My 7th Sculpting Year in Retrospect

Studio Musings

In reviewing the year of 2024, I can see that I've met a number of my sculpting goals--completing several commissions, attending workshops, exhibiting in 4 galleries, learning about new finishes for sculptures, getting another piece molded and a third edition of the piece cast in resin (after donating one and selling another), taking a second sculpture to be bronzed, sculpting a bit faster, re-enrolling in the on-line program, New Masters Academy, watching a few new sculptors teach on-line, volunteering at a gallery where I was exhibiting, and exhibiting at art crawls and shows. I also learned how to cast in plaster as well as make bas relief molds. On the down side, I had to cancel a few workshops in order to financially be able to attend another, and I didn't get into some shows I had hoped to. I learned the hard way that a number of people who come to a show will SAY they want a commission and leave their contact information, but when I call or email them back, I learn that I've been ghosted. I've had a number of people ask me if I teach classes, and although I'm still thinking about that, I feel I want to get a little more time and experience on the sculpting stand was first. It was fun to attend shows of several artist friends this year and spend time socializing with them there and in other ways. Listening to Alan Bennett on guitar is always fun at the annual studio sale of my studio mate and myself and this year we were joined by a fabric designer and jewelry maker. In November, I signed up for a mentorship with a seasoned sculptor who is leading a small group of us this year and am looking forward to seeing where that leads. Most recently, I'm learning to sculpt figures from water based clay slab patterns which should help decrease expenses in not having to get molds made and pieces cast. That will enable me to sell pieces at a lower cost.

Time keeps on ticking into the future, but before moving forward, sometimes it helpful to review the past.

2024 taught me that I didn't want to retire from my day job yet, and that unless I can figure out how to lower my production costs, I may be working at my day job for the rest of my life.

Here are some photos of some of my favorite pieces from this year:

The First Edition of "The Balancing Act" was sold, the Second Edition was donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Fundraiser, and the Third Edition is now for sale.

"Unfinished Woman" from a Napa workshop with Mario Chiodo.

"Michael" from an Atlanta workshop with Kevin Chambers.

At the Linebaugh Public Library in Murfreesboro this past June.

"She" is waiting in the que as I type at Inferno Arts in Atlanta. Can't wait to see her in bronze! She's from a workshop in Chattanooga with David Simon two years ago.

Female Torso in water based clay from an on-line workshop with Cristina Cordova. I didn't get to do the live video, but I watched Cristina demonstrate how to do it. It's created from clay slabs using Cristina's pattern. If I can learn to utilize this technique, it will lower my production costs significantly.

From a Nashville workshop with Asia Mathis

From the Homefront:

As you can see, Odie and Olive love spending time with us in the evenings and never miss out on an opportunity for some more petting. Can you say, "Insatiable"?

Not a bad life in-between walks and cuddles.

We think Odie may be half human.

And yet another Christmas has come and gone.

Recipes

I'm adding a new recipe section to my blog, taken from a seasoned sculptor, Aubrey Charnell, who taught me how to do plaster castings this year. Thanks, Aubrey!

This is my one of my favorite dessert recipes and is so easy that it must be sinful. According to the High Museum of Art Recipe Collection, it is based on the mousse that Jacqueline Kennedy served as First Lady in the White House.

I hope you enjoy it!

Kahlua-Chocolate Mousse

6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate bits

2 tablespoons Kahlua

1 tablespoon orange juice

2 eggs

2 egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup sugar--extra fine

1 cup heavy cream

additional cream, whipped, shaved unsweetened chocolate, candied violets as garnish

Melt chocolate bits in 2 tablespoons Kahlua in top of double boiler. In blender mix orange juice, eggs and egg yolks, vanilla and sugar. Add melted chocolate and Kahlua. Blend. Add heavy cream and blend again. Pour into serving dishes and refrigerate 4-6 hours. Serve with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, candied violets.

--Mrs. Marilyn Wenner

The High Museum of Art Recipe Collection

So, for now, I'm saying good-bye and wish you a very Happy New Year!