Adding & Subtracting. My 10 Days.

10 days ago my husband Matt Wilson got on a plane to join our son Clayton with the grandparents and spend time together fishing in lovely Canada. I stayed home. My plan: to make work for my upcoming exhibition with my brother Bobby Free called “It’s Still Free” at the Clay Studio of Missoula. It …

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Entrepreneurial Perseverance and Assiduity

Last Fall Matt and I attempted to become part owners of the beautiful brick building we have had studio space in for the last 10 years.  We worked hard making wherever we were-better.  We threw an amazing party to celebrate the impending “buy in” and take a step forward in part ownership of the building.  …

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That instinct to avoid if not perfect

Today I had a number of great conversations with other ceramic artists.  One of the conversations I had revolved around blogs. I have a blog, that I wished I used more. Almost daily I think, ‘Oh! That’s something I could write about it!” and then my insecurities get the better of me.  I second guess …

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Anticipating “This is Helena”

Expectations, a little anxiety and hopeful hope. I may lean to the side of hopeful with a twist of realism mixed in. My hopes often lead to gatherings and activities. Whether sushi or martini parties or paving bricks for Clayton’s 3rd birthday, I like excuses to get people together. The current gathering project: in a …

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Connecting the Dots (with others)

I am sitting at the Bray working late, about to wrap things up when I open an email from Plinth Gallery.  The title of the exhibition they are promoting is called “Connecting the Dots”.  I am interested in dots, so of course I explore.  Then I open up Facebook and immediately see a post by …

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Coloring Contest

Our Spring Pottery Sale is around the corner!  About a month ago it was time to come up with the announcement to send to our mailing list.  I sat down at my computer to start the brainstorming process.  I was kind of dreading it.  Last Christmas my talented friend Rachel Hicks designed our holiday postcard.  It looked …

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Rainbow in the Dark

Tonight I took a short break from the computer and visited Matt who was just finishing the final dots on a lovely lidded jar.  Matt shared with me his recent color theory that has been put into action on a few recently fired mugs.  He put down his brush and explained this new color theory. …

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Tax Time

The tax info for Free Ceramics is about ready to turn in. As our business grows I keep trying to balance and juggle the various parts of running a business with my family, day job and personal needs (my own art, running, gardening).  Last year I found a great addition to our team- a book …

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Basement Improvements

The last two weeks were a bit of a blur for me personally since I had strep throat, but luckily I work with great people and the pots keep getting completed! Everyone has been plugging away.  Lindsey and Bobby got pots made, Danielle has been painting up a storm and Matt got two glaze kilns …

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