Evolution of an Idea

Working in a series is something I've found very helpful for developing an idea, just as production throwing or hand building develops skills.  Here are some images of work from past to present that show the evolution of an idea.

This is where one idea began... just a simple birdhouse flat tile with raised leaves and branch and a simple bird graphic.  

 wanted to loosen up the boxy form and make it more whimsical, so I began making this flat tile, starting at first with  the same blackbird graphic, then beginning to experiment with  more detail.​

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This idea for the inset with the nest came one morning when I woke up, as often happens with ideas.  I've used this 3-D version with both the original boxy birdhouse shape and with the more curvy one, experimenting over the next few years with different paintings on the surface and sides.

This led a few years later to other pieces, primarily vases.  The following was the first one, drawing on what I'd been doing up to that point as far as decorating it.

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At some point shortly thereafter I happened by the jewelry findings in a craft store and was immediately excited by the charms and jewels (rhinestones) there and bought them with no clear idea of what I would do with them.  They sat around in a drawer in my studio for a year or longer, occasionally taken out and looked at, wondering, "How could I use these?  What would I do with these?"  Now it seems obvious, but it took a while to figure it out.  The wheels turn slowly.  I started with vases, then moved into wall tiles again, like Garden Gate below.  It's hard to tell by my photo, but there is a key/keyhole in it to the right of the inset with the bee.  I loved this one and have some more ready to be decorated.

Shown: 2-Spout Vase (top) and Jeweled Urn

Shown: Orchard Vase with Bee (top) and Garden Gate Tile

Next, still in the greenware stage, I have a couple of vases that merge the idea of the inset with the Bowl of Leaves posted elsewhere on this site.  So, more to come!