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Terra cotta
I want to introduct something about Lagerstroemia indica plant. Lagerstroemia indica A terra cotta sculpture of Hanuman in India. The reddish color is due to iron oxide in the source clay. Clays with low iron content can result in paler colors on firing, ranging from white to yellow.Terra cotta designs outside the Kantaji Temple.Glazed building decoration at the Forbidden City, Beijing, China.The Etruscan "Sarcophagus of the Spouses", at the National Etruscan Museum.The Bell Edison Telephone Building, Birmingham, England.The Natural History Museum in London has an ornate terracotta facade typical of high Victorian architecture. The carvings represent the contents of the Museum.The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article or discuss the issue on the talk page."Terracotta" redirects here. Terra cotta, Terracotta or Terra-cotta (Italian: "baked earth", from the Latin terra cocta) is a clay-based unglazed ceramic. Its uses include vessels, water & waste water pipes and surface embellishment in building construction, along with sculpture such as the Terracotta Army and Greek terracotta figurines. The term is also used to refer to items made out of this material and to its natural, brownish orange color. In archaeology and art history, "terracotta" is often used of objects not made on a potter's wheel, such as figurines, where objects made on the wheel from the same material, possibly even by the same person, are called pottery; the choice of term depending on the type of object rather than the material. Plain unglazed pottery is often also called terracotta.Production and propertiesAn appropriate refined clay is partially dried and cast, molded, or hand worked into the desired shape. After further thorough drying it is placed in a kiln, or atop combustible material in a pit, and then fired. After pit firing the hot ware is covered with sand to cool, and after kiln firing the kiln is slowly cooled. When unglazed, the material will not be waterproof, but it is suitable for in-ground use to carry pressurized water (an archaic use), for garden ware, and sculpture or building decoration in tropical environments, and for oil containers, oil lamps, or ovens. Most other uses such as for table ware, sanitary piping, or building decoration in freezing environments require that the material be glazed. Terra cotta, if uncracked, will ring if lightly struck, but not as brightly as will ware fired at higher temperature, which is called stoneware. The fired material is weak compared to stoneware.Some types of terra cotta are created from clay that includes recycled terra cotta ("grog").The unglazed color after firing can vary widely, but most common clays contain enough iron to cause an orange, orangish red, or brownish orange color, with this range including various colors described as "terra cotta". Other colors include yellow, gray, and pink.HistoryTerra cotta has been used throughout history for sculpture and pottery, as well as bricks and roof shingles. In ancient times, the first clay sculptures were dried (baked) in the sun after being formed. Later, they were placed in the ashes of open hearths to harden, and finally kilns were used, similar to those used for pottery today. However only after firing to high temperature would it be classed as a ceramic material. The most famous terra cotta statues are those of the Terracotta Warriors in China.UsesSignificant uses of terra cotta have included Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Army of China, built in 210209 BC. Mass producers of mold-cast and fired terra cotta figurines were also the ancient Greeks of Tanagra. French sculptor Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse made many terra cotta pieces, but possibly the most famous is The Abduction of Hippodameia depicting the Greek mythological scene of a centaur kidnapping Hippodameia on her wedding day. American architect Louis Sullivan is well-known for his elaborate glazed terra cotta ornamentation, designs that would have been impossible to execute in any other medium. Terra cotta and tile were used extensively in the town buildings of Victorian Birmingham, England.Precolonial West African sculpture also made extensive use of terra cotta. The regions most recognized for producing terra cotta art in this part of the world include the Nok culture of central and north-central Nigeria, the Ife/Benin cultural axis in western and southern Nigeria (also noted for its exceptionally naturalistic sculpture), and the Igbo culture area of eastern Nigeria, which excelled in terra cotta pottery. These related, but separate, traditions also gave birth to elaborate schools of bronze and brass...(and so on) To get More information , you can visit some products about , . The Lagerstroemia indica plant products should be show more here!Â
Craft Designers - Starting Your Own Ceramics Business
If you have ever dreamed of owning your own business but just haven't gotten around to really thinking about it, well now is as good a time as any. There are so many different types of businesses out there for you to choose from, but if you really want to start your own business you probably already have a good idea what it is you want to do. If you are really artistic you could open up your own scrapbooking shop or stamping boutique. But if you really want to do something fun, perhaps you should consider going into making ceramics. Consulting with other craft designers is a great way to get some ideas to get you up and going.
