mood in the drawing. For example, light blues and pinks look serene, while deep reds and blacks make us feel very different.

    veronica winters colored pencil drawing-how to use colored pencil for beginners
    If you look carefully, the only dominant color here is light blue-turquoise. Everything else is grayed down using colored pencil shading in greys and less bright hues. The overall theme is light. The dominant color is present throughout the composition. It’s reflected in the silver plate. It’s noticeable in the background and crochet.

    2. Test your colors to decide on the best color harmony

    Once you decide on your leading colors for your drawing, look at your colored pencils to pick the colors from that color family.

    Test your colored pencils on your drawing paper to have consistent color harmony and shading. If you see lots of blue in your reference, test all your blues to see which ones look similar to your picture. Start testing these colors right next to your reference, and you’ll notice that some colors are off and don’t look right as your main hue. If you have a big box of colored pencils, you have many similar colors. You don’t need to use them all in one drawing because you can adjust your pencil pressure drawing in one blue to get a range of blue tones that’s similar to several various colored pencils.

    colored pencil techniques
    If you’re testing dark blue colored pencils based on your reference, do you see that not all of them fit that particular color range? Many blue colored pencils are too light or too greenish to be considered for the dark blue range.

    3. Keep it simple to create consistent color harmony

    Shade all shadows in one color first. Students love to jump around the picture, using all possible colored pencils to draw the portrait. Instead, pick one color to shade all your shadows first. Colored pencil shading in one color is key to creating volume in portrait drawing.

    veronica winters colored pencil
    In this example, you can see that I picked a single purple colored pencil to shade the deepest darks first. When I’m done with basic underpainting in one color, I shade with other colored pencils, layering them one by one.

    You can make personal colored pencil drawings by focusing on a familiar subject that has unique story line or idea. For example, we all know how the human heart looks like but by designing my own composition and color scheme, I make my colored pencil drawing look different from everyone else’s.

    blooming heart in steps-veronica winters colored pencil drawing
    Here you can see that I used one dominant color – red for the shading of the heart and another one – dark green for the leaves. Because I created this colored pencil drawing on a light grey paper I also marked the highlights with white not to lose them by accident.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WleeubdTbg

    4. Add more tested colors to develop contrast in your color harmony

    Most colors are warm and cool. This includes reds, greens, blues, and even greys. Some are neutral, like browns. You must consider how light or dark they are. You can’t create a very dark shadow using light pink. You can’t shade around the highlight with a dark blue ( because dark blue is too dark for shading in the light).

    Build contrast by having a range of tones in your colored pencil drawing going from very light colors to very dark ones. Of course, not all references call for it but keep it as a guideline for your art and colored pencil shading.

    Most colors are warm and cool. This includes reds, greens and blues. Some are neutral like browns. You also must consider how light or dark they’re to build contrast in shading.

    5. Look at your colored pencil drawing from a distance!

    You lose all the details by looking at your art from a distance. You do see the inconsistencies in color, awkward shapes, weak shadows and highlights, or undefined edges.

    If you consider all 5 rules, you will be able to draw a photorealistic colored pencil drawing that has unity in color.

    how to draw glass

    On using color harmony to create unique and personal colored pencil drawings

    veronica winters colored pencil art, mushroom heart
    mushroom heart, 10×16, veronica winters colored pencil drawing

    I’d like to share my approach to using color harmony to create unique and personal colored pencil drawings. I think it may be useful for advanced artists interested in colored pencil art.

    veronica winters colored pencil

    #1 Start with a good idea

    Have a good idea in mind of what colored pencil drawing you want to create. The idea is a visual story in color, subject, or light. It doesn’t have to be the figure. It could be one object displayed in a unique light, rotation, or point of view in the artist’s drawing. This is the artistic vision and interpretation of a “boring” object that becomes fun to look at because of your unique interpretation of it. You can train yourself to see the world more creatively by improving your photography, reading, looking at art masterpieces, and contemporary art.

    I have a folder where I save art to learn from done by other artists. I study unique color choices, composition and subject. Sometimes, the subject isn’t new but the approach to drawing it is totally unique.

    veronica winters colored pencil
    Lambent space, Veronica Winters colored pencil drawing, 19x25in

    My idea starts from my imagination, reading, travel, emotions and thoughts. One day I imagined a seated figure with light passing through his body. I also imagined a rain of hearts above the figure. I made notes of this idea on my phone…I wanted to depict energy, chakras and the colors of the Universe in this colored pencil drawing of Buddha. I came home and started thinking of my references to illustrate this concept.

    #2 Pick high-quality references for realistic colored pencil drawing

    At first I wanted to paint a real person but I had no references of the pose. So I browsed pictures from my Thailand trip folder. I saw so many beautiful Buddhas and palaces there…And this green Buddha was made of semitransparent stone that looked like glass.

    You need to pay attention where your references come from. Sometimes you can’t enter competitions drawing from someone else’s photo. Other times, you don’t have an emotional connection to the picture which is not yours. Or you need to get a photo release that takes time and effort. Personally I try to use my references but when it’s impossible to do, I go to Pixabay to find inspiration and you can too! Pictures are of high-quality and free for commercial use. The only problem with them is that they’re Photoshoped heavily. You must see if you have enough information to draw from as most filters remove warm/cool contrast from pictures.
    
    
    This is my original idea, designed in Photoshop. I used a combination of my pictures to illustrate the visual reference to draw from. As you can see, I made considerable changes to the final drawing.

    Picking the right references is not enough. They need to “connect” with each other in light and color temperature.

    I always design my images around the main subject. I place it first and put smaller shapes around it. In this example, the largest shape is Buddha’s image, and my design revolves around the figure. I used the ruler to make straight lines and place the hearts. I cut a heart-shaped template to have a consistent shape in my colored pencil drawing. I use Photoshop to plan the design as much as possible by layering and moving elements around the main figure to arrive at a perfect composition.

    step-by-step drawing on Canson Colorline paper

    #3 Decide on your color harmony in colored pencil drawing

    This drawing has quite a sophisticated color scheme. My color harmony is a combination of cool red, green, and cool, bluish white.

