I heart San Francisco

Howdy folks,


I am in sunny downtown San Francisco on a little sabbatical, pre Christmas silly season. Hopefully this little trip will recharge my batteries enough to get through the next few months. I have some big servings on my plate. Bowerbird Market and then my solo show in November. Then the prospect of working a long and busy Christmas at Urban Cow bringing handmade beautiful art to the people of Adelaide and gift wrapping treasures to go under their Christmas trees. Urban Cow is always epically busy at this time of year as everyone loves to spoil their family and loved ones.


It is relaxing and picturesque here in San Francisco, kind of like an American version of Sydney Harbour on a glorious summers day. The topography has roly-poly hills that make you want run really fast down them and then tumble down into the big blue bay and have a swim in the salty waters. The air is fresh and clean smelling like fresh laundry. I am staying in an art deco apartment which includes gorgeous art deco furniture, oldie-worldy brass fittings and delightful bay windows that overlook the Bay and Alcatraz (drool). There is also a fragrant tree that smells like tropical fruit outside of the window. So far the sky has been soul-soaringly blue and big seagulls (bigger than chickens) can be seen along the wharfs at the end of the street. I strolled along the wharf to see the big fat snoozing sea lions on pontoons sunning themselves and their burps and farts and growl entertained us for a long time. I am completely in love with the retro Americana style fonts on all of the shops here. There are nostalgic cafes and bars that havent changed much since the 1950's due to the rents caps here (property owners cant push their rents up). 


There is a Disney feel to this place and I think Disneyland was trying to create a place EXACTLY like here! It is fabulously stimulating to my artistic mind.


Today we went to City Light's Bookstore and had a flick through some art books and books about various cultures folklore. Chinatown was fun as we strolled the boulevards at sunset. It didn't look anything like China! Every shop was brimming with chintz and sparkle.


So in a couple of days I need to hop back to it. I get creatively itchy from relaxing too much and I crave using my brain and working (I know! What a ning nong!) These days I cant just holiday any more! Must be creative constipation ... ha ha.... I guess thats why my residency in China was such a  fantastic experience as I had a great holiday but made work at the same time.... HEAVEN. 


So I need to get back into planning my Bowerbird Stall soon. I have all of the porcelain goodies prepared but I still need to orchestrate the finishing touches on the tickets and tags. Above is a picture of my owl totem animal that I made on my China residency. It has been such a popular seller. I am down to my last few owl friends, which I am sure will be snapped up at Bowerbird in no time. All the totems need owners to love them.


Have a great week blog friends. Bye for now! 

Totem Animals- Elephant, Fox, Koala and Monkey

In the ancient land of China, in the magical porcelain village of Jingdezhen, these totem animals emerged from the clay as if by themselves. These modern-day totem animals came to life during my artist residency in 2010. Each creature is hand-dipped in celadon glaze - the unique colour of Chinese empires, and made from exquisite white porcelain which allows light and energy to travel through it to the core of the totem

From the exotic Far East to the Wild West, incorporating animal totems into our lives has been a sacred practice for many people. Take one home and allow it to offer you its wisdom and guide your life in profound ways. By holding the totem animal in your hand and focusing your energy into its centre, you will charge the object’s power. Simply put it back on your window sill and let it do its work for you.

Read on to see all 16 animals that I made in China. $65 each. Limited edition.

Elephant Totem

The Royal Problem-Solver

The brilliant elephant is massive, regal and strong. It has few enemies as other animals are no match for its crushing strength or attitude. But the elephant is no brute. Its brain is large and well-developed and it has a keen intellect. It is a master at removing whatever obstacles and barriers  are in its way.

The elephant totem’s energy is for when we have a mental journey ahead of us that seems insurmountable. Elephant energy will help unblock us physically and emotionally to help us use our inner fortitude to push through any situation. Elephants will also aid us when we require confidence in our lives or patience to keep at a problem. Be it at school, job or project - call on the mighty power of the elephant.

Fox Totem

The Master Trickster

The clever fox is a keen observer, cunning planner and stealthy executioner. The ingenious fox often plays dead for long periods, lying in wait for tasty morsels to wander into its trap. Foxes have mastered the craft of invisibility - through gentleness, swiftness and camouflage. It knows how to play life’s games.

The fox totem’s energy tells us that there are times when it is wiser to hide our abilities and ambitions rather than let others know our plans. Foxes also remind us when and where to keep our mouth shut. Let the power of the fox teach you when to stand out and when to be invisible to maximize your life’s potential.

