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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

in the studio

my somewhat clean wheel

I went to bed last night anxious to get some work done in the pottery studio. So first thing this morning, I cranked up the heat, put my apron on and started throwing.

drying


and this is what needs glazed this afternoon...

bisque ware

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Artists are ALWAYS Learning Something New



morning notes 


Today I was introduced to a free video series that was promoted by Handmadeology. They were given by Sara Shaw of Entreprenette. I was a week late in catching the videos, but lucky for me, our technology allows me to view them anytime and there's still one more video to watch next week! As I was watching them and taking notes, I was thinking of how fun it is to learn something new that I had never even thought of to advance my art career. I'm always looking for new ways to better organize my time since I am the sole proprietor of KoiStudios and MuddyPotts. And even though researching, blogging, and writing up listings has to be done and is time consuming, it is important to find the time to educate yourself whenever possible. Even if it means you may be working into the wee hours of the night in the studio since you spent 3 hours on your computer in the morning...

Now that I have done a little research and revamped the look of my blog, I suppose it's time to put on the apron and get my hands dirty!

By the way, what do you think of the new look on the blog? I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Have a wonderful day!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Social Networking: Does it Pay?



I've been selling my art online since 2005. I wasn't "connected" and yet was doing pretty well for myself. I had found a couple online galleries to sell through. Both took small commissions and it was a great way for me to start learning the ropes of selling online and all that goes with it, like shipping and commissions. Since then, I have revamped my website three times, those online galleries have disappeared and I jumped on the Etsy bandwagon. Last year was a good year for me and my pottery. But it has made me take a look at myself as an artist and what it is I really want to achieve.

I knew that when this new year started, I wanted to do a few things differently. I've been saying for years that I want to get back to sculpting and painting more. This would mean less time spent in the pottery studio. And I am preparing to make that jump. One of the ways I plan to do just that is to limit my time spent on social media. I know what works for me and what doesn't. So if you're "connected" socially on the world wide web and notice that I haven't been around much, you can probably assume that I'm busy working in my studio on a new sculpture or large painting with little time to waste. 

I will continue to write blog posts, so if you care to see what I'm working on, please continue to check in every now and then! 

Thank you for your love and continued support!

~ Stephanie 


Tuesday, February 4, 2014

a new abstract

I haven't painted an abstract without animals or turning it into a mixed media for a long time. Had some fun with this one...



not just black and white © samos 2014

© samos 2014

Monday, February 3, 2014

The Year of the Horse: Qianli Ma


Qianli Ma © samos 2014



 My maternal grandfather came over from China when he was a young boy. I have few memories of him because he left this life when I was only 6, but what I do remember is his smile. He was always smiling and I love that about him...

A couple days ago my ancestors celebrated the Chinese New Year which happens to be the year of the horse. As many of you know, I LOVE horses. They have been a large part of my life since I was a little girl. Lately I have been painting them and Qianli Ma is my latest creation. 

The spirit of the horse is recognized to be the Chinese people's ethos – making unremitting efforts to improve themselves. It is energetic, bright, warm-hearted, intelligent and able. Ancient people liked to designate an able person as 'Qianli Ma', a horse that covers a thousand li a day (one li equals 500 meters). 

If you are interested in purchasing this painting it is available in my ETSY shop.