Joel the Gromling

Another beautiful day here in Arkansas. The Natural State has a lot of hidden beauty. I never know what treasure hides just beyond the trees or around the next bend in the road. The forest never fails to surprise me, I can visit an area and a few weeks later it is completely transformed in to a different magical place.

Often, my work follows a similar path. I will sketch and plan but in the end the creation takes over. Telling me why it needs big ears, how many teeth it will have, and sometimes even changing completely.

I allow this process as I feel that this provides an organic quality to my creatures. I have never enjoyed a rigid plan when it comes to my work. I prefer to respond to the piece as it develops.

This is not the way I was taught in college. However I believe that each person has the duty to develop their own working style. If artists do not develop then art does not grow. It is important for artists to learn how to express themselves in a way that is authentic.

Friday’s are always a rush day for me. I need to finish up this weeks projects, make forms for next week’s work, and clean the studio. I hope your day is filled with new discoveries and joy.

George from Enchantedland

Ralph the Gromling

I love making something from raw materails. The thought of taking something like raw sheep wool and spinning wool, turning clay into pots, and using recycled paper to create sculpture really rocks my world.

Ralph is one of my recycled paper sculpts. He is just amazing to me. I took some discarded paper and created something. That is what I enjoy teaching others to do. In my classes, the best time is when I see a participant get it. When I see their eyes light up because they have created with their own hands something they cannot even believe.

Knowing that I have provided someone with a tool that they can then start to develop into their unique expression. It is a real joy to see their work a few years down the road, often they have far excieded my skills, but they have grown. it is truly a wonderful experience.

So muy hope for you today is that you continue to learn and grow. That youy choose to create something with your time. Something that will change your life and improve your skill set for the future.

George from Enchantedland