    My tip is to focus on picking 1-2 main colors in your color harmony. It doesn’t mean that you use just two colored pencils for that. It means that you pick the basic scheme, say, ‘yellow-purple’ and design your colored pencil drawing in these colors. The rest of them should be grayed down or become less prominent to support the main hues.
    

    #4 Pick the right toned paper for your specific color harmony

    veronica winters colored pencil
    Lambent space, closeup, Veronica Winters colored pencil drawing, 19x25in
    I love drawing on Canson Colorline paper because it comes in a variety of bright colors. The texture is not overwhelming, and colored pencils become very vibrant when drawing on this paper. (I’m linking to this paper on Amazon, but I find that DickBlick Art Materials online store has much better choices. Amazon sells a lot of fake products positioned as real ones. Be careful. Buy your art supplies from established shops. Read one-star reviews to understand if the products are fake or not. I bought several art supplies that were listed with professional images, yet the received supplies were knockoffs from China.

    Once you have picked your main color scheme, say ‘yellow-purple’, look at the color of your drawing paper. In general, don’t draw on yellow paper if your main color is ‘yellow’. Don’t draw on a purple drawing paper if your main color is ‘purple’. Pick the opposite color of paper (like green or orange) and test the colored pencils on it. Test a few colored pencils on it to see how vibrant or dull they are. Some colors may disappear on colored paper, and others would be super bright.

    #5 Have consistent shading in your colored pencil drawing

    Begin shading the shadows first using one color. Don’t jump around the picture with many colors. Pick one color and shade all the darks with it. Mark the highlights with white colored pencil (or reserve the space for your highlights if you draw on white paper). Lastly, shade the middle tones connecting the darks with the lights.

    Shade with the softest colored pencils, filling in large areas. If you start working with harder colored pencils like Polychromos, it might be frustrating to fill in a large space. I save a lot of time and hustle for myself by drawing with the softest pencils like Prismacolor Premier and Luminance or Pablos, and then switching to harder pencils like Polychromos to work on the details in my colored pencil drawing.

    Have fun creating your super vibrant colored pencil drawings with beautiful and unique color harmonies!

    buddha art-veronica winters colored pencil
    Lambent space, Veronica Winters colored pencil drawing, 19x25in, Canson Colorline drawing paper, lightfast colored pencils ( Faber-Castell Polychromos, Luminance and Prismacolor Premier colored pencils)

    You can learn a lot more about color and color harmonies by taking my video course, where I explain the properties of color and how you can design your images around color. I share my secretfor picking a perfect color scheme for my colored pencil drawings every time.

    Design your perfect color harmony by taking this course:
    https://veronica-winters-art-school.teachable.com/p/color-crush-course-for-colored-pencil-artist-by-veronica-winters

    Colored pencil drawing on Ampersand pastelbord

    This board could be an alternative to drawing on colored paper, but you must consider the disadvantages of working on it with a colored pencil.

    I like to experiment with different surfaces drawing in colored pencil, searching for the most archival support for my art. Since most people find the colored pencil work inferior to oil painting and even pastel painting, finding the right, archival surface takes the fear away from your clients who wish to buy your artwork otherwise.

    This slightly sanded, colored pastelbord by Amersand is similar to the 800 grit Uart paper, which is great for soft pastel painting. Just like the Uart paper, the pastelbord has similar advantages and disadvantages to using it in colored pencil drawing.

    Advantages:

    • Ampersand offers a nice variety of colors: sand, dark green, white, gray, and other neutral colors. It takes much less time to shade on a colored surface rather than on white.
    • Artworks look vividly drawn on this board.
    •  This archival surface is durable. It doesn’t bend or crumble, stays flat at all times.
    • It offers easy display without a glass. Just make sure you fix your art beforehand with 3 layers of final fixative. Now you have neither glass reflections nor fear of transporting the art!
    • The Ampersand pastelbords come in standard sizes that make it super easy to frame them!

    Disadvantages:

    • Colored pencil shading on pastelbord is limited. It accepts a few layers of pigment.
    • It “eats” my colored pencils. If you buy expensive, lightfast pencils, they don’t last long drawing on this surface, and you’d have to replenish them quite often.
    • It’s best to use harder pencils on these boards. I use Pablo’s to fill in all the details.
    • The boards cost more than the average drawing paper, of course.
    rose colored pencil by veronica winters
    Pink rose, 9×12 inches, lightfast colored pencils on pastelbord, in private collection
    peacock feathers
    Peacock feathers, 5×7 inches, lightfast colored pencils on pastelbord, in private collection

    colored pencil manual veronica winters how to color like an artist_coloring book_veronica winters
    These art instruction books are on sale on Amazon!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moe99sjFvd0

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaDyhypmWwY

    One mistake every beginner makes!

    Art Supplies:

    Colored Pencils:

    Drawing paper:

    Spray fixative for drawings:

    Other art supplies:

    Tombow mono eraser: https://amzn.to/3yOVmMT

    I’m an Amazon affiliate. You can find these brands at other art supply sites as well.



    Source link

  • Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Leon Trotsky Museums in Mexico City – Veronica Winters Painting

    Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Leon Trotsky Museums in Mexico City – Veronica Winters Painting


    Casa Azul, the Frida Kahlo’s house in Mexico City: is it worth the visit ?

    Located in the Xochimilco district, Coyoacán neighbohood of Mexico City, the Blue House is the home and studio of famous surrealist female artist – Frida Kahlo. She is the most known Mexican painter promoted across numerous art museums in the US. Frida Kahlo was an amateur surrealist painter, a feminist icon, and a wife of famous Mexican muralist – Diego Rivera whom she married in 1929.

    frida blue house courtyard
    Frida’s courtyard: a cobalt-blue house pulsates with the vibrant spirit of Frida Kahlo.

    The Casa Azul (Blue House) was built in 1904, long before Frida was born. It became her childhood home, a witness to her joy, pain, and unwavering passion for art. Here, amidst splashes of cobalt blue and Mexican folk art, the house became a shared haven for the artist’s tumultuous yet creative partnership with Diego Rivera. The Casa Azul museum doesn’t display famous art by Frida but mostly exhibits personal objects, small art, photography, pre-Columbian sculptures, documents, books and furniture of the artist.

    frida blue house courtyard

    The museum is a living space, infused with the echoes of Frida’s presence. Temporary exhibitions inside the house weave narratives around her life and art, while well-maintained lush garden, once Frida’s sanctuary, invites quiet contemplation.