One of the most popular types of ceramic shops in the marketplace nowadays are shops that have pieces of ceramic art already pre-made. These pieces can range anywhere from a plate to individual letters to unicorns. Each shop has a rather extensive selection of ceramic pieces that the customer can choose from. Once the customer has selected a piece, they simply apply acmi glazes to the piece to create the look they want. The great thing about shops like this is that the ceramic pieces are already to go into the kiln for firing. This omits the step of having the customer actually create a piece of artwork themselves. This is particularly important to the customer who is a little less artistic and would rather someone else do the hard work for them. After the customer has completed the painting of glazes onto their ceramic piece, it is then time for you to place their piece in the ceramic pottery kiln for firing. When their piece comes out of the kiln it will be ready for them to take home.
If you are looking to open your own business that will be a fun place to go to everyday, this type of shop would be perfect for you. Even if you yourself are not artistic, that really doesn't matter. All you really need to worry about is getting each customers piece into the kiln without breaking it. You won't even have to worry about creating all of those pieces of ceramics either, since these will be purchased from yet another business. The only other thing you will have to focus on is simply drawing customers to your shop. Painting some beautiful plates and placing them in your store window ought to do the trick!
One of the most popular types of ceramic shops in the marketplace nowadays are shops that have pieces of ceramic art already pre-made. These pieces can range anywhere from a plate to individual letters to unicorns. Each shop has a rather extensive selection of ceramic pieces that the customer can choose from. Once the customer has selected a piece, they simply apply acmi glazes to the piece to create the look they want. The great thing about shops like this is that the ceramic pieces are already to go into the kiln for firing. This omits the step of having the customer actually create a piece of artwork themselves. This is particularly important to the customer who is a little less artistic and would rather someone else do the hard work for them. After the customer has completed the painting of glazes onto their ceramic piece, it is then time for you to place their piece in the ceramic pottery kiln for firing. When their piece comes out of the kiln it will be ready for them to take home.
If you are looking to open your own business that will be a fun place to go to everyday, this type of shop would be perfect for you. Even if you yourself are not artistic, that really doesn't matter. All you really need to worry about is getting each customers piece into the kiln without breaking it. You won't even have to worry about creating all of those pieces of ceramics either, since these will be purchased from yet another business. The only other thing you will have to focus on is simply drawing customers to your shop. Painting some beautiful plates and placing them in your store window ought to do the trick!
So if you are looking for more information to help you get your ceramics business off the ground, start your search at AMACO for answers to all of your questions. AMACO is a great resource when it comes to choosing which ceramic pottery kiln you will purchase for your new shop. AMACO also has a wide selection of acmi glazes to choose from as well. If you are searching for further information on craft designers, AMACO can help you with that too.
Joining a Recreational Or Artistic Club
Life can bring with it a lot of stress. There are bills to pay, long hours to work, and sometimes a house to tend to. If you have children, you're always looking out for their well-being. That takes a lot of effort and focus. By the end of the day, life can really wear you out. Many days you probably just want to sink in the couch, watch the evening news, and drift off to sleep. You are probably not thinking about sculpting compounds-but maybe you should be! Whether it's crafting, books, or running, participating in a club can be a great way to relax and distress, while giving you a little "me" time. After all, with how busy and hectic life can be, sometimes you can forget about how important it is to carve out a little time for yourself, even if it's just an hour here and an hour there.
It's not really important what sort of club you join. The most important thing is you're doing something you love, something you've always wanted to learn, or something that's just fun. It's also great to interact with a lot of different people. Busy professionals may spend long hours at the office with the same coworkers. Parents may see their kids so much that need a little adult time. Whether you go to a crafting club and use some stroke 'n coat glaze on some pottery or you're in a gardening club where you learn how to apply organic fertilizer, it doesn't matter. The important thing is you are making an investment in yourself that will make you happier and healthier. Ironically, getting away from your life will probably allow you to handle it better!
