Home Remodel Gone Bad

RUINS

One of my most recent projects - a collection of ceramic column vessels imprinted with American Can Factory brick remnants which were found along the shore in Lubec. The factory burned in the early 1900's.

 

 

Heading into major Herring Collectors Series production in a couple days.

I have been commissioned to create the awards for the 2013 Bay of Fundy Marathon.

 

 

 This is what my pottery studio currently looks like.

It's a real mess while I try to mud, prime, and paint.

 

 

 

Well, one thing is for sure. I shall never have a job as a drywall contractor.

 

My Christmas gift from family this year was several panels of sheetrock to enclose the ceiling and one wall of my pottery cave. This mini "remodel" is an attempt to conserve heat and contain clay dust. Funds did not include the finishing details so I have taken that task upon myself. While I actually found the process of applying the tape and mud enjoyable, I am not skilled at it. I made a huge, sloppy, bumpy, crusty mess. Everywhere. This morning I actually looked at a youtube how-to video and it turns out that I was lacking not only technique but also the right tools for the job. Why didn't I think to peek at the video BEFORE I began?

 

What I thought would be a one day project to mud, prime, and paint is now onto day three. The studio is in complete disarray. While trying to smooth the lumps, I cut my finger with the putty knife. Soon after, I stepped backwards off a step stool up against the kiln's metal computer module receiving a nasty scratch on my backside. Blood wiped up, bandaids and neosporin applied, I returned to the task at hand. This time, I resigned myself to the faux stucco bands of joint compound and began to apply the primer paint.

 

This just wasn't my day. The gallon of primer, which I thought would cover the one wall and ceiling did not cover even the ceiling. Tonight, the ceiling is primed with the exception of two 6x24 inch patches. I want to get this done and put supplies back on the shelves.Work is piling up and I am itching to dive in.

 

The past few days were busy with a few appointments and meetings and was mostly about getting things in order for the next few months. Lubec Arts Alive met and it is time to get ideas for this summer's project formalized. I also finished up some paperwork for a new project, submitted state sales tax, lined up summer vending venues, picked up my woven work from the show in Calais, and met with friends for a lovely afternoon tea and talk. I even spent some time at the library looking through the art book collection. I still have more tax paperwork to do but will wait for a nice rainy day to pull out the receipts and forms.

 

I have plenty of work to keep me busy up until the shop re-opens and craft show vending begins. Lubec and Campobello have joined forces in the Bay of Fundy Marathon and I was approached about making the awards for this year's event. I will be spending the next four months carving herring ware for the various category winners. The event will have both a full international marathon and 10k race. If you are a runner, check out the website for event specs. So far over two hundred people have signed on for the full marathon. Amazing! Get training and you just might become the owner an original handcarved Herring Collectors Series piece made by me! All my training will be in the studio. I won't be running, but you can catch me at the Expo.

 

I am in my seventh semester of the MFA program at Heartwood College of Art. I have been fortunate to work with some wonderful mentors and look forward to seeing what develops in the studio this time around. Even though I have a general plan, I never really know what the final project will be until the very end. A lot can change over the course of a few months. It's wild to think that I have six semesters behind me and that there are only four more to go. It's kinda hard to imagine life without my pod mates!!!

I just discovered that Chris's dad has officially been added to the North Carolina Chess Hall of Fame. Pretty cool! He was the youngest state champion at the wee age of fourteen. Congrats Kit! Check out the page, and be sure to click on Tom Hales account of meeting Kit for the first time. It's a good read!

 

Well, that's the current update from Lubec, Maine. Loving my life as an artist and learning as I go. It's time for me to retreat into the studio for a while to get some things done. February I need to stay focused. January was fun with all the socializing, but boy do I need some studio time!!!!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013 in Full Swing

 Playing around with encaustics.

A friend told me that fish are good feng shui for luck and prosperity.

 

 

It is that season again!

Chris shoveling our first storm of the year. This was nothing....four days later we had over eighteen inches of the white stuff drop into our yard!

 

 

I visited my artist friend Diane Langley on Westport Island for our annual brunch. She lives in an old one room schoolhouse and the space is filled with her various artistic projects: encaustics, rug hooking, spinning, painting, quilting. I love all the colors. All my senses are filled.

