keep walking

I was recently poked by two people who read this blog- Hi Gail hi Larry!- they and presumably a few others are wondering why my web journal has become hushed. In short, I am busy, more busy that I've been since the last year of grad school, but that it slowly tapering off, and I have that emerging from a tunnel feeling. In length, I am so immersed in the expansion of my place as a maker in this town and in the world in general, that I can hardly analyze it in real time. As a maker, I started this blog to document information about my innovative firing process, and that info is condensed on the new website. As a person, I started it to put on the sunglasses and face the glare of an unavoidably public life. And there's the rub- if I had time to write, I would at this time not have certainty about how to fully address questions about my making in the public sphere. I am a spokesperson for a small arts organization. In one mild form or another, I represent one hundred people. I control my communication, which means some of the juicy bits get left out. ahhh, better for you to ask in person! and fortunately the press is more topical at this early stage of my career. Here is an article written about me in a small but widely circulated paper. This piece was organized by the PR department of Art in the Pearl, the big high-end art fair for which I busted my butt this year. I felt great about my work and its presentation, I did not suffer a loss, but this alone will not be the studio's big annual paycheck (assuming I get in next year). Keep Walking...

So the light is visible at the end of the tunnel. I now have an idea of how to deal with this beast known as the Press. And I have a greater person to person confidence when networking in advocacy of my organization and by practiced extension, of myself. It has been one of many ways the I am learning to shed a burden. So the question now is this- who cares? a few care- that's great. As I learn about the mechanisms of social networking, I learn the ether-version of what we know so well in real life- to make friends you must seek their story, and ask questions. I think one of the other major reasons why I have let this blog fall silent is that there is so much interesting activity in Portland right now, I'd rather be out exploring than home (still!) on the computer (still!) making equally meaningful but er, mediated connections with other bloggers- I can find, I can read, and I can comment and make friends. And lord knows I desperately need to connect with fellow potters around the world. That is an aspect of staying current in my field that I consistently neglect, to my detriment. boo! maybe come winter, I'll catch up on new yorkers and all my contemporaries....

for the moment, I thoroughly enjoy time at Research Club events. I put a link to Nim (the chef) explaining what RC is all about in a previous post. Timing is such that the day after Portland Open Studios is over, he and Dustin who runs Grand Detour (indy film) are flying to Glasgow. then on to Berlin, London, and returning to Scotland. As my friendship with them has grown, and my need for a vacation, I asked to come along, and they said please! so I'm going on the Heavy Meta tour them on Oct 18. press release below. I'm going to see my friend Madeline Stillwell in Berlin. and I am researching potters who work with alternative fuels in these locations... if anyone out there knows any, please let me know.. SO, big exciting break on the horizon. blogging will continue. promise.

Here's the one page pdf of the tour press release

HERE'S THE KICKSTARTER VIDEO THAT DUSTIN PUT TOGETHER.
does everyone know about kickstarter? it's a great way to reach a wide audience of supporters for new projects. The Blue Cranes are going on tour by train in part because of the help they got from their kickstarter..

lots of love- C