Another great thing about clubs is they might allow you to dip your toe in the waters of a particular activity without having to make a huge investment. Sure, there might be dues or fees to pay, but say for instance you want to join a camping club. There might be other members who are willing to borrow you some gear, or they may have some gear that belongs to the club. That can be a lot less expensive than investing in your own! And if you're crafting, maybe you don't own your own potter's wheel or kiln silver clay. That may not be a big deal, as the club might be able to congregate at someone's house that has those supplies, or a local store that sponsors the club might provide the equipment. Really, joining a club is all positives-look into joining one today!
It's not really important what sort of club you join. The most important thing is you're doing something you love, something you've always wanted to learn, or something that's just fun. It's also great to interact with a lot of different people. Busy professionals may spend long hours at the office with the same coworkers. Parents may see their kids so much that need a little adult time. Whether you go to a crafting club and use some stroke 'n coat glaze on some pottery or you're in a gardening club where you learn how to apply organic fertilizer, it doesn't matter. The important thing is you are making an investment in yourself that will make you happier and healthier. Ironically, getting away from your life will probably allow you to handle it better!
Another great thing about clubs is they might allow you to dip your toe in the waters of a particular activity without having to make a huge investment. Sure, there might be dues or fees to pay, but say for instance you want to join a camping club. There might be other members who are willing to borrow you some gear, or they may have some gear that belongs to the club. That can be a lot less expensive than investing in your own! And if you're crafting, maybe you don't own your own potter's wheel or kiln silver clay. That may not be a big deal, as the club might be able to congregate at someone's house that has those supplies, or a local store that sponsors the club might provide the equipment. Really, joining a club is all positives-look into joining one today!
Joining a club isn't just for school-age kids-it can be for anyone! And quality sculpting compounds and crafting supplies are for anyone, too. Check out AMACO and see the difference. Whether you need stroke 'n coat underglazes or kiln silver clay, AMACO is the first and last place you should go!
Persian Tiles Featuring Glaze Chalk and Glaze Pencil Decorations
Persian tiles began to be manufactured in the thirteenth century, after Persia conquered Timur. Persian potters were fascinated with the Chinese pottery style they discovered, which permitted many colors to appear on one tile. Persian tile decoration, termed Ghlami, in which several colors are brush-painted on a tile in the intricate geometric patterns characteristic of Islamic art, reached its height in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This technique can be reproduced in the modern classroom by painting the tiles using either the majolica technique, or more simply with liquid glazes. The majolica process, which arose in the Middle Ages and was refined during the Renaissance, is used to create elaborately decorated ceramics in which white tin-glazed earthenware is painted and decorated with oxides and stains. This traditional technique is still popular with modern artists, and can be reproduced with easier-to-use and safer materials.
To make majolica tiles, at least three coats of opaque white glaze are applied to 6" unglazed bisque tiles. Then the design is transferred to the surface of the tile using carbon paper, and the carbon outline is filled in with glaze pencils or by brush using majolica gloss color glazes. Backgrounds are also filled in with majolica gloss color glazes, applying at least three coats of glaze. Traditional Persian designs are usually repeated patterns of abstract renderings of floral, bird, animal, and geometrical forms. Since Persian tiles were often used to make murals or decorate walls and floors, designs must be made keeping in mind the precise number of tiles needed. For example, if the finished piece is a square of 4 tiles, then the original design must incorporate a 4-tile composition and measure 12" by 12". Finally, the tiles are fired to cone 04 (760°C = 1400°F) for 4 hours, to create the glossy surface and rich colors associated with majolica ceramics.
To make Persian tiles using liquid glazes, start with a 6" unglazed bisque tile, and transfer the design to the bare tile with carbon paper. The outline of the carbon paper tracing is painted in with colorful underglazes. The design can be filled in with several coats of underglazes or with glaze chalk to produce a solid coverage. When the underglazes are dry, two or more coats of clear glaze are applied and allowed to dry thoroughly. When the glazes are completely dry, the tiles are fired to cone 04 for 4 hours. Finished tiles can be glued to a wooden base with construction adhesive and grouted, then the finished composition can be framed.
