Trusted Companion

  

  Steady, Constant, Workhorse, Dependable, these are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of my trusted companion; my SINGER.  I remember finding this machine at a yard sale when I was just seven.  I think we paid fifteen dollars for it, and Mom thought it was a great thing.  Little did we know then it would long outlast her fancy new machine that she wanted to keep me from. 

  I had to take some time today to clean this machine.  It was slowing as the morning drug on clear it was in need of some maintaining attention.  Taking a pause in my current project I carefully swept out the dust and oiled all the right spots to remove the clatter than had crept in over the past month or so.  Checking the belt tension and putting it back upright I was flooded with memories I have made with this machine.  Doll Clothes, Favorite Shirts and Skirts, My Prom Dress, A Wedding Dress along with Brides maid’s dresses all made with this machine.  Then the baby clothes and baby quilts for each one that came along. Party dresses, Easter and Christmas dresses; I think I may remember each and every one coming full circle with teaching my daughters how to make doll clothes of their own.  Thirty –six years I have worked with this trusted machine by my side always knowing it would get me through yet another project; another masterful memory.

All in the Mark

I was standing just a minute and waiting with my daughter to get an autograph after seeing Broadway's Jekyll and Hyde, when it hit me just how much there is in "The Signature".  More than identity, who we call ourselves, it is our mark.  The imprint we leave most on this world.  Usually the first thing we learn to write as youngsters it is ours to share for a lifetime.  I know my mark has undergone many transformations.  Born a Regina, I was quickly given the nickname Reggie.  I grew up knowing that was who I was.  In and around my high school years I wanted to make it more my own and I dropped the final e.  Proudly signing all my art projects as Reggi.  When again in college as I continued to study art and work within my own creativity it changed again.  I began signing as Regina but usually you could only make out the  first four letters as the remainder faded out, which is now my signature; Regi.  As a potter, your mark is everywhere.  I have been asked over the years numerous times about my signature or mark.  Some pieces have slipped through without my mark but from hours of thought (probably too much) and lots of practice I have worked hard on the signature as well as trying to figure out where to leave it.  Painters usually sign their work in the bottom corner or underneath depending on the type of framing that will be happening.  Ceramists (Clay People) have a number of ways to mark their work.  Their name on the bottom of the work, lower side of the work,  some incorporate it and make it part of the work.  Some don't use a name at all but a "Mark"  be it a stamp, or set of symbols that are used to identify the work to it's individual.  I have tried most of these options over the years. Depending on the mood at completion of the project or simply experimenting in different looks.  Not to long ago I was prompted again to "sign your work and be proud of it" when a friend was looking at a piece where my signature had been covered by the glazing process.  At that time I did not think to much of the reminder, but when I was standing in that moment waiting with my daughter.  waiting just for someone's signature.  It dawned on me that it really might be something I should make more of a priority.  Not that my signature will ever create lines of waiting fans, but it will mean something to someone who has a piece of my work. And it certainly should mean something to me.  signed proudly - Regi

Housekeeping

Sometimes all I want to do is play in the studio.  Forget everything but me and the mud!  Lately there has not been time for any creating in the clay corner.  It is all still in the middle of transition and just not quite ready for major production.  But there is always plenty to do.  The whole picture has a "to do" list a mile long. One such item on the list has been the website.  The program I use to keep up our website has undergone some upgrades and changes.  All for the better, and I am excited about some of the new offerings, however it means that I have been needing to spend some real time in getting all our things re-listed within the new format. That is time I have been avoiding.  To give myself that kind of time in front of the computer just does not seem reasonable sometimes. I really need to change my thinking around this type of work.  I do know it is necessary housekeeping for the business end of things, And so it begins; housekeeping on the website. In a couple of days I hope to unveil the new and improved.  It will feature an updated look, new shop, cart and the ability to narrow your viewing by categories.  Hopefully - if I get it all right!  Just in time for the upcoming holiday season.  Wish me luck!   -Regi