Holiday workshop with felting artist Mary Malsam and hosted by Denise Rouleau in studio #205 at the Ivy Bldg for the Arts in Minneapolis, MN. Interactive demo and creation of the elusive forest creatures from felted wool and recycled sweaters, who bestow good luck while also playing tricks.
current activities
I have hunkered down in my home and studio these past weeks as all of my plans beyond March 12th have been cancelled or postponed. No soda firings, no classes on natural dyes for fiber or altering hand thrown pots, and no hoop dancing on Thursday nights. With this unexpected reservoir of time, however, I’ve been sinking deep into making. Sculpting, throwing, drawing, knitting, spinning, and writing without normal starts and stops will benefit my future work, calm the meerkats in my mind, and get an octopus up on my kitchen wall (stay tuned for pics). My ladies, Hannah and Echo, and Princess Knut are loving 24/7 “Hi, I’m home!” Their shenanigans provide unexpected entertainment, and inspiration for a project I’m excited to get underway—my upcoming comic blog, Dog Park. All is well in Coddiwomple Studio.
This pandemic is a test for all of us, and my hope is that we will reaffirm lost values of compassion and community. As we feel our way in the dark toward a new future, I hope we remember to use one metaphorical hand for navigation and one metaphorical* hand to help someone who needs a boost. We are all in this together.
coddiwomple [KAHD-ee-wahm-puhl] (v.): to travel purposefully towards a vague, as-yet-unknown destination
MAY
1: Fresh Work-MNWCA Vine Arts Exhibit at the Vine Arts Gallery, The Ivy Bldg, MPLS, MN
8-10 28th Annual St. Croix Pottery Tour, St. Croix Valley, MN minnesotapotters.com
8-10 23rd Annual Shepard’s Harvest Festival, Washington County Fairgrounds, Lake Elmo, MN
6-27 Combined Techniques class with Heather Barr at Northern Clay Center, MPLS, MN
17: Spin-a-yarn Spinning Circle at Northfield Yarn: 314 Division St S, Northfield, MN
30: Fiber Space Makers Studio Open House, 801 Division St, Northfield, MN
APRIL
1-30: Preparing work at Coddiwomple Studio for upcoming soda and bisque firings
1-29: Combined Techniques class with Heather Barr at Northern Clay Center, MPLS, MN
11-30: Fresh Work-MNWCA Vine Arts Exhibit at the Vine Arts Gallery, The Ivy Bldg, MPLS, MN
19: Weaving 102-Pick up Sticks Class, Northfield Yarn Shop in Northfield, MN
MARCH
2-31: Preparing work at Coddiwomple Studio for upcoming soda and bisque firings
4-11: Master potter Jeff Oestreich class at Northern Clay Center, MPLS, MN
15: A Woolen Forest Class: Indigo Vat, Vernan Oak Community Room, Edina, MN
25: Combined Techniques class with Heather Barr at Northern Clay Center, MPLS, MN
previous activities
“No one should be touching surfaces willy-nilly, or touching anyone without WHO-approved precautions. This is an extremely contagious virus and must not be underestimated. Please stay in your bubble if possible, and help with your words”.