To make majolica tiles, at least three coats of opaque white glaze are applied to 6" unglazed bisque tiles. Then the design is transferred to the surface of the tile using carbon paper, and the carbon outline is filled in with glaze pencils or by brush using majolica gloss color glazes. Backgrounds are also filled in with majolica gloss color glazes, applying at least three coats of glaze. Traditional Persian designs are usually repeated patterns of abstract renderings of floral, bird, animal, and geometrical forms. Since Persian tiles were often used to make murals or decorate walls and floors, designs must be made keeping in mind the precise number of tiles needed. For example, if the finished piece is a square of 4 tiles, then the original design must incorporate a 4-tile composition and measure 12" by 12". Finally, the tiles are fired to cone 04 (760°C = 1400°F) for 4 hours, to create the glossy surface and rich colors associated with majolica ceramics.
To make Persian tiles using liquid glazes, start with a 6" unglazed bisque tile, and transfer the design to the bare tile with carbon paper. The outline of the carbon paper tracing is painted in with colorful underglazes. The design can be filled in with several coats of underglazes or with glaze chalk to produce a solid coverage. When the underglazes are dry, two or more coats of clear glaze are applied and allowed to dry thoroughly. When the glazes are completely dry, the tiles are fired to cone 04 for 4 hours. Finished tiles can be glued to a wooden base with construction adhesive and grouted, then the finished composition can be framed.
Making an entire Persian tile wall can be an excellent school-wide project, teaching teamwork as well as how to use liquid glazes and kilns. Students can follow traditional Persian designs, or let their imaginations run wild with their own glaze chalk and glaze pencils designs.
The Art of China - Chou, an Era of Splendid Bronze Metal Work
The Chou Dynasty belonged to the Chinese Bronze Age and ranged from 1122 and 221 BC. During this 900-years rule, the Chinese culture saw several changes in its economy, politics, science, and society & traditions, especially art. The initial period of Chou Dynasty is called "Western Chou" (11th century BC to 771 BC) and the later half is referred to as "Eastern Chou" (770 BC - 221 BC). The Chou Art of China included mediums, such as bronzes, jades, ceramics, and textiles, embellished with varied designs.
The Chou Art witnessed improved artistry with the discovery of iron. Some of the ancient Western Chou Art works of China were the Bronze ritual vessels, used during Chinese ceremonies. These vessels were also used as decorated pots, wine jars, and water vessel. Most of these jars were modeled in animal shapes, like birds and dragons, while coated with the inscriptions of about 300 odd Chinese characters. These bronze vessels are testimonials to the ancient imperial attributes of Chinese culture and music. Later on, in the Eastern Chou Dynasty, these bronze jars and vessels moved away from having religious significance to becoming the social symbols of wealth and power. Bronze was also used to make bells, mirrors, belt-hooks, candelabras, and weapons. In addition, after 722 BC, the designs and the shapes of these bronze utensils got simpler with 'Abstract' patterns and minimal or no inscription.
During the Chou Dynasty, many meticulous techniques were used for making functionally purposeful potteries. The potter's wheel was rarely used; instead, the hard gray clay pieces were hand molded, leaving no sign of glaze on their surfaces. During the Chinese burials, these potteries were placed with the dead.
Under the Eastern Chou Art of China, several complicated jade ornaments & pendants were made with materials, like agate and glass. These ornaments had carved images of curling chih dragons, grain seeds, and also had cloud patterns on them. The jade ornaments were important objects in ceremonies and rituals and they also depicted a person's social stature. Eastern Chou Art forms of China also included lacquer craft, practiced in Southern China. Lacquer is a red colored sap of the lac tree. It was used to make lightweight boxes, dishes, and even small statuettes. In the last years of the Eastern Chou Dynasty, silk was used as a canvass on to which, the scenes of landscapes and people were painted.