Koala Totem

The Balanced Mystic

The huggable koala lives a meditative life way up high where it views the world. It eats a simple diet of eucalyptus leaves and spends a lot of time snoozing and daydreaming. The koala is not only adorable; it is nimble, sturdy and balanced in the tree tops.

The koala totem’s energy helps us calm down and be at peace. Its energy brings us the power to stay in the treetops and avoid whatever chaos goes on below. Koala energy lifts us out of everyday concerns and reminds us to live by our higher beliefs, immersing ourselves in spirit as we go about our lives. When you need to forget about petty things, call on the power of the koala to help you rise above.

Monkey Totem

The Dynamic Savant

The athletic monkey is the master of vitality and movement as it seems to defy gravity with grace, rhythm and ease, effortlessly swinging from tree to tree. Monkeys have big brains, an abundance of energy, and an unparalleled intellect in the animal kingdom.

Monkey energy can be called upon when we need to understand a situation or move through a damaging environment rapidly. When a confusing or complex situation arises, call on the power of the monkey to swing you out of confusion into a fresh new outlook.

Introducing the first 4 beautiful porcelain Totem Animals from my artist residency

In the ancient land of China, in the magical porcelain village of Jingdezhen, these totem animals emerged from the clay as if by themselves. These modern-day totem animals came to life during my artist residency in 2010. Each creature is hand-dipped in celadon glaze - the unique colour of Chinese empires, and made from exquisite white porcelain which allows light and energy to travel through it to the core of the totem

From the exotic Far East to the Wild West, incorporating animal totems into our lives has been a sacred practice for many people. Take one home and allow it to offer you its wisdom and guide your life in profound ways. By holding the totem animal in your hand and focusing your energy into its centre, you will charge the object’s power. Simply put it back on your window sill and let it do its work for you.

Read on to see all 16 animals that I made in China. $65 each. Limited edition.

Bear Totem

The Independent Dreamer

The meditative bear is revered by shamans, mystics and visionaries. Bears are fiercely independent, having been blessed with intuitive survival skills in the face of adversity. They have the ability to find sustenance and comfort in barren landscapes. The bear hibernates for long periods of time in extreme seasons and in his deep sleep he is said to connect with the spirit world. 

The bear totem’s energy reminds us that by tuning into our true nature through introspection, solitude and dreaming, we too have the natural ability to find the right answers in the face of adversity. When you are feeling overwhelmed and bogged down by life around you, take some time out to dream during the day or night. Call on the power of the bear to help you.

Bull Totem

The Joy Protector

The handsome bull loves nothing more than to be content amongst his herd and chew grass all day long. But if he feels threatened, watch out! The bull has an unwavering ability to stand it’s ground in the face of danger. He will protect himself and his herd with everything he has.

The bull totem’s energy reminds us that our family, neighbours and community are important, and that love and contentment with them are worth fighting for. All work and no play is an unbalanced life. When you feel like you need to sharpen your horns and stand your ground in your life to protect your social time, call on the power of the bull.

Cat Totem

The Happiness Hunter

The enchanting cat is a highly independent creature that knows how to take care of itself and do the things that makes it purr. They love to be at our feet or on our laps, but only when they are ready for our attention, and not a moment before. Cats may be fluffy and cute on the outside, but they will lash out at anything that tries to force it to do something that is not to its pleasure.

The cat totem’s energy reminds us that the aim of life is to enjoy ourselves and have fun! Cats prompt us to be protective of our own time, energy and resources. When life is pulling us in many directions, the cat demands that nobody can tell us what to do. When you feel external forces encroaching into your life, give them all an assertive swipe with the power of the cat and do what makes you happy guilt free!

Dog Totem

The Emotional Healer

The adorable dog always offers us its unconditional love and companionship. It has infinite devotion and is by our side always. The dog has unquestioning loyalty and loves its master no matter what. If you are feeling under the weather, it will stay by your side and protect you from danger until you are well.

The dog totem’s energy is there for us when we have psychological wounds from the past that need healing so we can move forward. Dog’s remind us that the best remedy to our own problems is to put others first. Dog energy prompts us to love others unconditionally and to be there for them. If you are aching emotionally and want some loyal friends to comfort you, call on the power of the dog.

Yeow Li Ancient Waterfall

Ni hao everyone!

Good morning and happy Sunday to you! Here I am in China and It has has now been 7 weeks since I left Australia.

