Time to keep moving...

As we come to the first year anniversary at the Shanks Ceramic Studio, time again has us changing directions. A little less than a year ago I decided to rent a building and open a community ceramic shop. I have been teaching pottery wheel, hand building, and other fun community clay classes. Along with those awesome classes we have had the opportunity of offering weaving classes too! Thanks to my friend Jill who has been doing weaving some 30+ years. All the classes have been a success, and the studio space has been a real delight to run and create in. 

Unfortunately, the owner of the property has passed away and the building has been sold to a new owner. They are looking to move their own business in the space. So, once again as most artists are used to doing... We are on the move. Out of this space and into the unknown. It is sad for my students and the community that this is happening. I am looking for a space I can build or buy so that the next studio is more permanent, but until then only the universe knows what is best and where all this is going. 

As this movement continues I am still creating in other media. There is no reason to stop creating because of your studio space changing. As artists, we must evolve with it. Embrace the moment and try to find inspiration that feeds your next creation. I currently take each day to pack and move the studio into my basement to store until the next location. In the evenings I have been using my living room as my creative space. Because clay takes up a lot of room and is quite messy. I have been exploring other media that is more portable. I have decided to give soft pastels another go and I am thoroughly enjoying the medium. It has probably been about six years since I have played with pastels. I must say it is really bringing joy to my day. 

Stay Tuned for what the future holds! Thanks for reading!

Peace,

Nicole Shanks