The Chou Art witnessed improved artistry with the discovery of iron. Some of the ancient Western Chou Art works of China were the Bronze ritual vessels, used during Chinese ceremonies. These vessels were also used as decorated pots, wine jars, and water vessel. Most of these jars were modeled in animal shapes, like birds and dragons, while coated with the inscriptions of about 300 odd Chinese characters. These bronze vessels are testimonials to the ancient imperial attributes of Chinese culture and music. Later on, in the Eastern Chou Dynasty, these bronze jars and vessels moved away from having religious significance to becoming the social symbols of wealth and power. Bronze was also used to make bells, mirrors, belt-hooks, candelabras, and weapons. In addition, after 722 BC, the designs and the shapes of these bronze utensils got simpler with 'Abstract' patterns and minimal or no inscription.
During the Chou Dynasty, many meticulous techniques were used for making functionally purposeful potteries. The potter's wheel was rarely used; instead, the hard gray clay pieces were hand molded, leaving no sign of glaze on their surfaces. During the Chinese burials, these potteries were placed with the dead.
Under the Eastern Chou Art of China, several complicated jade ornaments & pendants were made with materials, like agate and glass. These ornaments had carved images of curling chih dragons, grain seeds, and also had cloud patterns on them. The jade ornaments were important objects in ceremonies and rituals and they also depicted a person's social stature. Eastern Chou Art forms of China also included lacquer craft, practiced in Southern China. Lacquer is a red colored sap of the lac tree. It was used to make lightweight boxes, dishes, and even small statuettes. In the last years of the Eastern Chou Dynasty, silk was used as a canvass on to which, the scenes of landscapes and people were painted.
Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Is is also a venue for artists to display and sell their art . Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited. Please visit the website at http://www.labedzki-art.com
Five Steps to Get Your Ex Back Or Get Even With Your Ex
Have you ever seen someone make a vase on a pottery wheel? If you have, you've witnessed an example of how relationships are formed and grow. You start out slow and gentle, developing the shape of the vase. The two hands have to work together or bad things happen. The lack of co-ordination between the two hands at any point and 'flop', it's ruined. Start over.
Relationships are like that, very fragile. You start off getting to know each other. You discover things you have in common, and you explore new things that you might both enjoy. Remember, you're still dealing with two people, each with their own personality, aspirations, etc...Too much pressure, or lack of involvement, from one or the other and 'flop', ruined.
You may be the one left with the mess. If you are you may be thinking of getting back at your Ex when the truth is you would rather get back together with your Ex. The truth is that getting mad, or getting even, never really gives you what you want - a relationship.
In fact the best way to get back at your Ex may actually result in you getting your Ex back. The key here is putting your Ex in a place where they feel the loss and may even have the desire to get back what they have lost.
Here are Five steps to follow:
1. You must be strong not needy. This is true if you hope to get back together and more so if there is no chance at all that you will get back together. You must stop looking weak - begging, pleading, clinging, and looking desperate. People in general, and future relationships in particular, are attracted to confident people. It is really hard to appear confident and together when you look desperate and weak.
You should appear strong and confident, like you've moved on. Next you should become confident because you have moved on. The rule here is "fake it 'til you make it." When you've moved on your Ex will realize that there was more to you than they perceived and that they have not moved on.
2. Become A Mystery. You really need to stop all communication and contact with your Ex. Sometimes this is hard because you and your Ex still go to the same places. That's fine, say "hello" and move on. Focus your attention on the people you're with and not your Ex. More on this in the Third step.
3. Staying Calm, Cool And Collected. Become 'easy going' with your Ex. Be flexible not forceful. If you are still living together do not demand that your Ex pick up, clean up, or move out. This can be a challenge and may require you to make serious changes. If you are separated physically and run into each other then say "hello" pleasantly, and move on. If your Ex wants to talk, then listen and quickly empathize, then move on. Don't get into a discussion, and DO NOT discuss your past together, this is not the time for that.
This may surprise your Ex and result in a desire to rebuild your relationship together. A little mystery goes a long way, and right now you are not a mystery to your Ex. So change that, be 'easy going' but 'unavailable for comment'.