 

 

The living room wall has been pink since we moved in, and probably long before. I absolutely, positively, do NOT like painting walls. I finally, in a burst of inspirational energy, patched up the walls and slapped on a new coat of paint.

 

When we first moved to Lubec, Chris' grandfather pointed out to us the various bullet holes in the house. Apparently someone enjoyed target practice at our house.

 

 

I actually thought that I might lament the loss of the pink walls. I knew I would miss the bullet hole and was kinda sad to cover that over along with Chris' grandfather's handwriting....but....I am loving the new warm beige tone and simplicity of space. For the record: the furniture is older than the bullet hole!

 

 

 My beautiful mom visited this past week and tried her hand at encaustic painting.

 

 

For Christmas, Dad made this railing for Chris and me.

He installed it a couple weeks ago. Love it!

 

 

I'm holed up in the one room in the house without windows in an effort to conserve energy. A small  electric heater is warming this enclosed space that is the most protected from the outside elements. Today the temps plummeted to near zero and with wind chill taken into consideration, some parts of Maine may be seeing 45 below tonight. Yes...that is below zero. I was outside a few times today for errands and my hands quickly numbed and ached. This is not weather for the faint of heart. While downeast may be considered balmy compared to northern Maine, I doubt that any Floridian or Californian is jumping at the chance for a non-tropical mid-winter excursion to the northeast.

 

I have not blogged since just before Christmas. It was a studio frenzy of activity for a few weeks as I prepared for end-of-semester MFA presentations at Heartwood. For the first time I think I truly felt what it is like to be a full time working artist. The production pottery was put to the side as holiday sales began to wane and I dove full throttle into sculpture and encaustics. What am amazing feeling that was to roll out of bed each day and devote eight to twelve hours insanely obsessed on the project at hand. I am truly grateful for this interesting and fulfilling life.

 

Let's see, so many things have been going on and not having blogged in nearly a month, I doubt I can recall all. First of all, the holidays were wonderful spending lots of time with friends and family. There are years-old traditions that never feel redundant. The traditions keep me grounded and knowing that there are things that you can come to depend on in life. With so many unknowns, it is good to know that some things remain intact. Christmas eve with my family is one of my favorite nights of the year. Another tradition is to spend time with my friend Diane in her home and studio. It's always a feast for the senses to visit her space and see all the projects she has been working on since the last time I visited. I always return home inspired.

 

We rang in the new year doing what we love most: art and writing. Chris spent time in this study working on novel and poetry and I immersed myself in the creative project du jour. In the evening we found ourselves enjoying a quiet meal, conversation, and pillow time long before the sparkly ball in times square or the herring in Eastport dropped. New Year's Day took us to our friends Jean and Dick's for their annual potluck. It was a packed house with lots of yummy food and a chance to catch-up with everyone we hadn't seen since autumn or summer. Winter seems to bring out the bear in many. I for one relish my time to "hibernate".

 

Despite my usual winter hibernation-like behavior, the past couple weeks have been uncharacteristically social. In one weekend, I enjoyed homemade jambalaya and southern hospitality at a friend's beautiful cliffside home, then the next day stretched, chanted, and shared stories with an amazing and powerful group of women. Come Sunday,  the weekend rounded out with an intimate gathering of  friends for homemade chili, ukulele serenade, and gut-splitting laughter. In between the gatherings, I managed to paint the living room and develop a mild case of the flu. I guess all that fun in one weekend was just a bit too overwhelming for my socially introverted self!

 

After that super active few days, the flu did indeed take me down for a forced retreat. I spent a few days on the couch or in bed drinking lots of tea, guzzling nyquil, and trying to find food nourishment when I had no appetite. Most everything tasted bitter but turns out that the perfect meal was canned peaches and sucrets. Once I discovered that I was rocking and rolling. Well, maybe not rocking and rolling, but once mom arrived for her annual winter visit and brought all kinds of medicinal stuff and a vaporizer, I was moving toward the mend. Only a mother would put herself in harms way of highly contagious germs. I would not say that this was the most exciting visit to Lubec that she has ever had, but she is sure to be well rested since we didn't do a whole lot. Near the end of her visit and myself on the mend, she did have the opportunity to try her hand at encaustic painting. I'm not sure that she will go out and invest in the supplies any time soon, but I do think that she was intrigued by the process. 