It has been a lovely week here in Jingdezhen, but busy, busy, busy. All of our art brains have been busy in the studio, hands on the porcelain, aprons on, spectacles on and lamps on until late. Everything ON. All systems GO.

There has been lots of extra curricular activities on too- new artists arriving from Sweden and Switzerland, as well as other artists returning back to the USA, UK and Australia. It has been a week of hellos and goodbyes and lots of late nights in celebration of new friendships. Plenty of pee-jiow has been drunk (beer) and gambai's (cheers) all around. Happy sad times.

I have had the realisation (and am baffled) that I have made it across the world to village far far away from everything, and my brain is STILL as full of junk and as busy as ever! It seems that I take this silly manic pace with me, wherever I go. All of this time I thought it was the world that is very busy, but it seems it is ME. I have to learn how to drop this frenetic habit! PRONTO. It is no good for the soul. Wish me luck on slowing my energy down.

So we had some day trips this week around the province, which were the leaving wishes of some of our comrades. We did a day trek in and around Yao Li Waterfall. I have attached some pics of the Chinese wilderness for you to enjoy. It was very caterpillary wilderness walk. I found 3 types of caterpillar that I have never seen before. Massive green ones that were about 15cm long and look like snakes and made my skin crawl and my voice make involuntary noises of disgust. Some smaller green caterpillars with flouro yellow butterfly markings and antennas like butterflies (half caterpillar and half butterfly) which were freaky, and lastly some furry white washing machine lint type of caterpillar. Big and marshmallowy. If I was a bird, Id eat the last guy. All of these complicated masquerades are mechanisms aimed at confusing the bird life hovering above. There were lots of spectacularly large butterflies swooping us too but I was too amazed to snap at the appropriate time.

NEWS THIS WEEK:

It is Golden Week here in China, kinda like Chinese Week, the same way we have Australia Day. It is a national holiday for 7 days and every Chinese person is on "tour"... equipped with cameras, balloons tied on arms and street vendor food in hand... which sounds nice except the streets are crowded and the traffic is insane. 10 times as many people staring at me in the street would simply be unbearable. I think Ill hide away in my studio and work like a little beaver for the week. Stay away from the outside complicated world. 

I have been asked by my friend Diana to go into a new studio with a "Great Porcelain Master" in 2 weeks time. The studio is in a fragrant Chinese bonsai garden and the courtyard is surrounded by wooden buildings that open out into the garden. It is a dream come true and I am not quite sure it is really happening... so through this friend I have met the so called "Great Master" (SO HE IS REAL!), and my impressions are that he has a beautiful face and a gentle soul. He is about 70 and does not speak English (which should be interesting). He is only ever referred to as Great Master so I do not know his name yet. I know he is a porcelain painter and is revered across China. So lucky me I have been asked if I would like to have a table in the studio with him. It is such a HUGE HONOUR and I cant believe my luck!! I wonder if this is the Buddhist monk my clairvoyant told me about? He isnt Buddhist, and not a monk, but has the same type of energy about him. I wonder if he has seen my ceramics?? ha ha ha.. he is going to be shocked and horrified at how terrible they are once he does. Oh well I have to be brave and jump into the deep end. This opportunity has come my way for a reason... I havent accepted the offer yet, so hopefully the offer is still on by the time I do.

I may also be moving house from the residency into another friends house in the next 2 weeks for the rest of my time in China. The cold weather is coming here and by the time I leave in December it will be icy.

I have been eating lots of vegan food- green vegies, dumplings, tofu, eggs, friend lotus root, rice, fresh noodles, chestnuts, beans and chilli, fresh fruit, red bean deserts... yum yum! Feeling pretty fresh and fly at the moment. Not wearing makeup and my natural hair colour is coming through. I am gonna stick with it! All this healthy naturalness feels RIGHT.

I am following the path of wabi sabi metta ceramics for my own style.

Have been going for traditional Chinese foot massages at least once a week. Heaven...

Have been taking lots of photos to scratch my artistic itch.

Thats it for today. I hope you are all looking after each other and having a peaceful and happy day. Life is precious.

Do NOT shout at the mountain.

Beautiful waterfalls. it is very auspicious to be able to hear the noise of a waterfall, so people try and live close by to them.

Chris pondering the world.

Morning rain dripping from a yellow bead bush.

Electric green water plants and little fishies living together in harmony.

The bamboo forest.

Mega spiders everywhere.

The snake imitating caterpillars. This one was about 15cm long. SCARY!!

