the (im)perfection of things

I struggled to write this post because I wanted it to be perfect. How ironic is that, a post about imperfection that I want to be perfect? It just goes to show you how we stress about something we can never achieve. Trying to be perfect will kill your creativity and your desire to try new things. What's more ironic is that I love rusted steel, peeling paint, and wonky ceramic mugs. There's something magical about them. Here are some of my favorite quotes and images of things imperfect....

“Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.” –  Salvador Dalí

abandoned building

“To escape criticism – do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.” – Elbert Hubbard

cracked concrete

“Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly.” – Robert H. Schuller

rubble wall

“There is a kind of beauty in imperfection.” – Conrad Hall

Peter Volkos - ceramics

“Usefulness is not impaired by imperfection. You can still drink from a chipped cup.” – Greta K. Nagel

chipped cup

“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” – Anna Quindlen

rusted gate

 “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” – Leonard Cohen

dried and cracked clay vase

“I do think imperfection is underrated” ― Helena Bonham Carter

Japanese boro cloth

"Nothing is perfect, nothing lasts, nothing is complete" - Wabi Sabi

seems like yesterday

Well the opening has come and gone and I couldn't be more pleased. There was a nice turn out, several sales and most important a really good response to my new work. I'll let the pictures tell the story.

It's funny how once a big event happens it always seems so long ago. My plan now is to take a little break, clean my studio and shop, and enjoy the wonderful spring weather here in Phoenix.

the home stretch

Well, the photos have all been taken, the invitations are out (see below) and all that's left to do is hang the work. It's been a wild ride getting ready for this show. It's taken almost a year to get to this point. But it was so worth it. It allowed me the time to create a body of work that really represents who I am as an artist. And it's given me lots of ideas for where I want to take the art in the future.

opening reception

Xanadu Gallery

7039 E. Main Street

Scottsdale, AZ

Thursday March 21st   7-9pm

All the new work is up on the Xanadu Gallery website.

Check it out and hope to see you at the show.

opening night

A little rain didn’t dampen the spirits on Friday night for the opening of the show at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum. There was a great crowd to see some great art.

Pardon my back…that’s me talking to Jen Cushman, Tonia Jenny and her husband David. It was great to see them.

The juror’s statement pretty much left me speechless (you may have to enlarge to read). I floated all the way home.

The show is up until March 31st. If you're local it's well worth the trip.

cloud nine

I am honored and thrilled that my art has been chosen to be exhibited in the Mesa Arts Center Museum's 34th Annual Contemporary Crafts show. The opening is Friday January 25th from 6-9pm. If you're local please come by. For more information visit their web site   http://www.mesaartscenter.com/art-exhibitions-contemporary-art-gallery.html.