 

Before the flu, and before mom's visit, dad came down for a day to deliver our Christmas gift which is a gorgeous handcrafted railing for the hallway. He is such an amazing woodworker. I wish I had half that talent with wood! We have been fortunate over the years to have dad's expertise with various home projects.

 

Well, it has been a whirlwind of activity. Toss into the mix my one day of jury duty and dealing with some business stuff it has turned out to be one of the busiest Januarys on record for me. Every year I look forward to January for some down time, but that just wasn't in the cards for me this time around. Though I guess I can count the few days of couch time while recuperating as vacation??? Um, maybe not.

 

Things are back to full speed from this point forward. I have several appointments and meetings this week and need to get working on some intensive projects both in sculpture and pottery. Exciting times ahead!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to All...

See you in 2013!

Bouli apparently enjoys gift wrapping. Well, she enjoys sleeping on the paper anyway. Hope you all enjoy this holiday season. I'll see you in 2013 when blogging resumes.

Time for a Change

RUINS

Just out of the kiln, column vessels inspired by Lubec factory remnants.

Shanna Wheelock, 2012

Chris and I were judges once again for the Annual International Gingerbread House Contest that was held at Lubec Memorial Library. There were lots of great entries from all ages and the sweet confections provided a festive, sugary smell throughout the room.

Shanna with librarian John Leavitt and President Bill Cassidy of Washington County Community College

We enjoyed the reception for my Woven Works exhibit at WCCC. Thanks to John, James, and Lauren for doing a fabulous job hanging the show, and thank you to President Cassidy for recognizing the value of the arts in our lives.

It was a super busy week with two pottery vending engagements. Both venues offered up phenomenal music which is always a plus. Friday night I set up shop in Machias at the First Friday Art Walk, and on Saturday, I traveled to Eastport for the Winter Holiday Market at the Eastport Arts Center. Amy Zipperer did a fantastic job organizing. Thanks, Amy!

These fellas (above) performed upstairs at the gorgeous Machias Grange. That's Duane Ingalls on the far right (former Lubec music teacher) but I don't know the other guys. I think they were playing "Grateful Dead" here. Much appreciated!

The Beehive Design Collective premiered their latest project, "Mesoamerica Resiste", which has been nine years in the making. I had the opportunity to speak with worker bee Kehben about her amazing experiences while being with the project since its earliest beginnings. Her story really touched me. She, and all involved, should be so proud of their accomplishment. The city of Machias certainly is all the better for the presence of the Beehive in their community. Be sure to check out the article from the Bangor Daily News, which includes a short video of the two-piece mural.

Like most people, I am in shock and deeply saddened, frustrated, fearful, and angry over last Friday's elementary school massacre in Connecticut. Every mass killing pulls at my soul, be it war-related, genocide, or tragedy at the hands of a single person, but for some reason, this most recent rampage has gone more fully to my core. When I first heard the news, I wept. Each time I think of of the children and the families, I weep again. I think of my former students and fellow co-teachers and wonder how they are coping. I think of the parents whose lives will never be the same, or the community that will forever be known as "that town where..."

Even with joyous events all around us as we prepare for the upcoming holiday, the horror flashes through my mind and won't let me free.

And it shouldn't.

None of us should be able to ever think that we can go back to "normal" (whatever that is) and forget or think that this was an anomaly, that something like this will never happen again. Or, that it can't happen in our own town. We have been watching events like this unfold with what seems like greater and greater frequency.

I had just began my first teaching job in central Maine when the Columbine shooting occurred. I remember it as being surreal. I was young and innocent, and things like this just didn't happen...except in the movies. Right? I remember being prepped on how to handle it in the classroom should students bring it up. I recall only one comment being made by a student, and clearly this particular second grader was impressed, smiling ear to ear as he raised his hand and recited details of the event in front of his classmates as if he were explaining his Saturday morning cartoon.

