#makemeaning

As ceramicists we are tasked with harmonizing multiple elements, both physical and metaphysical. Of the physical- form, surface, and function are of primary concern. All of the principles and elements of three-dimensional design apply to creation and analysis of the work. Like any sculptural form, the elements and principles are the language we use to discuss the artwork, how it succeeds formally, and why. It is important to have use of this vocabulary as it helps us to understand our own responses to an artwork, and the responses of others, more deeply. #arteveryday #sodafired #ceramics #artspeak #writingaboutart #dancingaboutarchetecture #icanhelpyou #makemeaning #makeitmeaningful #shelfie #meaningmatters #makeart #artistlife #sculpture #artcurator #ceramicsculpture #contemporaryart #creativehappylife #creativitycoach #porcelain #figurativeabstraction #artlife #markmaking #makeyourmark #smallworks #artconsultant #studiopractice #contemporaryceramics #leepuffer #abstractsculpture https://www.instagram.com/p/CMhnAosjoYc/?igshid=t9jhky7pjnst

As makers of things, we primarily want to make cool-looking stuff to amuse ourselves and others. The work ‘amuse’ may seem to trivialize the endeavor, but this is important work. To occupy our hands and minds to create something-that did not exist in this exact way before prior to our creating it- is powerful. And while making it, the feeling of industriousness is meaningful and valuable to the artist. There is meaning and value for the viewer as well, when a fellow human is amused on some level by the creation. For creators of useful objects, like pottery or furniture, there is the added bonus of daily physical interaction with the artwork. For painting and sculpture, there is the daily experience of surprise and wonder in the presence of the artwork. #arteveryday #writingaboutart #dancingaboutarchetecture #icanhelpyou #makemeaning #makeitmeaningful #meaningmatters #makeart #artistlife #artonpaper #artcurator #abstractpainting #contemporaryart #creativehappylife #creativelifehappylife #creativitycoach #acrylicpainting #figurativeabstraction #artlife #markmaking #makeyourmark #worksonpaper #artconsultant #studiopractice #contemporarydrawing #leepuffer #abstractpainter #artpractice #abstraction #colorstudy https://www.instagram.com/p/CL4he8DD7vV/?igshid=1qv9fly0e1aqz

The general population thinks art-making is a pleasurable activity, and they are not entirely incorrect. Unfortunately, this perception somehow seems to diminish the importance of the work, and undervalue the artist’s efforts. There seems to be an unwritten rule that Work must be unpleasant. Like any gainful and meaningful work, making art is sometimes enjoyable, and sometimes awful. Nevertheless, we cannot deny that, as creators of beauty and experiences, our tools and materials are often quite sensual. At this moment, when touching anything other than a keyboard is rare, it’s time to reconsider the value of sensual pleasure. Paint and clay offer such tactile experiences, wet, slippery, pliable. There is movement. There is evidence of that movement. Intensely pigmented media offers a visual experience. Three-dimensional materials occupy our space, forcing us to consider our bodies. There are smells as well, linseed oil, the funk of the ceramics lab, sawdust and smoke. #arteveryday #writingaboutart #dancingaboutarchetecture #icanhelpyou #makemeaning #makeitmeaningful #meaningmatters #makeart #artistlife #artonpaper #artcurator #abstractpainting #contemporaryart #creativehappylife #creativelifehappylife #creativitycoach #acrylicpainting #figurativeabstraction #artlife #markmaking #makeyourmark #worksonpaper #artconsultant #studiopractice #contemporarydrawing #leepuffer #abstractpainter #artpractice #abstraction #colorstudy https://www.instagram.com/p/CK6nIRMjAVw/?igshid=kdm1dxlijgfe

Every artwork starts with an idea, whether it be a painting, a poem, a performance. As the idea begins to take form as an artwork, that form must reference something the artist has experienced before. It is not possible for artists to create without an influence, no matter how obscure or minor. Sometimes the influence is obvious and acknowledged by the artist and the viewer. Sometimes the reference is mysterious, it’s origins elusive. Regardless, there is always a reference to something. Upon deeper reflection, an artist will discover/remember the reference. Sometimes the work becomes self-referential, and the origins of the original impulse is forgotten. Artists extrapolate, aggregate, and synthesize. It is in making connection between multiple influences and experiences synthesis, that original artwork is produced. Making connections is what the human mind does automatically. The artist makes this process manifest. #arteveryday #writingaboutart #dancingaboutarchetecture #icanhelpyou #makemeaning #makeitmeaningful #meaningmatters #makeart #artistlife #artonpaper #artcurator #abstractpainting #contemporaryart #creativehappylife #creativelifehappylife #creativitycoach #acrylicpainting #figurativeabstraction #artlife #markmaking #makeyourmark #worksonpaper #artconsultant #studiopractice #contemporarydrawing #leepuffer #abstractpainter #artpractice #abstraction #colorstudy https://www.instagram.com/p/CK1gueSjZql/?igshid=i9l3tojgiu4v

Keep striving and aiming high. Those who appreciate greatness will come.

Sometimes you forget the camera and you're just with your baby boy #stillnovel #makemeaning #artprint #momofboys https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp0wkxzH8B5/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=172e0z4w0jg8m

Sundays for me are about intentionally sitting down to make meaning and reflect on life, love, faith and relationships in the most vulnerable, profound, inspirational and provocative ways. #fctalk #freedomclay #supersoulsunday #whensundaycomes #makemeaning #reflection #life #love #faith #relationships

Spontaneous home blessing ceremony. ✨ I remembered I had saved a cacao bean from the cacao ceremony I went to in NYC on the eve of my departure. With @sarahevecardell and @jarrodbyrnemayer I intended to return it to the earth in my new garden in Tulum. So yesterday I buried it under this tree. Then I remembered I had two crystals from @tini_howl from the @inscape alcove installation that we blessed with twenty hands that I wanted to hang in my garden in Tulum. So I grabbed those and found a antique glass pendant from my trip to Israel with JR in 2014, which he blessed for me. Yes that wanted to go on to the tree too. By now I think I'm overdosing on symbolism. Then I get the copal burning, because no Mayan ceremony is complete without copal. I was really just wanting to thank the universe and the land for having me here. My bean planting just kept expanding and expanding. In the sweet smoke I noticed a lizard in the tree. A sacred totem animal to me from my early days in vision quests. There she was. We chatted as I asked for guidance and her blessing. She said be joyful. Enjoy. Celebrate. Seems to be a Mayan thing. Joy. Something worth getting used to. So this was my spontaneous moment of connection and meaning. Magic is real. Earth. Air. Fire. Water. Love. #heartswideopen #yesiwasinmybikini #sacredceremony #mayanwisdom #totemanimal #copalblessing #makemeaning #ritual #urbandivine #followtheflow #followyourheart (at Tulum)