As a ceramic handbuilder, it's nice to have molds on hand. I can use a mold to make several matching pieces, or to quickly create a form to build off of. Molds are typically made from plaster, but I don't want plaster in my home studio because 1) it takes more equipment that I don't … Continue reading using bisque molds 4.7.2022
One Thousand by Rachel Imsland One thousand sleeps (dream chance) mornings sparrows suns twilights shadows nights (one thousand stars) And still I remember sound scent skin breath And talk to you through stars birds trees words And long for eyes song embrace you rolling down the street waving and calling hey mama and one thousand … Continue reading poem – Imsland 3.24.2022
I've long lived by the motto "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle," and I bring that philosophy into my art studio, too. One way I do that is with recycled packaging materials. I sell ceramics in my Etsy shop, and shipping those pieces requires careful packaging and shipping. Ceramics are a delicate and breakable, and need lots of … Continue reading recycling packing materials 3.10.2022
I've started a series of self portraits using the blind contour method of drawing. Blind contour drawing is a technique that some suggest improves hand-eye coordination and hones observation skills. But I use it for the results I get. It's my favorite drawing method. In blind contour drawing, the artist looks only at the subject … Continue reading blind contour self-portraits 2.24.2022
Our job is not to make records that people like. Our job is to make the music that makes us feel proud. I’ve been pondering your questions: Is there something I’m missing here? Am I supposed to be thinking about what other people are thinking? Because with songwriting it’s almost like you can’t think about it in … Continue reading art quote – vedder 2.10.2022
Last year, I decided to keep all of the junk mail I received so I could have a visual of what all the paper amounted to. I counted them up today. 110 pieces! 110 pieces of junk mail for 2021 Because my partner and I donate money to a wide variety of non-profits each year, … Continue reading a year of junk mail 1.27.2022
I’m too alone in the world, yet not alone enoughto make each hour holyI’m too small in the world, yet not small enoughto be simply in your presence, like a thing—just as it is.I want to know my own willand to move with it.And I want, in the hushed momentswhen the nameless draws near,to be … Continue reading poem – Rilke 12.2.21
I'm starting to make my own ceramic glazes, now that I have my own kiln. And I needed space to store the glaze containers in my small home studio, located in what once was a kitchen on the 2nd floor of my home. I decided to renovate these old kitchen cupboards to be a glaze … Continue reading studio renovation 11.18.2021
It’s important that artists remind themselves what giving your creative output autonomy means.It means that you will never know all the people your work will matter to. You’ll never be able to measure it. You’ll never be able to witness it. You’ll maybe witness, if you’re lucky, some traces of what it means to people. … Continue reading art quote – Kladzyk 11.4 2021
I caught this year's land art exhibit at the Farley Center during its final days this year. This is the 5th year the Farley Center has hosted this exhibit, and this year it's called "Rooted in the Land: Land Art Exhibition." Twenty seven artists created outdoor, sustainable art installations, using only materials that safely decompose … Continue reading land art exhibit 10.21.2021
Rachel Imsland, Artist 