Monday, January 3, 2011

A little time doing art

Fiona shared with me that she had read that no matter what artists should spend a little time with their art each day. It means more than just reading about art or someone else's art. It means going to the studio and either starting, continuing or even just planning something - getting the creative juices going. I am going to see if I can do that in 2011.

For Fiona and my joint exhibition in Studio 4 Gallery in March one of the series I am working on is offering and incense bowls. Yesterday and today I have worked on the small incense bowl below. It deviates from my normal round bowl - it is oblong in shape. Again it is not big it is meant to be a niche or window ledge piece. It is about 100mm high and 150mm long.

Barry Smith © Incense Bowl - Japanese Temple
I wanted it to have a bit more of a Japanese Temple influence look about it.  Fiona took a photo of me holding it to show how small it is; but also to show that it has the look of a Japanese Temple gate look about it. It was a bit dull and stormy outside when the photos were taken.

Barry Smith © Incense Bowl - Japanese Temple
As usual it is really strong as I used my new diamond drill to drill through the stone and the bolts that hold it together are glued into the based rock.

7 comments:

  1. that's a beautiful bowl. i love the shape of it, it's so organic. Fiona has an interesting notion there ... perhaps that SHOULD be the way. this year i'm going to try and visualize a studio. perhaps it might just materialize some day :)

    p/s ... your view is gorgeous!

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  2. Beautiful, Barry, and I was surprised by the second photo to see how small it is. Lovely flowing line and just perfectly matched with your choice of stone.

    I'm going to try to take your advice about spending more time 'doing' in the studio than getting bogged down by 'thinking'.

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  3. Barry, the second photo stunned me - the piece looms so large in the first image! It really does have an old-world sprituality and architectural feel to it, so it was strange to see it held in your hand even though you clearly stated its true dimensions! Good luck with your "creativity every day" - it's a wonderful idea!

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  4. Quite wonderful mister B.
    Working on art each day sounds perfect to me, wishing you a grand time.

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  5. It really does have a japanese feel about it. I can already smell the japanese incense...

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  6. Glad we all liked Fiona's resolution to spend a bit of time each day on art - 6 days in and on track.

    L - yes we are very lucky with the magic view.L&C - I agree I like the organic shape - will do a few more of these.TT - interesting you are not the first to refer to the small nature of the incense burners. I will take a photo of one in a niche so folk can see that I just want them to snuggle into a quiet corner. H - our favourite incense is Japanese - burns so clean. B

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  7. Very lovely B, and in seeing the size with the last image....oh soooo cute!

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Comments are welcomed - it is good to connect with fellow travellers.