    Stepping into Frida’s World: the studio

    Stepping into the museum is like stepping into Frida’s soul. Her studio, one of the rooms in the house, displays art supplies, objects, easel and inspiration of the artist. The windows bath the studio in warm light and provide the views into green-blue courtyard. It’s impossible not to notice that this house with a studio is modest in contemporary terms but it was definitely specious and cozy for that time period.

    In the “Studio” room the easel takes a prominent space, which was given by Nelson Rockefeller to Frida Kahlo. This picture also captures the artist’s table with art supplies, books and pictures.

    A Tangled Triangle: Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Leon Trotsky

    Both Frida and Diego Rivera were fascinated with the socialist ideology and supported its ideals via art. Rivera painted several murals with political messages. They both had a very close relationship with Leon Trotsky whose house was just a few steps away from theirs.

    Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera had a tumultuous relationship. Although they shared passion and love for each other, Frida weathered many infidelities by her husband, and entered into extramarital affairs herself. In 1937, Leon Trotsky, the exiled Russian revolutionary, found refuge in Mexico, courtesy of Diego Rivera’s political leanings. He and his wife Natalia Sedova moved into Casa Azul, creating an unorthodox mix. As Diego became increasingly disillusioned with Trotsky’s political stances, Frida and Trotsky were known to have a short-lived affair, fueled by intellectual connection and perhaps a desire for revenge against Diego’s infidelity. When Trotsky and Natalia moved out, the friendship between Frida and Diego fractured, and Frida poured her emotional turmoil into her art, most notably the poignant “Self-Portrait Dedicated to Leon Trotsky.”

    “Casa Azul” presents a collection of personal mementos, books, pictures, traditional Mexican crafts, pottery, etc. There is a display of medical corsets and costumes that reveal the depth of her struggles.
    frida kahlo  museum review
    Further down in the museum you’ll find a wall display of Frida’s crutches, corsets and medicines the artist used after her numerous surgeries.

    The Artist’s Bedroom

    The artist’s bedroom is modest with the mirror that her mother had put into her room after the accident. Unable to move for almost a year, Frida began to paint in her bed.

    Kitchen

    Kitchen space at the Frida’s house-museum. While the rooms are specious, you can see modest furniture, pottery, artifacts, folk art and personal items of the artists reflecting Mexican culture of that time period.

    Frida’s dresses

    A collection of Frida Kahlo’ dresses. Saint, muse, lover, victim and survivor. Frida Kahlo is the very model of the bohemian artist.

    “Writer Carlos Fuentes described how Frida’s arrival at the Palacio de Bellas Artes would be announced by the sound of her jewellery and how the architectural grandeur of the palace, its paintings and the captivating music of its concerts would be instantaneously outshone by her striking presence. Some of her closest friends have described how Kahlo would take special care in choosing each one of her garments, styling herself from head to toe, with the most beautiful silks, lace, shawls and skirts, some of which can be admired in this gallery. On the street, children would ask her “Where is the circus?” and she would just smile graciously and continue walking.

    October 1937 marked a major step for Frida’s future influence in the fashion world, when Vogue featured her for the first time in the pages of the magazine. Later, in 1939, André Breton organized Kahlo’s first exhibition in Paris. It was called Mexique and her Tehuana dress became an instant sensation among European elites. It is said that star designer of the day Elsa Schiaparelli created a dress in her honor that was named ‘La Robe Madame Rivera.

    It was the Tehuana dress that Kahlo chose as her signature dress; to define her identity and to portray her cultural heritage and political beliefs. Her wardrobe is mostly composed of Mexican traditional pieces from Oaxaca and other parts of the country. Nonetheless, there are also ethnic garments from Guatemala and China, as well as an interesting collection of European and American blouses. Kahlo used to combine these pieces to style herself and her favorite colors were red, green, blue, black and white. The development of her distinctive style as a blend of traditional Mexican and European fashion, as well as the fundamental effects of her disabilities, is represented through this selection of Kahlo’s most iconic looks. Kahlo as a bohemian artist, a Tajuana, a hybrid – representing her own mixed European and Mexican blood.”

    1. Carlos Fuentes, introduction to The Diary of Frida Kahlo,
    New York, Abrama, Ine, 1995, p. 7. 2. Hayden Herrers, preface to Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo,
    United States, Harper Perennial, 2002, p. X

    Transforming Grief into Legacy:

    Frida Kahlo is a symbol of female empowerment and artistic defiance in art history of the West. Her story, whispered through the cobalt-blue walls, continues to inspire artists and dreamers alike. Frida died in 1954. Grief-stricken, Diego Rivera set about creating a lasting tribute to her life and work. He transformed the house into a museum, officially inaugurating it in 1958. It was his way of keeping her spirit alive, sharing her story with the world.

    Is it worth your visit?

    While the museum has a historic value of course, it’s rather small in today’s terms, crowded, and doesn’t have as much art as you may think could be found there. It also requires advanced purchase of tickets stamped with day and time. So if you plan to visit it, you must purchase the tickets before traveling to Mexico. Personally, I didn’t find the house fascinating but the Rivera’s Pyramid- museum was really interesting and definitely worth your visit! The Blue House ticket price includes the visit to the Anahuacalli. Be aware that it’s located in a different part of town and we used Uber to go there.

    Address: Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Visit: https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/visita/

    Anahuacalli: A Temple of pre-Hispanic art rising from Diego Rivera’s passion

    Diego Rivera pyramid ANAHUACALLI MUSEUM-veronica winters art blog
    Diego Rivera pyramid museum or ANAHUACALLI MUSEUM in Mexico City. The Museum houses more than 45,000 pieces, 2,000 on permanent display. In 1941, Diego began building the Anahuacalli, an architectural blend of modern art and pre-Columbian culture. The artist bought the land to build a cultural destination for artists and art enthusiasts alike. Each corner of the building has four elements – the goddess of corn and earth- Chicomecóatl; the god of wind and air- Ehécatl; the god of fire-Huehuetéotl, and the god of water and rain – Tláloc.