The washing machine lint caterpillar. It was about 12cm long and very big and fluffy.

Artists unite for exploring the bamboo forest together.

A farm house in an ancient village.

Beautiful door.

People collect auspicious rocks to put at their door- like a rock garden. My type of people.

Handcarved stamp shop

This is the famous Baixu, known far and wide for her charisma and charm. Baixu's job is to look after all of the artists at the Pottery Workshop and make sure their stay runs smoothly. Her English is extremely good and she sure is one cheeky little monkey, as you can see here.

So off we went in taxis into the city to buy get some hand carved rubber stamps made. Most of the girls wanted to get makers marks, but their were lots of other designs there too. 

This is the street the stamp maker was on. Its a busy little artery; with pedestrians on their way to work in their socks and sandals and suits on, busy with hungry people on the hunt for their breakfast of steaming bauzu's (buns with fillings), and busy with machines beeping and whirring and crashing- cranes, trucks, tractors, motorbikes, and cars. China is inventing itself by the moment so it is deafeningly loud 23 hrs a day.

This is how business is done in the stamp shop. You sit on a stool that is about 10cm off of the ground with the shop keeper (bizarre) and the lady writes out your receipt after nodding repeatedly that she understood your charades about the details of your stamp.

Red ink made from an ancient chinese recipe and used on all government documentation. Baixu said it is special because you can rub it out easily... ha ha ha.. no wonder it is special government ink. Convenient!

A hand carved rubber stamp- GEE WIZZ. You would need your magnifying glass goggles on to do this job.

The stamp Doctor, in his lab, coat craving our stamps whilst we waited.

The tools of the trade- no bells or whistles here... rubber and a stanley knife.

Books of designs for people to choose from. These deers were particularly lovely.

Our crew checking out the handy work of the stamp man. He just finished making one of the girls a tree.

Now back to the studio to get on with our projects.

Qing Hua/ Blue & White Painting Class

Yesterday we had classes in Qing Hua painting with a master 'blue and white' painter here in Jingdezhen. The teacher, Master Chungun, effortlessly painted us a lotus, and the steps unfold in the images below. With some research with my friend Mr Wikipedia, I found out that Jingdezhen is the home of blue and white painting originating in the 14th century. Er der?!?! How did I not know this? I mean I knew it was an important centre for porcelain here but I didnt know that all French and Dutch blue and white painting originated from here!! This makes me feel humbled- like I am insignificant speck in the huge expanse of time. I cant believe that people were creating these masterpieces so long ago. What a huge honour to be taught something that is centuries old in its technique.

"Blue and white wares" (Chinese: 青花; pinyin: qīng-huā; literally "Blue flowers") designate white pottery and porcelain decorated under the glaze with a blue pigment, generally cobalt oxide. 

14th century development

In the early 14th century mass-production of fine, translucent, blue and white porcelain started at Jingdezhen, called the porcelain capital of China. This development was due to the combination of Islamic trade and Chinese techniques. The new ware was made possible by the export of cobalt from Persia (called Huihui qing, 回回青, "Islamic blue"), combined with the transluscent white quality of Chinese porcelain. Cobalt blue was considered as a precious commodity, with a value about twice that of gold. Motifs were also largely inspired from Islamic decorations. 

Chinese blue and white porcelain was once-fired: after the porcelain body was dried, decorated with refined cobalt-blue pigment mixed with water and applied using a brush, coated with a clear glaze and fired at high temperature. From the 16th century, local sources of colbalt blue started to be developed, although Persian cobalt remained the most expensive. Production of blue and white wares has continued at Jingdezhen to this day. 

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWEEEEE!!!

Isnt it amazing? The darker shades of blue are made by building up the applications of colour.. like water colour painting in a way.

Scenes of Chinese are the ONLY type of design you can get here. Contemporary art or the modern world has not made it to Jingdezhen yet. Here history and tradition still rule aesthetics.

This is Chungun using the fine tipped brush to map out the lotus design.

My fellow artists looking completely challenged by the prospect of having to do our own. I did a bird on a branch which I am quite happy with but forgot to take a photo.

Chungun added in fat inky lines for the stems then some red for the veins of the lotus. Even though the cobalt underglaze looks grey here, once it is fired it will be a brilliant blue- MING BLUE!

Here Chungun is filling in the big blocks of area by squeezing the "chicken head brush".

The finished product... now off to the kiln to see what it looks like once it is fired.

Another busy day at the Pottery Workshop.