We read the news or watch it on TV and we blame this one particular person for carrying out the event, but the truth of it is, we are all responsible.

As a society, we have allowed this to happen. We live steeped in a culture where violence is glorified, from the movies that we pay big bucks to see to the news programming that feeds us the dirty laundry we so badly crave. We kill hundreds of thousands in the name of "freedom", buy our children violent video games, and turn a blind eye to those in need.

Intense sorrow emanates from Newtown, Connecticut and it is reaching across the lands, across the oceans. We are collectively feeling that sorrow. This is as it should be. As human beings, we have the capacity to be empathic, and when we are not, that is a greater tragedy. And it would be an even greater tragedy if we were to not demand that this never happen again.

Realistically, can such violent rampages be stopped?

Maybe there is no one cure-all answer, but there is some logic that perhaps can be applied. I wonder, what would it take to change our course from one that is violent and destructive to a society that is peaceful and healthy?

So, here are a few ideas, many of which you have probably already heard.

Disclaimer: I am pissed. These views are very much mine, I'm being honest, and I am not holding back. So, yes, some may be offended. No apologies this time.

Compassion over Competition

It starts at birth. Every child needs, and deserves, to feel loved, safe, and taken care-of. This means responsible, mature parenting. Why are there no mandatory classes in how to parent? Every child should have adequate food, shelter, and healthcare. That means that the adult needs the same as well. The attitude of "every man for himself" is bullshit. That attitude sets us up on a competitive stage rather than one of compassion. We need to learn the skill of listening to one another and we need to create an environment where compassionate nurturing is the most valuable trait. The saying "it takes a whole village to raise a child" is true. It does. Consequently, when that village is unhealthy and violent, we are still all raising that child. The children are our mirror of who we are. Think about the best "village" scenario and create it.

Peace as a Goal

When did "Peace" become a dirty word? It is beyond me that anyone would fight the concept of living in a peaceful society. The argument that one does not think it is possible is not enough. Whether or not you feel it is possible, why would you not want to work toward it? Start today with acknowledging that war is not the appropriate response to any situation. Nor is hitting a child, supporting sports that are violent in nature, or condoning the death penalty. It is never okay to justify violence such as rape or domestic abuse or to not fully prosecute those who are guilty of it. Actions speak louder than words. If you think it is wrong to kill or injure, then put your money where your mouth is.

End the Desensitization

We are inundated with images of violence from a young age. Sure, those video games, music, and movies come with a stated restricted age, but we all know that doesn't really deter a young person's access, it only makes the product more appealing. The movie industry knows this. They want that R rating. The video games know it too. The more realistic the bloodshed, the more titillating the game. Young minds are not yet developed enough to understand the consequences of such real life situations. Violence is not, and should not, be a game. Parents who watch these movies or play these games should be responsible in their use and keep it from their young child's sight.

Restore Social Services

Some people have responded to this most recent tragedy as a result of a "Godless Society". This sure flares me. Do you know what else is missing from society? Necessary social services. Has anyone stopped to think that perhaps this increase in desperate violent acts is the result of years of cutting humanitarian services like mental health and human resources, education, and welfare? Again, this "each for their own" thinking is not working. And if anything is an indication of a "Godless Society" it is this: taking away from those in need. People who covet their extreme wealth at the expense of others' well being should be ashamed of themselves. I know so many who have so little and still go above and beyond to help others, and THAT is the authentic way of living within the principles of a meaningful and spiritual life.

 

Study and Understand

For every mass murder that is taking place, there are other such plots being made. There are are at least two stories in this past week's U.S. news that were of foiled plans to kill mass numbers of school children and a carried-out mass victim knife attack in China. The culprits should be studied and understood. Know every detail of their life and what led them to such extreme behaviors. Knowing what prompts someone to do such things could be helpful in recognizing what we as a society need to change, whether that be access to weapons, healthcare, different home environemnts, etc. I think there is no one thing that makes such a person, but it would be immoral to not take steps toward change to improve our chances of this not happening again.

