Really Big Hills: Savoring the Seconds Between Sweet Relief and Terrifying Thrills

You know how it feels to ride your bike down a really big hill.  First you catch your breath as the wind delivers sweet relief of the burn it took to get you up there. Momentum nudges you faster and faster.  You only have a few moments to savor the thrill of speed. Colors whizz by in flashes and blurs.  A bug or two might even slap your face.  You hold off pumping your breaks as long as possible, but ultimately the fear of losing control wins. As you approach the bottom, the next hill looms as you wonder how much speed you can still maintain. You start pedaling like mad again.

The last couple of months have felt like that.  At the end of March, I had the opportunity to present my work in front of thousands of people at the NCECA Conference in Seattle, WA and I was named one of six emerging artists.  As the May issue of Ceramics Monthly came out, I was recognized as one of fourteen emerging artists featured in the magazine (the people's choice awards are open for one final day, you can cast your vote here.)

Delivering my presentation in Seattle at the NCECA Conference

While delivering my NCECA presentation, I  had the opportunity to publicly thank those who have supported my efforts.  I have so many reasons to be grateful right now.  Sherman Hall's From the Editor in the May issue of Ceramics monthly addresses key points of community, working together, and gratitude.  His words resonate with me as I look to the last few weeks of my residency at Arrowmont.

This year at Arrowmont has been one of community:  working together to accomplish many tasks.  The other residents and I just finished installing our end of year exhibition: we produced a catalog of the show that can be viewed online here. It is very appropriate that we will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Arrowmont residency by hosting a reunion retreat: "Celebrating 20:  Building and Maintaining a Community."  I am excited to meet and hang out with 50+ past Arrowmont residents for one week right before I leave this wonderful place.

Sometimes I think the biggest challenge of the really big hill is savoring the moment on the way down.

My next adventure (the next hill) will be establishing my own studio in Kansas City, MO.  This is something I have wanted for some time and I am jittery with excitement about this move.  I wonder how much speed I can build.  Better keep on pedaling.

May 2012 Issue of Ceramics Monthly