Friday, September 19, 2008

Illustration Friday: clique




I used to belong to a clique of women that would get together every Monday night for years, we would make and glaze pottery. It was way more of a social gathering than anything and I could even walk to the clay studio, but we did create a lot of wonderful things too. For me, making and painting pottery is one more way I can satisfy my love of houses and buildings but it can be a frustrating creative pursuit. The firing process doesn't always provide the desired outcome. You can spend as much time painting clay as a real painting and end up with nothing. I don't appreciate that aspect of clay but when it does come out beautifully you know why people love it. I really enjoyed these get togethers with all the women, some from Topanga and some from other parts of LA. We even had a few celebrity guests such as Lisa Bonet and Patty Smyth. Most of the ladies were long time friends and we would laugh, tell stories, listen to music, eat food and candy and paint our pots and plates.

My submission for Illustration Friday's " clique" theme. There are cliques going on in these buildings :)

34 comments:

? said...

Sounds like a very simple life. Nothing can beat that and I love the illustration yet again. Thanks for stopping and leaving a comment.

btw: What are you reading currently?

Connie said...

The pottery's great and I share your love of houses! How nice to have such a lovely group!

erin said...

Your pottery is so much fun, especially the candle holders. I used to make tiles and the anticipation waiting for them to fire was painful, what would they look like if they even survived the kiln. A wonderful "clique" like yours would had made it bliss.

Janet said...

Cool pottery! I've never been in a clique....but yours sounds like a fun one to be in!!

bog_art said...

What a beautiful memory!.. I worked with clay when I was in college.. I painted too.. really fun, but frustrating..

Bobo said...

It's always fun to work and share something interesting together! I lover your pottery, they're unique and beautiful!

Unknown said...

wonderful work Val!!! I love the story too...

Teri said...

Wonderful!! And what a lovely story.

kj said...

i love your stories, val. always.

hey, do you have any artwork with a table lamp and a bedside-type table? i've been scrolling through your blog, which has been a total pleasure of course.

xo

Ces Adorio said...

This is the kind of clique, I would like to belong, where you can keep your hands busy or just party. I would like you to be in my clique. Click! Tsup!

Anonymous said...

Val: Now I know who to see when I need a pot to pee in. Love Bad Dog

Roberta said...

What a fun clique to be in and so close to home!

Thanks so much for your kind comments Val.
We made it through!

atomicvelvetsigh said...

wow those are fabulous plates! i have never made one (nor pots) so i guess the effort alone is rewarding.. plus you really make great ones 8)

soulbrush said...

unusual and dynamic, lucky clique of women!

Lisa M Griffin said...

what fun, and how enjoyable to see your technique on pottery pieces. great interpret of the theme as well.

kj said...

my astute friend: yes, i am looking for the cover of my love story novel. the title is "The Light Stays On" and i would like to highlight warm/guiding light...
i tried to email you but can't seem to find your address. do you know my email address?

xoxo (and thanks for opening the door)

Eric Barclay said...

Wonderful, happy designs! You are such a versatile artist... everything you touch seems to turn to gold. Have a wonderful week!

Ellen Byrne said...

Nice background information! I guess folks in buildings are the most prevelant of clliques - clever thinking!

froggie is... said...

PATTY SMITH! HOLEY MONKEYS! she throws pots??? man, that is SO cool!

these are beeautiful and so unique! love em, val!

isay said...

women bonding-nice! any new clique women you belong nowadays?

you are really exceptionally versatile! i cannot think of anything that you haven't done....

Gillian Mowbray said...

Top marks for coming up with a very Val take on this week's subject (another awful one in my opinion).
Beautiful ceramics and lovely memories. x

NANCY LEFKO said...

what fun pottery....sounds like a wonderful time too :)

Anonymous said...

Ooh nice. That must have been lovely having ceramic social gatherings. Painting ceramics is so relaxing.

Laura said...

Hi Val - I always love the stories behind your work and the pottery is so pretty. Have a great week girly!

Bella Sinclair said...

Fantastic pieces, Val! Oooh, I just love those buildings. They look almost Seussian, and I mean that in the very best way.

That must have been such a fabulous clique to be in! WOW! I've never done pottery, but I would so love to join.

Lisa Rivas said...

What "fun" this clique of yours!

Josh (musarter) said...

It looks like some cool and fun work came from your clique. Nice souvenirs of good times.

Nessa Dee said...

What a great clique and beautiful pottery, too!

atomicvelvetsigh said...

hi val! an award is waiting for you on my blog..

i love your art blog award

*hugs

Anonymous said...

What? Funny breakfasts on funny dishes?

Fannie said...

Yes, I think there are cliques going on in your buildings. Sounds like you blended creativity and time with friends nicely. Good for you!

I Love Your Blog. And by the looks of it, many feel the same. There's an award waiting for you on my blog. http://fannienartefineart.blogspot.com/2008/09/love-your-blog.html

INDIGENE said...

Having fun and sharing is always great, it sounds like an accepting clique, if there's such a thing!
Cool!

www.indigeneartforms.blogspot.com

Connie said...

I've posted a little appreciation on my site for the caring nature of your blog and your supportive comments to others.

Anonymous said...

Now that sounds like a clique I could really get into. Especially if Patty Smyth showed up, hee hee! How fun! You houses look fantastic on those plates! What a great idea!