June 18, 2012

Piggy Banks

You may remember briefly reading about a Spring Sale that I was a part of at Omaha Clayworks where I've been throwing pottery. This was the first time I sold my pottery. As you can imagine I was VERY excited! I was a little vague about the sale because I was keeping a secret. I was inspired to make a piggy bank for my friends upcoming baby shower and I didn't want her to see what I was up to, just in case she happened to check out my blog.

I didn't make just one piggy bank, I was actually making piggy banks for months. I've been told many times that in order to improve in this art I need to stick to one form for a while. I have learned so much while making these piggy banks and have grown a ton.

It was so amazing to see my pigs on display with all the other artists' work. Unfortunately around the studio my pigs were quite the controversy. Many people thought they had a right to tell me that my pigs were NOT art and that they did NOT belong in the sale. That really hurt.  I would never disrespect another persons hard work like that. Anyway it was decided that my pigs were allowed in the sale but not allowed in the gallery.


I had such a positive response from the people who came to the sale! It was so good for my soul that people would walk in and choose my pottery over others'. It's so rewarding for someone other than family and friends to adore and appreciate my work. These pigs have been overwhelmingly popular. I've sold out and have a list of people waiting for me to make more!


The only problem is I'm moving to PA and am not sure where I'll be throwing pottery in the near future. My new property has lots of options for a studio space but it will be a huge undertaking and will take time. I hope that I will be able to find a wonderful ceramic community to be a part of in the meantime.


It makes my heart happy to see how much joy these pigs have brought people. Each and everyone is completely different.


I learned the importance of making thick solid attachments and how to make them stay in place.


I had so much fun figuring out how to make a variety of expressions.


I also learned that you need to have the corks first and then create the pig to size. I was surprised at how challenging it was to find corks to fit each pig. People seemed to be drawn toward the corks that were more rustic. What do you like best? 


I look forward to sharing more pieces in the future and having them for sale soon. I hope these pictures of my latest creation made you smile. As always I appreciate feedback and constructive criticism so feel free to leave a comment below or e-mail me.


8 comments:

  1. I could never choose just one! They're awesome! I especially like the floppy-earred ones. :) Good job!

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  2. Congratulations on your success! Sounds like you made "sausage" out of your critics with all your sales. I hope you find somewhere to continue your art and connect with new artistic friends as you move.

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  3. oh my gosh, these are great! I can see why they are so popular...do you ever plan on getting an Etsy?

    that makes me sad that you might have a hard time finding the right studio space in your new place....i mean eventually right? but yes, I pray you will find that community too!

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  4. I love your little piggies! I followed a rather convoluted chain of blogs to get here this morning: everything from sock buns to crock pot lasagna, but I'm glad I did. I hope that you like it here in PA! I'm a recent transplant too (been here 4 years) and while it's beautiful, it's just now starting to feel like home. Good luck finding a pottery community, and let us know when you do so I can have a piglet too. :)

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    1. Anne I'm happy you found your way to my blog :) It's nice to hear that PA is starting to feel like home. Where did you move from? I'll have to head on over to your blog when I get a chance. I didn't see an e-mail attached to this comment but I would love to stay in contact with a fellow Pennsylvanian. Thanks so for writing!

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    2. I'm originally from Michigan and am, in fact, going back this week for a visit. My whole family is still there which sometimes makes it rough out here in PA. Mom says it feels like a whole different country, lol. It took me two years to convince her we were in the same time zone. :) Good luck on the closing and all that!

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  5. I so want one. They are cute and fun.

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  6. Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm glad you like the piggy banks :)

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