Form & Fire Ceramic Exhibition, Barbados

Form and Fire Exhibition brings together 6 Ceramicists based in Barbados and I went to the opening, check out the sneak preview below and meet the talented artists.

In the video Juliana Inniss explains how the group came about

Exhibition opening - Argentina Embassy, Barbados - Artists - Amanda Trought, Ancel Daniel, & Juliana Inniss 

Juliana Inniss finishes her hand-built vessel forms using alterntive firing techniques such as Raku, Naked Raku, Saggar and Sawdust firing

Artist Lynn Haynes

Lynn Haynes throws porcelain vessels on the wheel and embellishes them with flowers and other tropical themes.

Artist Gail Riley

Gail Riley hand builds work from Chalky Mount white clay and indigenous terracotta clay incorporating other local clays as slips

Artist Ancel Daniel

Ancel Daniel hand builds clay masks which are then incorporated into 2D mixed media work

Artist Melanie D'Oliveira

Melanie D'Oliveira works are inspired by tropical fruit forms which.

Artist Martina Pile

Martina Pile's hand built and wheel-thrown work incorporates sgraffito into tiles, bottles and dishes.

A fantastic lineup of artists with a passion for ceramics but their own unique style, you really do need to see the work in person.  

If you are interested in learning about ceramics you can check out the list of books, tools and more on 

Realityarts Amazon Storefront

Podcast Episode 65 - Creating in Faith - Loss and Purpose

Come and join me on the podcast.

In today's episode I talk about loss and purpose. What do we do with the feelings of the loss of a loved one. When does the weeping turn to joy and how can we walk through the pain into the blessings of their memories.

There are so many of us who feel that if we don't think about the person then we won't feel the pain of loosing them but the opposite is true, we will try and numb the pain but we will still feel it, coming in waves when something reminds us of them, and it could be the smallest random thing that sparks it off.

I found that the more I thought about all the things that we did together, and laughed at those moments it helped me wade through the pain.  The more I did it I found that when I did think about them I would think back to joyous times, the times we shared and the things that they would have wanted to be remembered for.  One of the saddest things we can do is to decide not to think about the person as if they never existed because we cannot bear the pain, without realizing that when we do journey through instead of covering up we will have some amazing stories of strength, love and compassion, our memories of our loved ones will intensify without the pain, and we will be able to find laughter at those times we shared.

You are not alone

I will always miss the physical presence of the person but the feeling of their spiritual presence as if they were in the room sharing the moments that I am going through fills me with comfort.  

If you are going through the loss of a loved one, take your time, it is a gradual process and I am here if you want to share.  If you are able to journal or do something in your art journal you will also find comfort in creativity.  Don't shut yourself away but reach out and as you are blessed be a blessing to another.

Art Journal Texture

Mixed Media Art Journal Page - Amanda Trought

There is a quote which says 'Creativity takes Courage' Henri Matisse, and I definitely think that you have to show up for yourself each and every day.  You will get those times where you don't feel like creating, and in these times especially you have to show up - not for anyone else, but for yourself.

To show up for yourself you have to first see 'You'

And not be afraid to put yourself out there, and then do it all again no matter who you think is or is not listening.

I wanted to play around with textures and brought out some embossing powders that had been sitting on my shelf for the longest time as I previously used them when making cards and didn't see other possible uses for them.

This is why it is essential to play around with your supplies and see how many other ways you can use them or what you can combine them with.

I also used a stencil made from recycled materials and applied Gesso to the page.  It is amazing the things that we have around our homes that can double for a creative tool!  Texture is important to me and helps tell the story that is waiting to be told.

It is only when you start looking at the detail on the page do you see all of the delicious textures that are evident.  I hope that you find the courage to step out in your art journal and experiment, you may like what comes up.

Open Studio Tours - CaFA Art Fair 2019

It was great to be part of this years Caribbean Fine Art Fair (CaFA) as one of the artists and also sharing my studio in Barbados on the open tour. 

 I shared about the use of techniques using recycled materials, mixed media and more. 

It was lovely to have people in my creative space and it made it come alive even more

Fellow Sculptor and Mixed Media artist Afreekan Southwell 

Studio Tour Visitors blessed my creative space

Next years tour aims to be bigger and better with it being the 10th year of CaFA

It was also great to be part of the main exhibition which brought into the Island over 40 Artists sharing their amazing work.

Sharing a moment with Curator/Artist Oneka Small and Artist Russell Watson

Artist Earl Darius Etienne demonstrates his fabric pieces

Therapeutic Art with Artist S.Ross Browne

Designer modelling her own clothes

 And shared my work in the main exhibition of the Fair

Still working on a few videos of the exhibition and will share as they get done.

For further information on the Caribbean Fine Arts Fair 2020 - https://www.cafafair.com/