    The eruption of Xitle, in the year 400 BC, created a landscape of layers of lava that, when solidified, formed an ecosystem of desert plants. The architecture of Anahuacalli was integrated into this biosphere, thought by Diego as a sacred receptacle in connection with the underworld.

    from the museum’s website

    Rising from volcanic rock, the Anahuacalli’s name, derived from the Nahuatl language, translates to “house surrounded by water”. Throughout his life, Rivera amassed a vast collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts, captivated by the history, wisdom and beauty of ancient Mexican cultures. He dreamt of a space to house these treasures, not just as a collector, but as a storyteller, an educator, and an artist himself.

    One of the halls inside the museum displaying sketches done by Diego Rivera.

    In 1943, Rivera began translating his vision into reality. He designed the Anahuacalli, drawing inspiration from Mayan and Aztec pyramids, using volcanic rock and concrete to create a sense of permanence and power. The building’s façade features sculptures reminiscent of pre-Hispanic iconography, hinting at the treasures within. The building consists of different levels with a varied amount of natural light, symbolizing a journey from the underworld to the sun. As a collector, Diego Rivera amassed over 45 thousand pieces of pre-Columbian art – comprising Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit and Michoacán.

    Inside, the museum unfolds like a journey through time. Dark rooms showcase Rivera’s collection of over 6,000 pre-Columbian artifacts – terracotta figurines, masks, ceremonial objects – each whispering stories of forgotten civilizations. Rivera carefully arranged these pieces, not as mere exhibits, but as characters in a grand narrative, weaving together threads of mythology, ritual, and daily life. Ancient figurines are fascinating to look at as they are varied and represent different time periods. This museum is as interesting as the Archeological museum in Mexico City.

    The Anahuacalli was envisioned as a cultural space, a “City of Arts,” where artists of all disciplines could find inspiration and collaboration. He designed studios, gardens, and courtyards, dreaming of a vibrant hub where creativity could flourish across generations. Unfortunately, Rivera’s ambitious vision for the Anahuacalli remained largely unrealized. He passed away in 1957, leaving the project incomplete. His wife, Frida Kahlo, ensured the museum’s completion and official opening in 1964, though Rivera’s dream of a bustling “City of Arts” never materialized.

    Diego Rivera Museum: soviet star built on the floor’s terrace of the museum. Don’t forget to step out to see the views of the lava sea and rugged nature of the region in Mexico City from the rooftop of the museum. The Anahuacalli terrace offers views that inspired the artist to create this place.

    The Anahuacalli stands as a testament to Rivera’s legacy. It’s a well-organized, yet underrated art museum and an architectural marvel! Its pre-historic art collection is inspirational and educational for us to learn about the ancient wisdom and artistic spirit of the peoples of Mexico. It is a unique temple of Mexican art that you must see in person!

    Anahuacalli museum of Diego Rivera is showing a vast collection of pre-Hispanic figures. Throughout his lifetime, Diego Rivera collected numerous sculptures and objects of pre-Hispanic art. Later in life, he built the space to house his collection and for others to enjoy the archeological collection today.

    The ticket to the Frida Kahlo Museum includes admission to the Diego Rivera-Anahuacalli Museum! More information:https://museoanahuacalli.org.mx/

    Leon Trotsky’s Turbulent Exile in Mexico City: a story of defiance and assassination captured inside the house-museum

    Trotsky house-museum is situated very close to the Blue House and is worth your visit! It doesn’t require advanced reservations as it’s half-empty and obviously not as known to the West as Frida Kahlo’s art.

    Leon Trotsky museum review
    View from the street of Leon Trotsky’ house

    Leon Trotsky, a towering figure of the Russian Revolution, found himself ostracized and hunted after falling out of favor with Joseph Stalin. His exile in Mexico City from 1937 to 1940 was a period of immense personal struggle, marked by intellectual defiance, political isolation, and ultimately, a brutal assassination.

    From Revolutionary Hero to Exiled Pariah:

    Trotsky’s early life was a whirlwind of revolutionary fervor. A brilliant orator and organizer, he played a pivotal role in the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, becoming Lenin’s right-hand man. However, ideological clashes with Stalin led to his expulsion from the Communist Party and the Soviet Union in 1929. He embarked on a nomadic journey, bouncing from Turkey to France, Norway, and finally, Mexico, desperately seeking refuge.

    One of rooms in a spacious Trotsky house-museum

    Finding Solace in Coyoacán:

    Mexico City’s Coyoacán neighborhood offered Trotsky a temporary haven. He and his wife Natalia Sedova settled in a fortified compound, dubbed “Fortress Trotsky.” Despite the constant threat of Stalin’s assassins, Trotsky remained intellectually active. He wrote prolifically, criticizing Stalin’s regime and advocating for a global proletarian revolution. His magnum opus, “The Revolution Betrayed,” became a scathing indictment of Stalinism.

    House library at the Trotsky residence in Mexico City
    Bathtub at the Trotsky house

    A Beacon for Leftists, a Target for Stalin:

    Trotsky’s exile attracted a motley crew of supporters, including painters Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. His home became a hub for leftist intellectuals and revolutionaries, who saw him as a beacon of hope against Stalin’s tyranny. However, this notoriety also made him a prime target for Stalin’s agents. Assassination attempts became a grim reality, culminating in the tragic events of August 20, 1940.

    Leon Trotsky & Diego Rivera, one of many photographs displayed at the house-museum

    A Brutal End to a Tumultuous Life:

    Ramón Mercader, a Spanish communist recruited by Stalin’s secret police, infiltrated Trotsky’s inner circle. Gaining Trotsky’s trust, Mercader struck with an ice axe. While Trotsky initially survived, he succumbed to his injuries the next day. His assassination silenced a major critic of Stalinism and marked a tragic end to a life defined by revolutionary zeal and relentless pursuit of his ideals.

    Mexican police showing the ice axe used by Mercader in the crime killing Trotsky.