Gun Restrictions

When the second amendment was written, there did not exist automatic weapons that kill dozens of children in a matter of seconds. What need is there for a gun that does such a thing other than to kill mass numbers of innocents? I know many people with guns, most of them used for hunting, some for a sense of self-protection. And of those people who own these guns, most have no intention or desire to kill other human beings. We can go back and forth on this, the right to bear arms, and what it means. For me, an ideal society would have zero guns. Zero guns in the entire world. Yes, I like the sound of that. And while we're at it, zero weapons that are made with the intention of harming another being.

That being said, I know that this realistically will not fly given the current gun-toting culture. However, something does need to change. It needs to happen immediately and it needs to be enforced. Automatic weapons should not be in the hands of the lay person. As well, it should be more difficult to attain any kind of gun. We don't allow a person to just jump in a car and start driving without taking an exam. Nor should anyone who has a history of violence or extreme mental issues be allowed to purchase a gun. Guns in the household where someone is suicidal or delusional is not prudent. People need to be honest with themselves. There are too many tragedies. We need to change course and do not what we greedily want to do, but what we feel to be in the best interest of the whole.

Click the link below to watch a Youtube video of Cheryl Wheeler's song "If It Were Up To Me". Powerful. Something to think about.

http://youtu.be/Op7agdIFOGY

Fa la la la la

 Downeast and looking for something to do this coming weekend?

 

Check out these two holiday events.....

I'll be vending at both and hope to see you there!

 

Small Footed  Herring Bowl from the Herring Collectors Series

by Shanna Wheelock

 

First Friday Art Walk at the Machias Grange

December 7th, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

1 Elm Street, Machias, Maine

For more info click here.

 

Thank you to the Beehive Collective for supplying this awesome venue!

I understand that the Beehive will be displaying for the first time ever a new mural project that has been in the works for nine years!

For more info click here.

 

 

 

Winter Holiday Art Market

December 8th, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Eastport Arts Center

36 Washington St., Eastport, ME

 

"Craftspeople, artists, farmers, and purveyors of other delights will offer shoppers the opportunity to treat their loved ones to the finest handmade gifts including stained glass, ornaments, honey, artisan cheeses, jewelry, pottery, mobiles, banners, bags, childrens' toys, herbal balms, hand spun fiber garments, and more! Cookies and hot cider to bring cheer, and local musicians will keep your stockings rocking while you shop. Support your community, enjoy a friendly shopping experience, and buy locally this holiday season." excerpt from the website. 

For more info click here.

 

and next week....

 

Grass for Sarah

Woven wool and copper, by Shanna Wheelock

photo by Leslie Bowman

 

Shanna Wheelock Woven Works

 on display at

Washington County Community College Library

One College Drive, Calais , Maine

Through December 18th

Public Reception: Tuesday. December 4, 2012

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Click here for more info.

 

 

More "Column Vessels" in progress.

by Shanna Wheelock

 



 

Last year we didn't have a yule tree. Bouli was too young and feisty so we forewent the traditon imagining the worst: a kitten sprinting up the shaft bringing down balsam scented fir with a crashing and clinking of long-adored ornaments. Never mind the possible tinsel fiasco.

 

This year we have thrown caution to the wind. Despite the chilling temps, Chris and I ventured over to the the Hayward's and picked out a modest seven foot beauty. Every year there is a bit of distress knowing that our ancient tree base is a real hassle to get aligned just perfectly with the trunk. Somehow this year, however, it went smooth as butter. The tree was up in no time, the tip reaching ceiling with a half inch to spare. Bouli was curious but not destructive, and to our surprise, the tree stands straight. Certainly, we were through the worst of it and all we had left to do now was add the lights and ornaments.

 

So down I plunked myself onto the floor with five or six severely tangled strands of colored and white LED Christmas lights. Again, I surprised myself at the smoothness of it all. Yes, tangled, but somehow I managed to detangle in good fashion. I excitedly climbed upon a stool and began to string the colorful little bulbs top to bottom. As Chris walked in the room, I noticed that he was clearly impressed by my efficiency. In the past, this task was such a a long, drawn out chore. But then it occurred to me....

 

Shouldn't I have plugged the lights in before hanging to be sure that they worked?

