Summer Fun!

Summer Fun

14" X 19" X 14"

Just finished Summer Fun, in time for the new show at the Saxapahaw Artists Gallery, in Saxapahaw, North Carolina. Members of this cooperative gallery are the featured artists for the month of July. We'll have an opening reception on Friday, July 1, from 6-9PM. There will be wonderful art, food and drink, music, conversation, good times. Hope to see you there!

Mason Stains, Demystified - an article by Jennifer Hoolihan at Highwater Clay

This just in from Jennifer Hoolihan at Highwater Clay, in Asheville, NC. Jennifer and Les have helped me many times when I've had questions and needed advice on clay and glazes as has another great friend in the area, Paul.

Here is the article:

Ceramic Stain Act One by Jennifer Hoolihan

On your visits to Highwater Clays, you might have noticed all the brightly colored bags of powder neatly lined up in the stain aisle. Perhaps you were beguiled by the visual display but wondered, what are these? Good question! Read on, and we will provide a little clarity on the wide world of ceramic stains in part one of our tech tip stain series. Ceramic stains, like the brand Mason Color, offer a rainbow of color for the modern clay artist. What exactly are stains? Simply put, they are manufactured colorants. Stains are compounds made up of different oxides and minerals. Metal oxides such as iron, cobalt and copper are blended with elements like zirconium, zinc and tin. These auxiliary ingredients are used to stabilize and widen the color range of the metal colorants. Each stain has its own unique recipe. Once the raw materials are blended, the stains are heated to facilitate the chemical reactions needed to produce and stabilize the desired color. Some stains need to reach a high enough temperature to fuse, others just need a good cooking. When the heating process is complete, the stains are ground into a fine powder of about 200 mesh and washed to remove any remaining soluble material. The point of this extensive procedure is to make a colorant that is consistent in hue and also stable across a wide temperature range. Colors and subtle shades that are difficult to achieve using raw oxides are provided for with stains. A stain doesn't really incorporate into a glaze melt the way a raw oxide does. In a stain, the stabilizers act to protect the coloring metals from being sucked into the wild molten glass of a melting glaze. The colorant remains suspended as a tiny particle in the melted glaze. A raw oxide, on the other hand, hooks up with other elements as a glaze gets molten. These other elements, such as titanium, tin and boron and the atmosphere of the firing can have a profound affect on the color development of raw oxides. Often times the powder form of a stain is very similar to the fired color, thus taking a lot of guess work out of surface decoration and glazing. However, this is not to say a stain isn't affected by the chemistry of a base glaze. Different stains are more stable than others. This is where knowledge of specific stain colors comes in very handy. Fortunately, the Mason stain reference chart supplies all kinds of useful information. Mason, and other stain manufactures, won't tell you the exact recipe of a stain but they will tell you the components, like if it contains cobalt, nickel, etc. Those random little numbers listed under the color sample give valuable clues on how to use each stain to its fullest potential and avoid unhappy glaze results. It lists how much stain and opacifier is needed to replicate the color shown in the chart. This is really useful since some stains are stronger and more opaque than others. It gets really juicy when you start reading the reference numbers for each stain. You find out which stains don't play well with zinc (most greens) and why your pink glaze fired out splotchy gray (not enough calcium in the base recipe). And why are there 6 different black stains? It's all in the reference chart. You still want to test, test and test, but the reference chart gets you off to a good start. Now that we have covered the 'what' of ceramic stains, part two of our series will delve deeper into different ways of using stains. We'll learn various ways of incorporating them into your work with recipes and useful tips. We'll also get a bit more technical to increase our understanding of the ins and outs of the Mason reference chart. Until then, happy potting.

New Classes at Out of the Fire Studio!

I've been an Artist-in-the-Schools for 8 years or so and now, with the studio, have wanted to teach more classes here.

I have had workshops for teachers in Wake County, where they earned C.E.U. credits, a very fun birthday party for a 17 year old young woman and her family and friends, and a teenage guy, who is very serious abut his art.

So far, I've taught hand building and sculpture in clay to people ages 4 to 97, and would be happy to extend that age range!

If you're interested, or would like more information on these and other classes, please call (336) 376-9091 or e-mail cbiles@triad.rr.com.

This is the list so far, but once I figure out my summer schedule, there will be more classes of a bigger variety. FPr example. I would love to work with teens who would like to take a serious sculpture class--experience level would not be that important, just a desire to learn.

Also, I'd love to have classes that go on for 4-6 or 8 weeks. Feedback I've received lately, though, suggests that people prefer not to commit too many days at a time, and I can understand that!

So I'm starting with 2-day classes, where you sculpt one day and come back in two weeks to glaze (or in the case of very young children, paint) the piece after I've fired it.

If there are other classes you would like to see offered, please let me know!

Clay Sculpture for Adults: Why Should Kids have All the Fun?