    Trotsky’s Legacy: A Complex Tale of Revolution and Exile

    Trotsky’s legacy remains complex and contested. He is revered by some as a champion of socialist democracy and a tireless fighter for the working class. Others condemn him for his role in the Bolshevik Red Terror and his unwavering commitment to a revolution that ultimately paved the way for Stalin’s dictatorship.

    His exile in Mexico City, however, stands as a testament to his unwavering defiance and intellectual commitment. Though ostracized and hunted, Trotsky remained a thorn in Stalin’s side, his voice echoing through his writings and inspiring future generations of revolutionaries. Trotsky’s story is a cautionary tale of the dangers of political idealism and the dark undercurrents of revolution. Yet, it also serves as a reminder of the power of dissent and the importance of fighting for one’s convictions, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

    To read more about Frida: https://veronicasart.com/frida-kahlo-art-in-st-petersburg/

    visionary art for sale
    Check out Visionary Art here: https://veronicasart.com/shop/



    Source link

  • Dreams to Doing | Gerit Grimm

    Dreams to Doing | Gerit Grimm


    Gerit Grimm | Episode 1027

    Gerit Grimm and I sat down at NCECA to talk about her journey with clay. In our conversation we also talked about her moving from being a dreamer to being a doing. She gave us insights from the importance of dreaming to taking action on the dreams.

    SPONSORS

    Image result for Patreon logo  You can help support the show!

    Skutt Logo

     

     

    Number 1 brand in America for a reason. Skutt.com

     

     

    Georgies Logo

     

    For all your ceramic needs go to Georgies.com

     

    Why is it important to dream?

    There were seven years of my life where I didn’t dream. My dad died and I lost all my dreams. People may not know but for seven years I had such a heavy depression and actually following something bigger than life, like the sailing dream, out me back onto my feet. Because now I have goose bumps. I realize people get depressed because they underchallenge themselves.

    Underchallenged. 

    And so when you are underchallenged you get depressed but when you follow big impossible assignments, and even failing and falling on your nose…when I posted I was afraid people would laugh but for me I wanted to fail big. So I realized that is the key to living is to not underchallenge yourself.

    When you have a new vision for life or for your ceramics what are your first steps of trying to achieve it? Do you have a notebook or scrapbook that you write them down in?

    I tried writing them down but it doesn’t work for me and what people suggested doesn’t work for me. I already heard from real big go getters that you don’t write it into your notebook, you write it on your calendar. And for me if I have an idea I just book the airplane ticket right then. Because you do it now or never. It goes away if you let it too long wait. I go to the studio if I have a vision and I try to make it. If I think too long about it I become hesitant and weak and then I don’t do it.

    So it’s taking action that gives you the drive to do the next thing?

    Oh my God, once you start you meet all these people who already started and you are like, What took me so long? Why did I waste seven years with depression? I think I got really slapped into my face in those seven years and now I have to make up for all the lost time I was a chicken, I was scared. Why would I be scared? I want to fail big at this point. Because I have only a few years left. I want to do it all.

    Why do you think having the dream and taking action…why do you think that is such a great medicine for depression?

    I don’t know. I experienced it. I experienced it and people are watching me and are like, Wow, you smile now. I don’t know, I guess it is because you really get to live what you were thinking as a child, you know? My dad always wanted to circumnavigate the world and he could never do it health wise and then he didn’t figure out how and I wanted to live it for him and I couldn’t figure it out and now I figured it out and now I got all the tools, you know. I got all the tools, I can do it now.

    What about road blocks. When we have a dream things get in the way. How do we get around them or over them?

    Little steps. Either we do it or time runs away. It’s hard to age too. I love that everyone around us ages the same. (laughter)

    Who is a woman who inspires you to chase your dreams?

    Well I don’t know enough about the sailing world but I know a bunch of artists in America. I would love to transform into them. Tip TolandCristina Cordova.

    I also have two artists in Europe that I adore. I adore Margaret Cottach and Vally Viziltear. One Austrian and one Hungarian. They were not alive but I adore their work. They sculpted using the wheel and making

    Book

    Gerit Grimm (Hardcover) - John Natsoulas Gallery

    Author: Tahlia Aghily

    Contact

    geritgrimm.com

    Instagram: @pricelesssailing





    Source link

  • 4 best papers for colored pencil drawing – Veronica Winters Painting


    4 best papers for colored pencil drawing


    In this episode I list 4 different surfaces for colored pencil drawing I use the most often. There are many more drawing papers of course. Share your ideas in the comments on YouTube or in messages on Instagram

    To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LdXTinmciDc

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdXTinmciDc

    Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com





    Source link

  • A Talk In The Lobby | Jody Lewis

    A Talk In The Lobby | Jody Lewis


    Jody Lewis | Episode 1028

    Born and raised in Alabama and Tennessee, Jody Lewis is a transplant to Canada. Having earned a bachelors in biology and  a master’s in public health, Jody assumed that he didn’t have a single creative bone in his body. But things started to change for Jody when a friend showed him all the work she had in a pottery class and he knew he had to give it a shot. After talking a 10 week course, Jody was obsessed! Jody has since turned this new passion into a small business venture that is thriving.

    SPONSORS

    Image result for Patreon logo  You can help support the show!

    Skutt Logo

     

     

    Number 1 brand in America for a reason. Skutt.com

     

     

    Georgies Logo

     

    For all your ceramic needs go to Georgies.com

     

    Do you have a making calendar for your year?

    Yes, I have a few. I am not an organized person but I try to fake it as best I can and I just have to have physical things to write things out. So I do have calendars, I have a yearly over arching where I write in the month what I want to do in those months and then I have weekly where I go Monday through Friday what I am actually going to do. And then I do a daily. What are my todays tasks.

    Could you do what you do and be profitable if you were willy nilly in your schedule?

    Oh man, I hate to say no because I know some people are. But there is a practical side of my brain that I try to fight that with everything. A lot of potter friends who are willy nilly , I don’t know, we talk about this a lot because people think I am so organized. But it’s the only way I can function. I can’t see making your income year to year if you are just changing all the variables. You have to keep some variables the same to carry over to the following year.

    How do you balance out your income when you come to months like January and February?