 

Wait. Don't answer that. We all know the answer. I know the answer. Still, I didn't do the workability test.

 

So, I reached down to plug the two strands in to the outlet and....one strand was out. Oh poop.

 

No worries. We had backup strands of clear. So, I untangled more lights and tested them. Thumbs up. Here we go. Lights strung on tree. Looking good. Then.... I got this idea to plug the one strand of color lights to the clear and add a bit of pizazz. As soon as I did, the top strand of clear went out. And so it went, each variation producing yet another disappointment.

 

The lights were old. Many years old. They have been in a box in the top of the barn unused for two seasons and had graced our trees many seasons previous, perhaps even as far back as our time in Tennessee.

 

Fortunately, the market down the road had lights in stock. We cleaned them out of all five sets and returned home. Chris was waning by this point, but I assured him that fresh out of the box they would not be tangled thus all would go smooth and quick. I tested each set before joining strands then strung the tree with amazing speed. Phew! Now, all we had to do was plug them in.

 

That would have been simple if I had strung the lights so that the plug was at the bottom of the tree near the outlet. But no. I had strung them, essentially, upside down. Yes, it can be done. And it was.  All the lights were, once more, removed from the tree.

 

I'm happy to report that as I sit here writing this blog entry that I am enjoying the sweet colorful glow of multicolored lights on a beautiful tree. Albeit, no decorations. After all the drama of trying to get the tree lit, we were both a little too frustrated to finish the task. Instead, we each went to our respective spaces to do a little writing.

 

The tree was a nice break from the past week of intense studio time. I have been working on more column vessels inspired by the long gone Lubec factories. I am playing with multitudes of textures and thinking about possibilities once the works are fired. In all I have created nineteen new columns. I have my favorites and am anxious for them to dry so that they may be fired and finished. This grouping of work is inspired by the brick remnants from the original American Can factory in North Lubec. I have enjoyed my time with one of the town's elders who is filling me in on some local history and appreciate that the new land owners of the former factory site have graciously allowed me to forage for factory remnants, all in the name of art. How cool!

 

It was wonderful to have a week with only three short appointments so that I could focus on my own projects. This coming week will be a busy one with a reception at WCCC where my fiber works are hanging, and two art/craft events that I will be vending. I've posted the info for those three engagements at the top of this post. I am looking forward to spending time with other artists. I especially enjoy vending where there is live music. The First Friday Art Walk in Machias will be extra meaningful since we will all be privileged to view the newest artwork by Beehive Collective, on display for this one night only before heading off to print and tour. So, if you are in Machias on the 7th, be sure to check this out - it's an amazing opportunity. And, if in the Eastport area on the 8th, stop by the arts center and enjoy some treats, art, and live music!

 

I cleaned my "cave" this morning. It was a task that involved both Chris and I, face masks, and a wheelbarrow. It was not a pretty sight as my clay studio can get quite messy. I finished off with a floor mop to get the mounds of dust cleared out. It won't last long, but it sure feels nice to have a clean space for a spell. Tomorrow I glaze all day to get a firing through on Monday. I'm hoping for new work to take to the two fairs next weekend and the extra heat from the kiln will help to push along the drying of the new column vessels.

 

Things seem to be moving along smoothly.

 

Love this time of year and feel so very blessed and grateful.

 

 

 

 

 



 

Heading into the Holidays

 

 

Website updated to include online shopping!

 

I'm excited to announce that my website at shannawheelock.com/cobscookpottery.com now has online shopping! You'll find a selection of my most popular functional pottery items as well as pieces from my new Herring Collectors Series that celebrates the lost sardine and smokehouse industry of Lubec, Maine.

 

Click here to check it out!

 

 

 Herring Sake Set with Tray from the Herring Collectors Series.
Handcarved by Shanna Wheelock
Available for purchase at
CobscookPottery.com
click here to go directly to item.

Save these upcoming dates:

Shanna Wheelock Woven Works

Washington County Community College

One College Drive, Calais ME

Artist Reception

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

11:30am-12:30pm

 

 

 

First Friday Artwalk

Friday, December 7th, 5-8pm

The Grange

1 Elm St., Machias, ME

I'll be there with a selection of pottery. I have never been to one of Machias' First Friday Artwalks...but I hear that they are totally hip and fun!