4. Carpe Diem - Seize The Day, live your life, now. This is not the time to stay home and be depressed. Get up and go to work. Work hard, throw yourself into it like never before. Then, go out with friends. See a movie. Hang out at a coffee shop. Go out and eat and just stay and talk. Just go do something! The opposite sex may not provide good opportunities to you right now, but that's fine, spend time with friends. Friends unavailable? Make some new friends!
5. Be yourself. Often in relationships you can become what the two of you needed. That's alright, compromise is part of relationship - a little from him, a little from her. But sometimes one person, you, has done all the compromising and you forget who you really are. Other times you both have compromised, but the person you were when you were together is different from who you are on your own.
Go back to being just you. Stop and think about your life before you got together. And remember, there was something about you that attracted your Ex to you. Go back to being yourself and give your Ex the opportunity to remember why he/she fell in love with you in the first place.
You get to choose. Do you really want to get back at your Ex or do you want your Ex back. Getting Back at your Ex and getting your Ex back both require the same attitude and actions on your part. Independence and self reliance are extremely attractive qualities when someone, like your Ex, hasn't seen them for a while. The breakup may have been your Ex's idea, but the choice to get back together or not is yours.
Relationships are like that, very fragile. You start off getting to know each other. You discover things you have in common, and you explore new things that you might both enjoy. Remember, you're still dealing with two people, each with their own personality, aspirations, etc...Too much pressure, or lack of involvement, from one or the other and 'flop', ruined.
You may be the one left with the mess. If you are you may be thinking of getting back at your Ex when the truth is you would rather get back together with your Ex. The truth is that getting mad, or getting even, never really gives you what you want - a relationship.
In fact the best way to get back at your Ex may actually result in you getting your Ex back. The key here is putting your Ex in a place where they feel the loss and may even have the desire to get back what they have lost.
Here are Five steps to follow:
1. You must be strong not needy. This is true if you hope to get back together and more so if there is no chance at all that you will get back together. You must stop looking weak - begging, pleading, clinging, and looking desperate. People in general, and future relationships in particular, are attracted to confident people. It is really hard to appear confident and together when you look desperate and weak.
You should appear strong and confident, like you've moved on. Next you should become confident because you have moved on. The rule here is "fake it 'til you make it." When you've moved on your Ex will realize that there was more to you than they perceived and that they have not moved on.
2. Become A Mystery. You really need to stop all communication and contact with your Ex. Sometimes this is hard because you and your Ex still go to the same places. That's fine, say "hello" and move on. Focus your attention on the people you're with and not your Ex. More on this in the Third step.
3. Staying Calm, Cool And Collected. Become 'easy going' with your Ex. Be flexible not forceful. If you are still living together do not demand that your Ex pick up, clean up, or move out. This can be a challenge and may require you to make serious changes. If you are separated physically and run into each other then say "hello" pleasantly, and move on. If your Ex wants to talk, then listen and quickly empathize, then move on. Don't get into a discussion, and DO NOT discuss your past together, this is not the time for that.
This may surprise your Ex and result in a desire to rebuild your relationship together. A little mystery goes a long way, and right now you are not a mystery to your Ex. So change that, be 'easy going' but 'unavailable for comment'.
4. Carpe Diem - Seize The Day, live your life, now. This is not the time to stay home and be depressed. Get up and go to work. Work hard, throw yourself into it like never before. Then, go out with friends. See a movie. Hang out at a coffee shop. Go out and eat and just stay and talk. Just go do something! The opposite sex may not provide good opportunities to you right now, but that's fine, spend time with friends. Friends unavailable? Make some new friends!
5. Be yourself. Often in relationships you can become what the two of you needed. That's alright, compromise is part of relationship - a little from him, a little from her. But sometimes one person, you, has done all the compromising and you forget who you really are. Other times you both have compromised, but the person you were when you were together is different from who you are on your own.
Go back to being just you. Stop and think about your life before you got together. And remember, there was something about you that attracted your Ex to you. Go back to being yourself and give your Ex the opportunity to remember why he/she fell in love with you in the first place.