    I think this is probably a good point to bring up my partner. She is great for me and the business, she’s a huge supporter. She is sort of the reason I started doing this and she encouraged me to do it. She has helped so much with this business so I am in a privileged position that the pottery doesn’t have to pay all of our bills so it allows a lot of freedom to be able to kind of structure the business.

    Do you do things related to ceramics, like teaching or demos to make ends meet?

    I do teach. I love teaching. I don’t have the space for it so I have to work with my local community studio to do classes. I want to do more classes but it’s such a high demand teaching wise. The teachers have been there many years teaching their classes. There is a bit of shortage of that. I know virtual classes is something else to do. So I don’t really do a whole lot of that but I would like to get into that more.

    As a creative how do habits make you a better and more creative maker?

    Yeah, so I think structure for a lot of people feels like boundaries and it feels like limitations of them, but for me structure allows more time for creativity. So if I don’t structure the things I need to do, like making mugs or glazing or going through the process, if I don’t stick with the basics then I won’t have the time to make vases or have the more creative time. I am not sure if that really makes sense but in my brain it is like, Yes that is exactly how I work. I don’t know if there is a better way to say it but structure makes me be a better creative.

    Book

    Atomic Habits by James Clear

    Contact

    goodwheelceramics.com

    Instagram: @goodwheelceramics





    Source link

  • The Cup Show | NCECA 2024

    The Cup Show | NCECA 2024


    NCECA is always a blast and has so much to see and do that it is completely impossible to show up and do it all. With that in mind, I tended to miss the annual NCECA Cup Show just because I was so busy doing other things. This was to be different… Not only did I add a cup to the show, I also attended and interviewed a number of people. Below are some pictures from day. Sorry, a couple are little blurry, but it gives you sense of the event. Included is a picture of the cup I added.

    SPONSORS

    Image result for Patreon logo  You can help support the show!

    Skutt Logo

     

     

    Number 1 brand in America for a reason. Skutt.com

     

     

    Georgies Logo

     

    For all your ceramic needs go to Georgies.com

     

    Instagram: @nceca_ces





    Source link

  • How Art Improves Your Emotional Well-being – Veronica Winters Painting

    How Art Improves Your Emotional Well-being – Veronica Winters Painting


    Imagine this. We can feel confident and inspired by looking at bold brushstrokes of Sargent. Or, perhaps, we can find solace in Vermeer’s quiet portraits. Maybe, the gaze of Frida’s self-portraits can reflect our own inner strength. Visual art, in its myriad of forms and styles, is a keepsake of our emotions. Art is open to everyone, regardless of age, culture, country or education level thanks to art museums, books and the Internet.

    lady reading letters of Heloise and Abelard-1780-A. dAgesci
    A lady reading letters of Heloise and Abelard-1780 by Auguste Bernard d’Agesci, oil painting, Art Institute of Chicago

    The Science of Art & Emotion

    ingres-Princesse-de-Broglie-1853-closeup-of-face-and-jewelry-the-met-best-art-museums
    Ingres, Princess de Broglie, 1853, closeup, the Met, New York

    When we go to an art museum to marvel at the technical skills of artists, research reveals a deeper magic at play. Studies have shown that engaging with visual art can trigger a cascade of positive effects on our emotional and mental well-being:

    1.Reduced stress and anxiety: A 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that museum visits lowered cortisol levels, the stress hormone, in participants. Promoting relaxation, art can be a useful technique to lower your anxiety level without taking the prescription.

    2. Enhanced mood and happiness: A 2015 study by the University of Westminster revealed that looking at art increased feelings of pleasure and excitement in participants.

    3. Improved empathy and social connection: A 2020 study in PLOS One found that viewing art together fostered greater empathy and prosocial behavior among participants.

    Federico Uribe art, Adelson Galleries, 2023, Miami Art

    The Secret Weapon is Art Education

    The impact of visual art isn’t just for art nerds; it’s an effective tool for nurturing well-being from a young age. Art education is often ignored in public schools giving more value to sciences or sports. However, we have many parts to us and we grow emotionally by incorporating many subjects and social cues into our life. Art isn’t about making pretty pictures; rather it’s about:

    Building self-esteem and confidence: As children express themselves through art, they discover their unique creative voices, boosting their self-confidence and sense of accomplishment.

    Enhancing cognitive skills: Studies show that art education improves critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning skills, giving young minds a well-rounded workout.

    Fostering emotional intelligence: Through art, children learn to identify and express their emotions, developing a healthy vocabulary for their inner world. I think this is the most overlooked, yet most powerful application of art in our daily experiences.

    Creative thinking is not limited to arts. It often influences our business and social decisions.. Creativity is essential in problem solving, science exploration and personal life growth. Some super creative personalities like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk have revolutionized our understanding of and interaction with technology. Creative thinking is about generation of unique ideas and solutions. It’s a skill that takes time to develop while we study arts and sciences in school. Sometimes students do need help with homework and assignments. There are many companies that offer quality service helping students succeed in learning. At homework help websites experienced writers help students understand difficult course topics, reducing stress and overwhelm. Students are able to complete homework on time and hone their creative skills. They show improved performance in grades and timely submission of assignments.

    Mäda Primavesi (1903–2000) Gustav Klimt Austrian, 1912–13
    Gustav Klimt, Mäda Primavesi (1903–2000), Austrian, 1912–13, oil on canvas, 59 x 43 1/2 in.

    Gustav Klimt despised government control and censorship in the arts, and as a result, revolutionized the art scene in Europe with his sensual, stylized art in early 20th century. He has influenced many modern and contemporary artists as well as art styles, including Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, and Russian Constructivists. According to the Met, The girl’s parents were banker-industrialist Otto Primavesi and his wife Eugenia, who were supporters of progressive Viennese art and design. This painting was seized by the Nazis from Jenny Pulitzer Steiner in 1938 in Vienna and restituted to her in 1951. http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436819

    Tips to Tap into Art’s Therapeutic Power in You

    Every person has the artistic side inside him. It may be dormant or not fully explored. As we nurture this part of our personality, we discover new ways of looking at the world. We become more creative in our jobs. We feel emotional connection to people. We engage with others with empathy. We see beauty in ordinary places. We become more connected to the source of our divine nature.

