From Skilled Hands » Art

Thoughts in the Middle of Winter

fromskilledhands — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:10:33 +0000

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to say. So instead of making up things, I’ve been silent. Silence can be a good thing, I think, and it is characteristic of the middle of winter.

I have been working on pieces and on my life. Also good. Take a look at one of the former as it is evolving.

The next step will be to bisque fire the piece. Then comes the glazing. I have an idea what I want to do. Now I wait until the time is right. A good thing to do.

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Playing For Change

fromskilledhands — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:14:28 +0000

I don’t quite remember just how I came across Playing for Change; it was one of those serendipitous moments where Things. Show. Up.
“Playing for Change is a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. The idea for this project arose from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. No matter whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race. And with this truth firmly fixed in our minds, we set out to share it with the world.”
Take a look at their newest video, and know that we are, indeed, all connected.

And, as always, please feel free to leave me a comment, or a stone, (o), to let me know you’ve stopped by.

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Mostly Wordless Wednesday

fromskilledhands — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 04:51:52 +0000

Here’s a look at the new! improved! gallery, and work from Turning Point: a show of wood. The opening reception was wonderful, with artists and patrons enjoying light refreshments and original art.

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Turning Points

fromskilledhands — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:42:11 +0000

photos by Ron Wayton

Turning points. Things in our lives that change our paths. Moments that change how we see the world. As artists, those moments manifest in our work. The repetition can be meditative, and through it refinement occurs.

The craftsmen whose work is in our Turning Points show, have been working on their craft and on their lives for some time. There is a maturity in their work, from the forms to the finishes. We are pleased to share these dynamic new pieces.

If you are in our area, please join us for light refreshments on Saturday, June 25th, from 4-7 pm, and meet some of the artists as we celebrate Art in the Valley. The show will continue throughout the summer, with new pieces being added from time to time. You can see more art across the street at the Peninsula Art Academy. The artist’s reception for Visions of the Valley will be happening simultaneously.

As always, please feel free to leave me a comment, or a stone, (o), to let me know you’ve stopped by.

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Turning Points

fromskilledhands — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:53:46 +0000

Platter by Joseph Smith; photo by Ron Wayton; graphics by Sarah Bures

Turning points. We all experience them in our lives. Moments in time when things just change. And so do we. This show, a show of wood, is just that: a time to show new work and a renovated gallery.

We are looking forward to showing new work by Brian Becker, Jim Duxbury, Dave Kish, Larry McCardel, George Raeder and Joseph Smith. Join us on Saturday, June 25, from 4-7 pm; have something to eat and drink, and meet some of the artists.

Lots to do in the Village of Peninsula, population 602. Artists’ reception for Visions of the Valley, at the Peninsula Art Academy; Desserts and Designs at Ohio Hardwood Furniture; Summer Comforts at the Log Cabin Gallery, the Wine Bar at the G.A.R.

Explore Peninsula

There’s antiques and collectibles at the Downtown Emporium , CVNP and nature related items at Park Place. Yellow Creek Trading Company has a great selection of design and gift items, and there are books at Fire and Water Books and Bakery. You can rent a bike at Century Cycles, ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, hike in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Hungry? Grab a bite to eat at Fisher’s Cafe or the Winking Lizard.

The Village of Peninsula, gently resisting change since 1837.

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Capturing a Moment in Porcelain

fromskilledhands — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 12:45:16 +0000

There is magic in working with porcelain clay. It takes patience to wait for all the steps to be done. The clay is prepared; the tile is carved. It’s fired for the first time, then colors are inlaid into the carved areas and the excess is removed. The glaze is then applied over the piece and it is fired a second time. Many pieces require additional firings to achieve the desired effect, and the maker doesn’t know whether the piece has “worked” until it is cool enough to be handled from the kiln.

People often ask how long it takes to make a piece. The true answer is that it has taken the artist’s entire life; all life’s experiences until that moment in time are captured in the finished piece. It’s taking a quiet leap of faith, in a way, trusting that the process will be exactly as it needs to be.

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Visions of the Valley

fromskilledhands — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:53:44 +0000

This Valley, this beautiful valley, along the river called Cuyahoga has long been the home of dreamers, artists and other independent thinkers. Early settlers came here with little more than a few possessions and a dream. They carved out a life along the river, working with their hands and hearts, manifesting their vision.

As artists, we craft our visions, using paint, paper, clay, fiber, metal or a mixture. We take a leap of faith, sharing our vision with the world. Visions of the Valley is an exploration of how each of 17 local and regional artists sees the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley. We invite you to join us at the Peninsula Art Academy, across the street from our Elements Gallery, in the Village of Peninsula, Ohio, population 602.

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Color and Texture

fromskilledhands — Sat, 07 May 2011 12:12:18 +0000

I love color and texture; the way different materials and surfaces react to light. A symphony for the eyes and a feast for the spirit. In the studio and gallery, we have lots of new work. Here’s a closer look at a few pieces.

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Coming Soon: Turning Point

fromskilledhands — Tue, 03 May 2011 19:22:58 +0000

Platter by Joseph Smith; photography by Ron Wayton; graphics by Sarah Bures

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Artful Musings From These Skilled Hands: A My Town Monday Post

fromskilledhands — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:52:49 +0000

I have mused about art many times, both here and internally, it’s creation and what it brings to my life. I have posted variations on this post as I continue to think about art. What is it’s purpose? Does form follow function? What makes a piece work—or not? And why should I buy it. Why buy art?

My friend Cat Bennett has addressed the question thoughtfully and eloquently:

Why buy art?

-To lift your spirit

-To expand your spirit

-To meet your spirit

-To brighten your day

-To brighten your home

-To brighten your life

-To honor an artist

-To declare your value

-To have fun

-To know yourself

-To inspire yourself

-To inspire others

-To share your wealth

-To laugh

So many reasons.

Art feeds the spirit and soul; it brings light and life to being. Art can make your heart sing and your spirit soar. Something that comes from the heart through the hands. It is no accident that there is art in heART.

When you support an artist, you affirm the creative spirit. You have the opportunity to see the world in a different way, as the artist’s vision is manifested in the piece he or she has made.

When you buy art, you support your local economy, both the economy of your community and the economy of the spirit. You enrich your life with the feeling and intent the artist has instilled in the piece. You can know that you are buying something that was made with care, one at a time, by hand.

Look for the mark of the craftsman, that which lets you know that the piece was made by a person and not by a machine. That which lets you discover the beauty in imperfection and in the profound nature of being. That which embraces the natural cycles of life and authenticity.

These skilled hands wish you and those close to you happy, healthy, peaceful and loving days; and healing and peace to this amazing blue planet we call home.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTISTS: BUY ART.

As always, please feel free to leave a comment, or a stone (o), to let me know you’ve stopped by.

Take a look at My Town Monday to see what others have to say about the places they call home

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