You get to choose. Do you really want to get back at your Ex or do you want your Ex back. Getting Back at your Ex and getting your Ex back both require the same attitude and actions on your part. Independence and self reliance are extremely attractive qualities when someone, like your Ex, hasn't seen them for a while. The breakup may have been your Ex's idea, but the choice to get back together or not is yours.
Knowledge is power, if you're interested in learning how to create and build a strong relationship check this out. I wish you all the best!
Production-Line Creativity: Make more $$$
*Article Use Guidelines*
Use in opt-in publications, or on Web sites, but please include the resource box (see end). If you could send a copy to me at email address: mailto:ab@digital-e.biz , I appreciate it. Many thanks. **
Summary: Maximize your productivity with these simple techniques.
Total words: 700
Category: Small Business/ Writing
Production-Line Creativity: Make more $$$ in the same amount of time
Copyright (c) 2002 by Angela Booth
Are you as productive and creative as you could be?
A few years ago I travelled up the north coast of New South Wales, Australia, and visited a client whose wife was a potter. She showed me around her large, well-lit studio.
I was envious.
Not because of the high-ceilinged work area. And not because of the location right in the middle of eucalypt-scented old growth forest, with wallabies and wombats on the doorstep.
I was envious because of the pottery mugs, cups, vases, plates, bowls, platters, serving trays, and planters piled on long tables, stacked in deep shelves on the walls, and rising in columns on the timber floor.
Pottery in stippled blue, pottery with a white and yellow glaze. Brown shiny pottery. Pottery lushly painted with bush animals and parrots. Unglazed and unfired pottery.
Pottery everywhere.
This was one productive lady.
At the time I thought I was productive because I was turning out a thousand words a day. I thought I was writing a lot. But the pottery lady made me realize that I was having myself on.
I asked her how much she worked. "I don't think about it. I'm here whenever I have time. I suppose I work a couple of hours in the morning, and another couple in the afternoon. And if I have something I want to finish, I'll work at night as well."
I've been thinking about the potter on and off since I met her. Because her pottery wasn't art. Don't get me wrong, all her products were good. Serviceable. But only around ten per cent of her products were wonderful.
Ten per cent... Which got me thinking. I had then, and still have, a real problem expecting perfection in my work.
The pottery lady was happy to make her pottery. And a percentage of it was wonderful. If she'd held back, and thought: "I can't make a coffee set with yellow glaze. It might not be good enough." How much would she have produced? How much excellent work?
So that's what the pottery lady taught me: Produce.
Just write (make pots, take photos, design, paint...). Like Nike, Just Do It. Get over your mental blocks to creativity: perfectionism, negative beliefs, and expectations.
She also taught me about production-line creativity, because you can't make a pot in one day. You need time. Time to create it on the wheel, dry it, glaze it, fire it.
SECRETS TO PRODUCTION-LINE CREATIVITY
= Multiple projects
You need lots of projects. Got an idea? Great! Start it.
The only thing is --- keep a master list. I tend to be disorganized, and have notebooks I don't remember writing in and directories on my hard drives I don't remember creating. Keep a list.
= A mix of short and long projects
You never know enough to write a book. But you can write a page. Tomorrow you write another page. Maybe next week you're hot and you write five pages in a morning.
No matter. If you're working on a long project do what you can when you can. It's lovely if inspiration strikes, and hard work when it doesn't, but keep at it anyway.
Do plenty of short projects too. You get a charge from completing a short piece that inspires you to work on your current long project.
= Create anywhere
Take a notebook, or a tape recorder and camera. Snatch five minutes (even if it's in a restroom somewhere) and write, or sketch.
= Collaborate
You need a creative buddy. Team up with someone else and collaborate on a project. Having a creative buddy teaches you things you didn't know about yourself and your work. And it's fun.
But make sure that it's a working relationship. Get the work done, and then you can socialize.
= Take time out
When you work all the time you need breaks to recharge and refill the well. You'll have slow periods.
I have days where I only want to read, and I might read five books in three days. I let myself do it, because I know I need it --- I need to have someone else's thoughts and images in my head for a while.
There you have it: production-line creativity. Happy creating!