    So if you’re in the mood to discover and process your emotions via visual art, here are some tips to get you started.

    1. Visit an art museum or art gallery: 

    When you travel to another state or city, place the largest art museum and a few art galleries on your list. Not everything is going to look as art to you or become your favorite, but you learn to explore art beyond your comfort zone; you also understand what you really like or dislike. Sometimes, I go out and get disappointed in the shown objects promoted as ‘art’, but there are moments when I find paintings or sculpture that inspire me to create art or try new art materials or just look at the subject differently. I often study paintings by looking at unusual composition, color use or texture created in paint. Such visits cultivate my taste and appreciation of art.

    OtherWorld, interactive space, Columbus, Ohio

    Digital art and technology: I find this new realm of technology exciting. I’m not talking about the NFT scams or bitcoin-get-rich schemes. I think that the interactive, digital art installations are becoming more creative and exciting in comparison to contemporary painting. Some interactive installations can help you explore yourself and grow your understanding of reality by going to these virtual reality rooms. I like how some artists combine nature and technology to create moving exhibitions. My favorite artists in this field are: Studio Drift, Studio Olafur Eliasson, Kusama’ Infinity Rooms. You can also explore new interactive spaces like Other World, a 32,000-square-foot immersive art installation in Columbus and Philadelphia. It’s an interactive, multilevel playground filled with large-scale art, mixed reality playgrounds, and secret passageways. It’s a surreal mix art, technology and interactive experience.

    OtherWorld, immersive space in Columbus, Ohio. Mushrooms changing color and sound.

    2. Let your inner artist shine: 

    Grab a brush or a pencil and make a drawing of something in front of you. Sketch a tree outdoors or a flower on your table. Write a note next to your sketch about your feelings as you’ve been drawing it. It’s about finding joy in the process of creation.

    3. Turn your home into a gallery: 

    abbotsford house castle library
    Abbotsford house, Castle’s interior with a bookcase

    Surround yourself with art that speaks to your soul. Photographs, paintings, small sculptures or even handmade coffee cups can create a nurturing environment that reflects your inner world. Sometimes I visit homes that have 100% white walls. These houses look empty of color and emotion. Lacking personality, such houses are generic and sterile. Every human being is unique and by exploring your emotions in art, you create beautiful and healing space for yourself and others around you.

    midnight dream_bedroom interior shot_celestial painting

    4. Engage with art in everyday life:

    Notice the beauty in the architecture you pass, the patterns in nature, the colors of a sunset, the texture in your friend’s bag. Collect those moments in a sketchbook or pictures because the world is your scrapbook of memories and emotion.

    Church in Venice with mosaic floor design

    5. Art therapy: 

    Art therapy is a profession and service that grew out of art-making. It’s about using visual arts as a tool for self-expression, emotional exploration, and healing. From trauma recovery to managing chronic illness, art therapy offers a powerful outlet for processing difficult emotions. If you think that drawing is not your thing, try making collage pieces out of magazines and postcards exploring your emotions. I find that I often make art and collages without any particular thoughts but the meaning reveals itself when the art is done… Just like writing or a combination of the two, such process can help you understand and process your painful past to move into the light.

    Sometimes psychologists use projective tests to understand your psyche.

    Deep Dive into Projective Tests:

    Projective tests, like inkblots and incomplete drawings, offer a glimpse into unconscious thoughts, feelings, and conflicts. They often look like symmetrical blobs of paint juxtaposing negative and positive space. But how does it work, right?

    The Projective Hypothesis: Imagine throwing a pebble into a still pond. Ripples emanate outwards, revealing the contours of the pond floor. Similarly, projective tests are thought to “disrupt” the calm surface of the mind, provoking responses that reflect our inner landscape. By presenting ambiguous stimuli, such as inkblots or unfinished sentences, psychologists encourage individuals to project their own interpretations and motivations, revealing facets of personality that might otherwise remain hidden.

    Rorschach inkblot

    Common Projective Tests:

    • Rorschach Inkblot Test: The Rorschach presents ten inkblots of varying shapes and complexity. Psychologists analyze the patient’s interpretations, focusing on content, location, and movement. A bat in the blot might indicate anxiety, while seeing multiple figures interacting could suggest interpersonal struggles.
    • Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): In this test, individuals tell stories about ambiguous pictures depicting people in various situations. The psychologist delves into the themes, emotions, and conflicts projected onto the characters, gaining insights into the patient’s underlying motives and needs.
    • Draw-a-Person Test: Simple as it sounds, this test can reveal volumes about self-perception and emotional states. The size, posture, and details of the drawing can offer clues about self-esteem, anxieties, and interpersonal relationships.

    You can read about these tests here: https://pdx.pressbooks.pub/thebalanceofpersonality/chapter/chapter-3/

    Evaluation and Interpretation: Projective tests are not designed to provide definitive diagnoses, but rather to offer additional information alongside other clinical tools. Psychologists consider contextual factors, compare responses to established norms, and analyze the specific details and patterns in the patient’s interpretations. Projective tests can reveal deeper dynamics:

    • Defense mechanisms: The way individuals cope with stress and anxiety can be evident in their interpretations, revealing defense mechanisms like denial, projection, or rationalization.
    • Unconscious conflicts: Underlying anxieties, fears, and desires can surface through projected themes and symbolism, helping psychologists get to the root of emotional struggles.
    • Relationship dynamics: Projective tests can shed light on how individuals perceive and interact with others, offering insights into potential relationship difficulties or attachment styles.

    However, it’s crucial to remember that projective tests are not infallible and rely heavily on subjective interpretation with some cultural biases and individual quirks that can influence responses. While not perfect, they can be valuable tools for psychologists to gain a deeper understanding of their patients, their personalities, and the emotional forces that shape their lives.

    6. Community art projects: 

    School building in Nicaragua

    It’s often difficult to make yourself do something outside the house if you’re introverted or feel tired after a work week. However by going out and participating in collaborative art projects, you gain a sense of belonging, connection, and collective creativity that improves your mood and well-being. Imagine painting a mural for your community or taking an art class to learn the basics of pottery or sculpture. This activity can make you feel needed and appreciated by other members of the circle.