Picasso said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Let go of self-judgment, have a great time and create something wonderful for your home or garden! We will sculpt during the first class and glaze our magnificent works during the second class, two weeks later. Sculpture tools are provided for use during class. First Session: May 9 and 23 (Mondays), Second Session: June 13 and 27 (Mondays), Third Session: July 14 and 28 (Thursdays). 7-9PM. $45 per session, includes 5 pounds of clay, glazes and firings.

Big Hands, Little Hands—A Great Clay Adventure!
A child and his or her Special Someone will learn a lot and have a lot of fun as they coil, roll and pinch clay to each create a masterpiece! You get to spend quality time with that special young spirit and remember the joy of play as you release your own inner child. We will sculpt during the first class, and glaze or paint during the second class, two weeks later. Sculpture tools are provided for use during class. First Session: June 11 and 25 (Saturdays), Second Session: July 16 and 30 (Saturdays). 10AM-12Noon. $55 per session, includes 6 pounds of clay, glazes, paint, and firings.

Visual Art Exchange Exhibition!

Caroline and Grace

Just delivered 6 pieces from my People and Their Companion Animals series to the Visual Art Exchange in Raleigh, NC. They're in the Exchange Gallery there, in the front, so can be seen from the street.

Four other artists are in this show, which opens Friday, April 1, also a First Friday in Raleigh. So the town will be buzzing with people checking out the art and food scenes.

The exhibit runs through the month of April.

You can see images from this series on my Studio Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Out-of-the-Fire-Clay-Sculpture-by-Cindy-Biles/301948273679?ref=ts

Here is an excerpt from my artist statement:

My art, influenced by an educational background in biology and anthropology, reflects my interest in the interdependence between humans and other creatures with which we share the planet. Inspiration comes from a desire to understand the world from a non-human point of view. This, along with many years of experience working with animals large and small, has enabled me to interpret nuances of behavior, subtle but evident if we take time to learn these languages.

With patience and mutual trust, humans and animals can develop a bond where both parties communicate on an intuitive, or even spiritual, level. Although technology enables people (who have access) to exchange information frequently and instantly, there is still a fundamental human need for direct connection with another living creature. The companion animal lives in the present, accepts us at face value, finds joy in simple pleasures, and offers unconditional love.

Balancing Act

I have not found a way to keep up with creating my own art, social media, teaching, etc. Not complaining! I've been working a lot as an artist-in-the-schools for the last few months and have had the good fortune to be in some nice shows.

Big Flowers, recently installed at a school in Wake County, NC

With that going on, I haven't posted any blog entries in a long time. I have been posting to Facebook--as much as I love this blog, I can upload photos and captions and rearrange things so much faster on Facebook. If you get a chance please check out the Out of the Fire Facebook page. There are photos of finished projects and work in progress at schools in Wake County, NC.

Thank you!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Out-of-the-Fire-Clay-Sculpture-by-Cindy-Biles/301948273679?ref=ts

THE Second Annual Saxapahaw Holiday Open House Tour!!!

I've been so busy making art (for the Tour and Christmas commissions), I am late in posting this!

This weekend, on December 11 and 12, local artists and business people of Saxapahaw are hosting a Holiday Open House Tour. (Saxapahaw is a small village located about 20 minutes west of Carrboro and between Burlington and Pittsboro.) There'll be lots of holiday cheer, art, performances, even a tree lighting.

Here at Out of the Fire we'll have free mini classes where you'll get to play with clay and I can offer some instruction. Not as intense as our regular classes, since I'll have to circulate a bit, but you'll get to see if you like working with clay (I haven't met many people who don't), and make something wonderful. I will fire it and get in touch with you so you can pick it up. I'll even try to have it ready in time for the holidays.

We'll also have refreshments for you to enjoy while you look at art in the studio and the gallery. From one-of-a-kind sculptures (large and small) to ornaments to adorn your tree. I have to confess, I had to swipe a few to put on mine!

And, there is some garden art outside--mushrooms and toad houses, sun faces and Garden Spirits.

This winter we'll have classes at the studio, and if you sign up now, you'll get a 10% discount!

If you can't make it this weekend, don't fret--just give me a call at (336) 376-9091 and we'll set up a time for you to come for your own private tour. I'm here almost all of the time, but it's best to call ahead. Out of the Fire is on Church Road, just 3 doors down from Rt. 87, 10 miles south of the intersection of Rt. 87 and I-40. You can also get here from the Mill area, our "downtown," and from Old Greensboro Highway.

The studio is spruced up and ready for the holidays.

Here is the rundown of all of the people participating. For updates, more information and a map see our very fun interactive web site, designed by Steve Durland: www.saxapahaw.com.

See you there!

