This time last year I was on the verge of unemployment. I was serving out my last days in retail purgatory waiting for the corporate monkeys to tell us when we could officially close the store. Due to the shopping center suing us we got the opportunity to work a little bit longer and basically do no work other than chit chat with the customers about the dysfunction of the economy, etc. I can't say I was particularly upset that I was getting laid off. Honestly I had zero luck finding any other jobs in the 3 years I was trapped there. I thought my only way out would be to get fired or get laid off.

It took a little over a month to find a job. Not bad at all. I worked as a Marketing Asst. despite the fact I went to school for art. I'm good at it and I enjoy it. But after 2 months there I lucked out and heard about my current job. A job in the arts anywhere is hard to come by, especially in Cleveland. I still dream of a college teaching job someday. Even just to teach one adjunct class a week would thrill me. Alas, easier said than done. Apparently I have not honed my stalking skills to include the job market. And I don't want to move to Tennessee or Wisconsin to get a teaching job. Fail. Sorry TN and WI, although Forbes feels differently there are places I like Cleveland more than and you are it.

Its not so bad here. I like it. No plans on moving but you never know. Look where I was last year.

Here is my current list of some etsy favorites. My birthday is coming up. Just sayin.

Hey Everyone! I'm teaching a one day workshop at Art House on glazing. Its a great way to learn some new tricks to try on your ceramic pots and sculptures. 

Glaze Workshop with Gina DeSantis - all levels

Saturday, March 6

10:00am - 1:00pm

Discover a range of exciting glazing methods to decorate your functional or sculptural ceramics, This workshop will cover beginning to advanced techniques, including wax resist, sgraffito, incising, slip trailing and combing. Tiles will be provided for practicing these decorating styles, or students currently enrolled in a ceramics course may utilize their own pieces.

Class fee: $50

Class fee includes: 8 lbs. of clay, glazes, slip, firings

Registration deadline: Tuesday, March 2 (5 student min)

Call Stephanie Kluk at 216.398.8556 to register!

Yep. More jewelry.
I actually cranked out a bunch of work for a show but due to the amazingness of Cleveland weather attendance was low. So now all of this do-dads are going up on my Etsy site or shop site...as soon as I test the shop site for my webpage I will let you know when it goes live. Working out the kinks and putting the final touches on it.

Look...new things! Shiny things. Ooooh. Ahhhh.

Here are some new necklaces in a nice springy aqua blue. All priced at $20. to be listed soon on my etsy site and my webshop.

I would be rich if....

I was paid for the time I spent hunting down galleries to pay me for my work. Its been 4 months. Pay me with interest.

I got a quarter everytime someone or some organization asked for free art in this town. Guess what, I don't make a living off this.

Everyone who emailed me on Etsy for wholesale inquiries actually followed through.

I didn't go to school for art.

My point? While I'll never stop making art I'm getting to the point where I feel too old for this shit. Seriously when health insurance is a luxury for a person who has 3 jobs something has got to give.

 

One of my dreams is to start a collection of mugs from other ceramic artists. I have so many that I love. I have decided to start my collection with this one. That's right, a zombie bunny. I can't wait for it to arrive. I will love it so. It was created by an artist named Barbara Donovan. Stop by her shop for more creations and some other awesome zombie critters.

I'm not sure when my next purchase will be or who I will buy from but I think this is a good start.

I've been a bad artist...

2010 has started out with me having zero motivation. After a tiring 2009 full of participating in shows and organizing a few I think I have gone above and beyond the term slacker. I've made some new stuff. Other than that I'm finding it next to impossible to get my arse in gear.

I have this feeling like I want to go off the grid. All of the stuff that comes with marketing artwork makes that impossible. Twitter, blogging, Facebook. Its a social media overload. At the end of the day I crave real human interaction and end up going out and spending too much money. Its a bad cycle.

I'm hoping that in March I get it together. This involves getting the web shop and the etsy shop updated and finished. More time on the computer. Bliss. And more time in the studio which I am thankful for. In addition I hope to try to break some bad habits. I'll keep you posted on that. Wish me luck. Send thoughts of motivation my way.

I am going to be a bad blogger this week. I'm flu-ish and have some stuff going on to share so this is my only post for the week...

If you are interested in taking my class on Wed nights it starts this week! Everything you need to know:

Handbuilding Class

This class is designed for beginning students as well as more advanced students wishing to expand their hand building skills. Using stoneware clay you will earn how to create functional pieces and sculptures using slab, coiling and basic mold techniques. Decorative techniques and glazing techniques will also be addressed.
Tools are available for use. There is no need to purchase any tools separately.

Session 1: Wednesday evenings
Feb 10, 17, 24 and March 3
4 weeks / 7-9 pm

3 SPOTS LEFT!!!

And don't forget to stop by the Bazaar Bizarre Valentine Show this Friday and Saturday. Here's what you need to know:
Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland is hosting a Valentine's show next weekend at 224 Euclid, on Public Square (the old Bang & Clatter theatre space, across from the Starbucks in the BP building) -- come check it out! Event hours are 11-8 Friday and 11-6 Saturday.

You can RSVP here on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?invites&eid=215849410442

30+ vendors makes this the perfect alternative to the mall.

This class is designed for beginning students as well as more advanced students wishing to expand their hand building skills. Using stoneware clay you will earn how to create functional pieces and sculptures using slab, coiling and basic mold techniques. Decorative techniques and glazing techniques will also be addressed.

Tools are available for use. There is no need to purchase any tools separately.

Session 1: Wednesday evenings

Feb 10, 17, 24 and March 3

4 weeks / 7-9 pm



Session 2: Wednesday evenings

March 24, 31 and April 7, 14

4 weeks / 7-9pm



Session 3: Wednesday evenings

Apr 21, 28 and May 5, 12

4 weeks / 7-9pm



Cost $105. Includes (1) 25lb bag of clay, glazes and 2 firings. Additional clay may be purchase for $15 for a 25lb bag. Payment is due upon registration. Class size is limited to 6 students. Spaces cannot be held without payment. Please note: There is a $25 withdrawal fee. Notice of withdrawal must be received no later than 7 days prior to the first day of class. No refunds will be given after that time.



Class location: 13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, OH. Studio #328.



Please email artzy_grl@yahoo.com to register or with any questions.

I made 18 of these. 9 lived. I have a cracking issue due to the toastiness of my studio in the winter. I'm not complaining but Ohio temperatures cause havoc on my pottery. I threw 30 this weekend. Already down to 29 because one flew off while I was trimming. I fear another one has a handle that is not going to stick.

I am very happy with the results despite the problems I am having. The mugs themselves turned out just as imagined. The glazes worked out perfectly. So while I was defeated in some ways I think these are a success. Hopefully I will have more to come.