Thank you to the Beehive Collective for providing space for this event!

 

 Some of my functional stoneware pottery:
wine chiller, stemless wine tumbler, and flared rim bowl.


It was no small task transferring a fully stuffed 22 1/2 pound turkey from roasting pan to platter. The effort had us all in stitches. Note the deep concentration on Chris' face as he narrowly averts a slip-slide-plop Thanksgiving fowl disaster. I had camera ready just in case things went awry.
Thanks, Aunt June, For a delicious spread and a cozy space to share with family.

 

Bouli relaxing with a good book. 

 

 

 

We are in the thick of it now: Halloween three weeks ago, Thanksgiving two days ago, and Yule fast approaching. Driving back from Bangor last night houses were lit to the hilt with thousands of mini colored LED lights while inflatable Frosties and Santas bobbed and swayed, waving us on toward a month of decorating trees, feasting on sugary delights, and  gatherings that involve jolly eggnog-guzzling friends and family.

 

It seems the only thing missing right now is the snow. Lubec still sports a barren landscape with the occasional sea smoke rising from the bay as temps begin to plummet. The last two days of mild-for-the-season weather leave us wondering if winter will show her white face before the reindeer take flight, but not to worry, as the recent forecast inches toward the allusion that icy white flakes may fall tomorrow.

 

Today is small business Saturday and though much of Lubec's tiny population may still feel the gravitational pull toward big city box stores two and four hours away, I will get the shop heated and open for those who choose to keep it local. Lubec is tiny, but even so, it has much to offer in the way of gift giving, from artsy downeast boutiques to Peruvian chocolates, and of course, pottery. If I wasn't already living here, I would be begging for a Lubec themed holiday from my sweetie....a gift certificate ensemble for quaint lodging, gourmet dining, local shopping, concerts, Tea with Eleanor on Campobello Island, whale watching, and hiking. Better yet, would think to plan that awesome getaway around one of Lubec's 2013 events: The Bay of Fundy Marathon, Fourth of July, Harvest Howl, Summer Keys, Lubec Arts Alive....

 

For a list of Lubec attractions/lodging click here.

 

Ok...I am starting to sound like an online commercial. Guess I'm just a wee bit proud of this tiny fishing village sitting out here at the easternmost the tip of the country, and feeling very blessed to be able to live here. Just having spent a couple days in one of Maine's largest cities, I am reminded how special Lubec is, with the emphasis on nature and small town community. There are no traffic lights and honking car horns in jams than wind around malls and big box stores where most everything is made in a foreign country, swaying our senses with perfectly-aimed advertising that numbs us to the harsh realities of sweatshop economies. Like I said, Lubec is a breath of fresh air. Literally.

 

The days are speeding by and I realized this morning that it has been almost three weeks since I sat down at the keyboard to post a blog entry. My annual holiday sale was fun as usual, allowing me the chance to visit with a lot of local friends. I feel very blessed to know so many wonderful people and sincerely appreciate their support over the years. My sister trekked here from Hallowell which made the weekend extra wonderful and the time together gave us a chance to plot holiday festivities and revel in a few good belly laughs.

 

After the annual holiday sale, I jumped into sculpture mode and have put most of my focus on my MFA work. There was a sprinkling of stray events that deviated me from studio time here and there: a poetry reading at UMM, Lubec Arts Alive meeting, and of course, Thanksgiving with family.

 

Perhaps the most interesting component of my MFA work the past couple weeks was my visits with a 95 year old woman who has lived in Lubec all her life and began working in the sardine factories at the age of fourteen. She is somewhat of a local legend. Her stories are historical tidbits providing me with information and inspiration for some of my current work. As it goes with the creative process, it can be long and tiring trying to get to the final product. I am the type of person who gets hung up in mapping out the outcome. This probably comes from years of teaching where we always had to define our end goal and plan out the steps to get to that point. I am working on reclaiming the artist in me who knows to trust the intuitive process. It can be a battle.