Benjamin Vineyards & Winery – Wine tastings, including our seasonal Spice Wine, and light fare. Twelve Days of Christmas Art Show featuring more than 35 pieces, representing the work of over 20 local artists. Dec. 11 and 12 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. 6516 Whitney Rd. 336-376-1080; www.benjaminvineyards.com/

The Bridge at Rivermill, Center for Fitness, Movement and Healing Arts – Open house, 15 min massage/acupressure sessions by donation Dec. 11 and 12 from 1 to 4 p.m., art showing and movement demonstrations Dec. 11 and 12 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. 1647 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd Judith Brooks: 919-260-1430, Leigh Johnson: 919-619-6405; http://www.thebridgeatrivermill.com,

The Hawbridge School, a tuition-free public charter school, grades 6-12, will host an Open House for prospective students and their families as well as a Hawbridge Designs sale of student-designed silk scarves colored with locally grown natural dyes. Proceeds from the sale support the school's art department and its programs. Sunday, Dec. 12, 1-6pm, 1735 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Road. 336.376.1122 or www.hawbridgeschool.org.

Out of the Fire Sculpture Studio – Kiln opening and open studio with free mini-classes and discounts for early enrollment in winter classes. Refreshments and light fare. Dec. 11 and 12 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. 6035 Church Road. 336-376-9091. Email: cbiles@triad.rr.com. Face book: Out of the Fire Clay Sculpture by Cindy Biles.

Paperhand Puppet Intervention is offering shows of Love and Robots Dec.10, 11 and 12 at 2 p.m. and 7:30p.m. at the Community Center. Tickets and more info are available @ www.paperhand.org.

Roxy Farm Antiques – Antiques and art show by Louis St. Louis. Join us for some Yuletide cheer with locally grown wines from Benjamin Vineyards & Winery, along with homemade holiday hors d' oeuvres. Dec. 11 and 12 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. 5768 Church Rd., (336) 264-7731.

Saxapahaw Artists Co-op is having an art show with sales of works by local artists at the Co-op Gallery, located next to the Saxapahaw Post Office. Justin Johnson, award-winning local jazz and blues guitarist, will be performing on Saturday. He will be playing originals from his recently released album "Stream of Blues," as well as Christmas arrangements from his brand new Christmas album, "Justin Time for Christmas." You can check out his music at www.JustinJohnsonLive.com. 1610 Jordan Drive, Saxapahaw NC 27340. The gallery will be open on Saturday Dec 11 from 12- 8 PM and on Sunday from 12- 7PM. Contact Suzanne Connors (336) 693-4606 for more information.

Saxapahaw Rivermill will feature a Showroom Open House of the new Rivermill Lofts and Marketplace (next to Rivermill Salon) and mill tours, on Dec. 11 from 2-6 p.m.

Saxapahaw United Methodist Church Open House Sunday Dec 12 from 2:00-5:00 with Music, hot cider, and cookies, followed by the Annual Christmas Family Night Program from 5:00-7:00 pm with children's skits, music, soups and sandwich dinner. Non-perishable food and toy donations for the local "Food Pantries" and "Toys for Tots” are welcome. 5624 Church Road. (336) 376-3630.

Victory Calls Stables will have an Open House. Location: 3316 Sax Beth Church Road. For more information and times, call 336-376-8505; or see www.victorycallsriding.com.

Getting to Saxapahaw:

From Chapel Hill/Carrboro take HWY 54 West, approximately 13 miles. Turn left on Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Road. From Hillsborough, take Orange Grove Road to HWY 54 W to Sax-Beth Church Road. From Mebane, take Mebane-Oaks Road to HWY 54, travel across to Sax-Beth Church Road. From Burlington, take I-40 to exit 147 toward Pittsboro approximately 10 miles. Turn Left onto Church Road.

Masterworks - Bridget and Opal

The Carolina Designer Craftsmen show is coming up Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 26-28, see http://www.carolinadesignercraftsmen.com/buytickets.php) at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. I won't have my own booth this year, but will be participating in their Masterworks Program.

A Masterwork is defined by the Guild as "a piece that is superior in design, quality, originality, price and/or size to what you would normally make and display in your booth. This piece should be the same style of work that you are making now, but more elaborate and more wonderful. It could be that dream piece, the one that you've held in your heart...that you have always wanted to make."

This is my third year as a Masterwork artist. This year, my piece will be a further exploration of my body of work addressing the intimate and mutually beneficial relationship between humans and their companion animals.

The inspiration: in the last year, some of my friends developed serious health issues and are facing them with incredible optimism and grace. Their situations have touched me deeply and this piece is a tribute to them and others who live each day fully, with hope and courage

Bridget and Opal

16" H X 14" W X 11" D

.

The name “Bridget” means “strong” in Celtic. The opal is a healing stone representing hope. The wolf, used here to signify the long-standing relationship between humans and dogs, is a Zuni fetish for loyalty and strength. In some Native American cultures, the wolf is seen as a great healer and pathfinder on the journey of survival. As a fetish, the wolf is usually carved in alabaster or white marble. Turquoise is a symbol of faith, protection, courage, healing and balance.

By the way, you many not be able to read them in the picture, but the numbers on Opal’s tag represent my last name:

2-9-12-5-19

B I L E S