What a year! The year began with me leaping out of the TAFE nest, deciding it was time for me to learn how to fly on my own.
Thanks always to my support network, friends, followers, and customers who are with me on this creative journey. Growth and development are certainly up to me, but success is definitely a shared adventure.
Super cool experiences
As a working artist, one of my activities is turning up to events, and connecting with other artists. This year’s fave’s are Sabbia Gallery, Gallery Lowe and Lee, and Gallery 11:11.
I spent a week at Clay Gulgong which was bigger than Ben-Hur, I experienced ceramicists en-masse and dorm accommodation! It was totally overwhelming and I can’t wait to go again... https://www.mansfieldceramics.com/clay-gulgong/about/
I headed to Canberra with an art buddy for the national open studio event to visit their ceramics community. It is such a magical experience to hang out with the artist, check out their space, and see their work in person. Make a note in your calanders for November next year, there is so much to see!
Studio opened to customers in August
The Clay Effect Studio as a practice opened in August offering classes, ceramic finishing and mold making services. It’s been a steep learning curve, I am loving it and I definitely want to be doing more of this type of work next year.
I am continuing to refine what is on offer for clients of the studio, listening to the feedback constantly and making improvements to make this a truly unique experience. For example, I am now working on a glaze and colour chart to offer a broader range of finishes for customers to choose from. So watch this space in 2025...
The goof balls at the gate
We have to two large dogs that are very social and love to greet our guests at the gate. If you are not a dog person, or are not comfortable with a bit of large pooch excitement, please do not hesitate to let me know and we can exclude the furry welcoming committee.
For those who can cope with our big hairy goof balls, please know you make a difference to their day.
Changes to website and socials
Leaning into marketing and communication is testing, so hang in there. Any tips, tricks, or feedback about how I can do this better for you will be most welcome.
I have separated my studio practice The Clay Effect, from Mel Gras the artist, to continue to share what’s going on in the shed (nothing changes here) and to create a portfolio of my completed works. The website is still one site with an updated menu. For social media, the handles to follow are;
Instagram @theclayeffectstudio @mel_gras
Facebook @theclayeffect @melgras
The most important change is the booking system to provide flexibility and control over session dates that work for you. I have another blog coming with simple instructions and short videos recording the steps to pay for and book your sessions.
Becoming a ceramic artist
Developing my artistic identity has been the hardest piece of this puzzle. I love working on lots of stuff and experimenting, which makes it extremely difficult for everyone else to understand who I am as an artist. This year I chose a number of specific art exhibitions to provide focus and tangible deadlines. Being a finalist on 4 occasions this year was gratifying, encouraging me to improve the quality of my work and commit to a topic I am deeply passionate about.
Exploring the concepts of Nature and Nurture, how they differ and how they interact, I have come to realise... is my thing. Nature is expressed through being part of a broader environmental conversation, exploring my love of nature and all Earths creatures, and reflected in my pieces as an artist.
On the other hand, Nurture is expressed through the work done this year setting up my studio practice, providing a space and time where people are encouraged to explore their creativity, learn and develop new skills in a safe, caring and joyful environment.
The shop and selling work
I am just going to say it... I have not worked this out yet! Until I do, if there is anything you would like for your very own, please let me know.
Have a fabulous and restorative Xmas break and we will see you in 2025!
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