***Resource box: if using, please include*** When your words sound good, you sound good. Author and copywriter Angela Booth crafts words for your business --- words to sell, educate or persuade. Get in touch today for a free quote: http://www.digital-e.biz/
Free ezine: Creative Small Biz ---subscribe at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Creative_Small_Biz/
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Summary: Maximize your productivity with these simple techniques.
Total words: 700
Category: Small Business/ Writing
Production-Line Creativity: Make more $$$ in the same amount of time
Copyright (c) 2002 by Angela Booth
Are you as productive and creative as you could be?
A few years ago I travelled up the north coast of New South Wales, Australia, and visited a client whose wife was a potter. She showed me around her large, well-lit studio.
I was envious.
Not because of the high-ceilinged work area. And not because of the location right in the middle of eucalypt-scented old growth forest, with wallabies and wombats on the doorstep.
I was envious because of the pottery mugs, cups, vases, plates, bowls, platters, serving trays, and planters piled on long tables, stacked in deep shelves on the walls, and rising in columns on the timber floor.
Pottery in stippled blue, pottery with a white and yellow glaze. Brown shiny pottery. Pottery lushly painted with bush animals and parrots. Unglazed and unfired pottery.
Pottery everywhere.
This was one productive lady.
At the time I thought I was productive because I was turning out a thousand words a day. I thought I was writing a lot. But the pottery lady made me realize that I was having myself on.
I asked her how much she worked. "I don't think about it. I'm here whenever I have time. I suppose I work a couple of hours in the morning, and another couple in the afternoon. And if I have something I want to finish, I'll work at night as well."
I've been thinking about the potter on and off since I met her. Because her pottery wasn't art. Don't get me wrong, all her products were good. Serviceable. But only around ten per cent of her products were wonderful.
Ten per cent... Which got me thinking. I had then, and still have, a real problem expecting perfection in my work.
The pottery lady was happy to make her pottery. And a percentage of it was wonderful. If she'd held back, and thought: "I can't make a coffee set with yellow glaze. It might not be good enough." How much would she have produced? How much excellent work?
So that's what the pottery lady taught me: Produce.
Just write (make pots, take photos, design, paint...). Like Nike, Just Do It. Get over your mental blocks to creativity: perfectionism, negative beliefs, and expectations.
She also taught me about production-line creativity, because you can't make a pot in one day. You need time. Time to create it on the wheel, dry it, glaze it, fire it.
SECRETS TO PRODUCTION-LINE CREATIVITY
= Multiple projects
You need lots of projects. Got an idea? Great! Start it.
The only thing is --- keep a master list. I tend to be disorganized, and have notebooks I don't remember writing in and directories on my hard drives I don't remember creating. Keep a list.
= A mix of short and long projects
You never know enough to write a book. But you can write a page. Tomorrow you write another page. Maybe next week you're hot and you write five pages in a morning.
No matter. If you're working on a long project do what you can when you can. It's lovely if inspiration strikes, and hard work when it doesn't, but keep at it anyway.
Do plenty of short projects too. You get a charge from completing a short piece that inspires you to work on your current long project.
= Create anywhere
Take a notebook, or a tape recorder and camera. Snatch five minutes (even if it's in a restroom somewhere) and write, or sketch.
= Collaborate
You need a creative buddy. Team up with someone else and collaborate on a project. Having a creative buddy teaches you things you didn't know about yourself and your work. And it's fun.
But make sure that it's a working relationship. Get the work done, and then you can socialize.
= Take time out
When you work all the time you need breaks to recharge and refill the well. You'll have slow periods.
I have days where I only want to read, and I might read five books in three days. I let myself do it, because I know I need it --- I need to have someone else's thoughts and images in my head for a while.
There you have it: production-line creativity. Happy creating!
***Resource box: if using, please include*** When your words sound good, you sound good. Author and copywriter Angela Booth crafts words for your business --- words to sell, educate or persuade. Get in touch today for a free quote: http://www.digital-e.biz/
Free ezine: Creative Small Biz ---subscribe at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Creative_Small_Biz/
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