    In conclusion:

    Art is a valuable tool helping people express their emotions in a safe environment. Children benefit from doing art greatly by learning to explore their feelings and their relationship to the world around them. Art nurtures creativity, intrapersonal skills and grows emotional intelligence that becomes useful in a wide range of daily tasks. Art reduces stress and anxiety.

    Remember, the emotional impact of art is unique to you. So, the more you explore, experiment, and record, the more your soul expands with empathy, love and curiosity. Art provides emotional connection to ourselves and the world while other activities may not have the same reach. Create healing space in your mind, home, relationships by developing your skills in painting, drawing, sketching, photography, pottery, etc. The world awaits your light.

    veronica winters painting
    Shop
    Colored Pencil techniques Video class by veronica winters_s



    Source link

  • He Won A Potters Wheel… And He Does 3D Printing | Ike Lobel

    He Won A Potters Wheel… And He Does 3D Printing | Ike Lobel


    Ike Lobel | Episode 1030

    Ike Lobel is a Ceramics major at Suny New Paltz. Ike’s work focuses on the use of 3D printing in ceramics and the potential results of it. Ike has been working with clay for the past 16 years, in this time Ike has developed his style focusing on high precision and creating results that respect both the history of ceramics but also technological advances.

    SPONSORS

    Image result for Patreon logo  You can help support the show!

    Skutt Logo

     

     

    Number 1 brand in America for a reason. Skutt.com

     

     

    Georgies Logo

     

    For all your ceramic needs go to Georgies.com

     

    Why 3D? What is the draw towards 3D?

    I think it is something born inside me but I was watching Youtubers from when I was six building things with 3D printers with plastic. I think it just left something inside me and having my two worlds combine in printing clay it was just meant to be.

    How  does 3D printing lend itself to more creativity?

    Well I have really bad handwriting. Most people cannot read it. And so being able to design something on a computer and then have it come into the real world is kind of magical and it’s nice that I do not have to worry about what my hands do and instead I can just worry about transmitting my brain to the computer and the 3D printer.

    Do you see the irony of you pursuing 3D printing and you won a potter’s wheel?

    Yeah, we’ve been thinking about this for awhile. My family is like, What are you doing with a potter’s wheel? I think it’s going to be co-ownership between me and my dad.

    How does taking a break from ceramics help you be a better ceramicist in the future?

    I think in school there is so much pressure for it to be graded and you are always trying to make work for your professors and that’s a lot of pressure and so I think taking a couple of years off and letting it reignite the love for ceramics could be amazing. And then I could start making ceramics for myself again instead of for a grade. I miss making mugs and stuff just so I could give them away.

     

    What is the first thing you are going to do when you graduate?

    I am graduating on the 19th and the first thing I am going to do as ironic as it sounds I am going to drive home and build a wheel. (laughter) I haven’t been home in five months so I am excited to go home and build that wheel.

    Book

    Advanced 3D Printing with Grasshopper by  D. Diego Garcia Cuevas 

    Contact

    Instagram: @ikes_pottery





    Source link

  • This is why you have unique perception of reality, emotions & awareness – Veronica Winters Painting


    This is why you have unique perception of reality, emotions & awareness


    In this episode I share my thoughts and experiences outlining our unique perception of reality and how to expand on our awareness, understanding and love.

    Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/z7bFUwyNXRY

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7bFUwyNXRY

    Subscribe & rate this podcast on Spotify and Apple | Show your support for the podcast: here | Host: Veronica Winters, MFA | veronicasart.com



    Source link

  • Setting Intentions to Make A Clay Career | Cheri Downey

    Setting Intentions to Make A Clay Career | Cheri Downey


    Cheri Downey | Episode 1032

    Cheri Downey, a ceramic artist originally from Northern California, is currently live in Huntsville, Alabama. Cheri began working with ceramics in 2014 in high school classes. Cheri has had home studios since after college and has owned a commercial studio for the last year in Tennessee. Cheri focuses on dinnerware sets, mugs, and luminaries.

    SPONSORS

    Image result for Patreon logo  You can help support the show!

    Skutt Logo

     

     

    Number 1 brand in America for a reason. Skutt.com

     

     

    Georgies Logo

     

    For all your ceramic needs go to Georgies.com

     

    How do you go from dreaming to doing?

    It all starts with really simple steps and it think it starts with buying your wheel used. (laughter) Just starting really small and getting connected with a local studio, setting up a little home studio, and figuring it out as you go. I don’t know how else to explain it.

    How significant is belief? How significant is it to believe you can do it?

    I guess it’s less so belief but more so passion for me. So figuring out how passionate you are about something leads to that belief. I feel like all this started with a little bit of imposter syndrome. Am I really an artist? Did I really just make this mug?  But I don’t know, it just takes practice and it just takes time and it takes commitment and I think what drives that is passion.

    What kind of safety nets did you have in place in case it all fell through?

    That’s a good question. I honestly don’t know if I had a safety net. I mean, my husband works full-time. He’s an engineer. He made enough, let’s say, to pay the bills. What I made was anything outside of that. My safety net would probably have been to go back into the mental health field if this wouldn’t have worked out.

    Is it important to be ready to pivot? To test and pivot? 

    I think one hundred percent, yes. Because the tides are going to change at any moment in my opinion. For all careers but especially, I think, for pottery. You kind of have to take the next opportunity as it comes.

    I’m curious. What is your dream developing into next? Another way to say this is tell me what it’s going to be in five years?

    This is something I am still thinking on doing as well. Well, this might not be a super short answer, Paul. (laughter) I will try.

    Give us the nutshell. 

    Have you ever heard of Mid-South Ceramics in Nashville?

    It sounds familiar. 

    It’s a super large pottery community. Multiple potters rent out spaces. It’s just awesome. It’s incredible. Well the eventual goal, maybe not five years, maybe more, would be pretty much to have a miniature Mid-South in maybe Huntsville or where ever we end up in the next five years. And what’s cool about that is Jordan also has that dream so there maybe a partnership there in the future. That’s all I will say about that.

    Book

    Art is a Way of Knowing by Pat B. Allen

    Contact

    cherceramics.com

    Instagram: @cher_ceramics





    Source link