 

I am looking at the clock and realizing that if I am to open shop in an hour, I best get showered and ready for the day. Here, at this moment, all is quiet and peaceful. Feeling appreciative that I am not sitting in the big city maze of cars or standing in long lines of overflowing plastic shopping carts.

 

 

 

 

Back Home Again

Cobscook Pottery Annual Holiday Sale

November 9-11, 2012

Fri. 3-7, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 11-5

Visit us at our Lubec shop this coming weekend to get a jump on your holiday shopping! Shop Maine-made pottery and jewelry, enjoy refreshments and holiday cheer, and sign up to win a Cobscook Pottery gift certificate!

Click here for more info.

Exciting Announcement!

Jugularity

by Chris Crittenden

Buy it today on Amazon.com!

(Yep, that's my poet-philosopher husband's latest e-book release!)

 Bricks at Comstock Point. New project developing? We'll just have to wait and see!

 Several loads of pottery fired last week!

 Had a great time vending the Maine Crafts Guild show at the State Museum in Augusta this past weekend.

There are some perks when driving long winding back roads early in the morning....incredible views! I took this shot in Wesley Maine just as I turned onto Rte. 9. The lifting fog was magical.

Okay. Some photos are hard to explain. So I won't. I'll just say that I had yet another memorable and incredible MFA residency weekend in Kennebunk at Heartwood College of Art.  I took LOTS of fantastic photos to share...however, they are on my computer....which is back at HP headquarters because it died on me last week. My pics are, sadly, gone (lesson: BACKUP often!). This is the only photo that I have from the weekend!

I've been itching to blog but a hectic schedule compounded by a broken computer kind of put a damper on things. For the past two weeks I have been slogging along on an old laptop with a malfunctioning keyboard that made typing a single sentence a lesson in patience. Chris left for campus a bit ago and I am now reveling in the fact that I have access to his computer for a few hours to finally type an entry at a normal pace without having to bang the space bar at the end of every word.

I just returned from a few days in central Maine where I participated in a Maine Crafts Guild show at the state museum. I spent a bulk of the past few weeks preparing work. This show carried a bit of jittery angst since I was to be juried. I am ecstatic to report, after a friendly and insightful jury appointment, that I was officially accepted into the guild. I look forward to traveling and vending with this friendly and talented group of artisans. The weekend was especially pleasurable since I was able to connect with family and friends that I don't get to see often enough. I am so incredibly grateful for my parents and sister's help while I was in town, all of whom are now referred to as "Team Wheelock." With car fully packed, I returned to Lubec today where Chris helped to unload the heavy boxes of pottery back into the shop where I will spend a chunk of this week setting-up for this coming weekend's annual holiday sale. No rest for the wicked or the weary!

Chris. Ah Chris. While I was away for my MFA residency weekend two weeks ago, Chris was a busy little poet. He finalized details on a poetry book that is now available as an Ebook on Amazon. We are a very excited household of late. Check it out! (click here)

My weekend residency at Heartwood College of Art was fabulous as usual. Now at midway point in the program I think often how glad I am that I chose this program for my MFA work. It has been the perfect fit for me, very affirming of the artist's journey. An all-around positive experience. I often say that it is a real grass-roots down-to-earth program. I just happen to be in an all-female pod which I love. I admire every woman in the group who is sharing this journey with me.

The upcoming weekend is one that I look forward to. We host our annual Cobscook Pottery holiday sale. My sister, who is a phenomenal jeweler, will visit for the weekend to sell her pieces alongside my work and the other goodies on display in the shop. We'll warm cider on the stove and play some of the, you know, holiday music that has everyone saying "it isn't even Thanksgiving and already they are playing Christmas music!" It will be blues and jazz holiday tunes, so that makes it a little bit better doesn't it? All summer long the visitors to my studio are mainly those who are passing through (ayuh, tourists and summer folks).  But, the holiday sale is mostly year round folks that we know well so it is a fun gathering for me.

I am afraid I have have run out of steam for the night and the deep thoughts about election and hurricane will have to wait for another day. I am glad know that my cousin and friends in NY and NJ and other spots along the east coast are safe and well. My heart was breaking for many, and was as well deeply touched by acts of compassion and generosity.