The Reveal

After using that ancient ceramic technique, here's what I got. Much more carving and painting to go, but it's a good start.

making large platter, cathy kiffney ceramics

Stomping, a very specialized clay technique

This is how some of the large platters start, check back later for the great reveal.

making a big slab. Cathy Kiffney Studio

Squirrel Love

I know, I know, yesterday was squirrel appreciation day...but if you didn't get a chance yesterday, I'm sure it would be OK to appreciate them today.

squirrel and flowers, hand made ceramic tile painting. Cathy Kiffney

New Commission! and Merlin and Willow

In the mail today, must start ASAP, Due March 15, yikes~ but 

Mayo Clinic, art commission

Dear Cathy,
We are ready to move forward with a commission for Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Everyone is excited about this project and delighted you have agreed to accept this opportunity to create a series of ceramic platters and mural for its new Baldwin Building...

This picture has absolutely nothing to do with this, but I love it!

 Willow the barn owl and Merlin the lurcher are often seen traveling together in North Wales.

 Willow the barn owl and Merlin the lurcher are often seen traveling together in North Wales.

Out with the old

In with the new.

It's time to retire some of these sad, old brushes. They are like old friends so I keep them because they make special marks that only they can make. The new brushes take a while to get to know!  Let's see how the perform on the new birds. 

The first birds of 2014

The first birds of 2014. Ever evolving, I like to do drawings and think about new designs and surfaces and play around with it a little bit. I'm excited about this new series! Still thinking about the surface/colors/textures....

cathy kiffney studio

cathy kiffney studio

cathy kiffney studio

Big Magnolia and Sunny Sky

Yesterday we woke to a very damp, dark day. Got busy on the magnolia commission with my head down all day. Late in the day finishing up the the sun came out just when I was finishing up the flower. Seemed appropriate. :)

Cathy Kiffney, ceramic magnolia blossom.

Big Magnolia

I first made this flower blossom series in 1995 because of a request/commission from the NC Writers Network. They wanted an award plaque to give to the inductees into the NC Literary Hall of Fame.  I came up the the idea of a southern magnolia. I made about 9 of them and cringe to think what I got paid for them!

This magnolia will be much larger, about 14x14", a commission for Wake Hospice.

Cathy Kiffney STudio

Glolden Bird

Golden Bird, Big Heart, ceramic sculpture Cathy Kiffney

Golden Bird, Big Heart, ceramic sculpture Cathy Kiffney

Big Red

Big Red, Cathy Kiffney ceramics

detail, Big Red, Cathy Kiffney ceramics

Little Green

Little Green, Cathy Kiffney ceramics

Snuggle up with a little owl

Brrrrrrr, baby it is cold out there! hope everyone stays safe and warm. Have a great weekend!

Wall Vase, little owl and red moon. Cathy Kiffney Studio

Snakes, moths and flowers

Getting back to painting on this dark, cold, wet winter day. Snakes to keep me awake!

painting, Cathy Kiffney

The Journey Ahead

Happy New Year!

Cathy Kiffney, ceramic

I looked up and there it was
among the green branches of the pitch pines—

thick bird,
a ruffle of fire trailing over the shoulders and down the back—

color of copper, iron, bronze—
lighting up the dark branches of the pine.

What misery to be afraid of death.
What wretchedness, to believe only in what can be proven.

When I made a little sound
it looked at me, then it looked past me.

Then it rose, the wings enormous and opulent,
and, as I said, wreathed in fire.-- Mary Oliver