Two Artists Talk About The Finishing Stage.

Terry Grant

Susan Gallacher-Turner

Starting a project or piece of art is filled with excitement and anticipation.  There’s possibility in the air, a sense of adventure and energy picking up the clay, cloth, paper and paint.  But getting close to the finish line, the endings can be filled with completely different feelings.

“It’s a little slow and boring,” said fiber artist, Terry Howard Grant. This week, Terry was working on mounting work on stretcher bars and framing a new collection of small pieces.   “I finished the backsides with artists tape, a hanging wire and a label with my name, email address and information about the care of a textile work. I like a nice, neat back on my work.”

Here’s a picture of the back of one of Terry’s finished fiber art pieces.

For ceramic artist, Susan Gallacher-Turner, finishing is not her favorite part of making art, either.  “It’s messy, boring and requires incredible patience. Unfortunately, I’m not a very patient person.”

This week, Susan was glazing each cup, bowl and vase inside and out.  “The glaze has to be mixed with a drill mixer and measured out in exact proportions with water. Then the process goes like this: position the pot, remix and pour the glaze, wipe off drips, scrape leftover glaze back into pouring container, and remix the glaze.  Repeat.”

Here’s a picture of Susan’s studio shelves with glazed clay work waiting for the kiln.

Although neither Terry nor Susan loves doing the finishing work, they both agree it must be done and it can bring some good feelings, too.

“It produces a nice feeling of satisfaction when I have a group of work all ready for a show,” said Terry of the finished pieces above.

“It all must be done so each piece is functional and when the glaze turns out well, it’s really worth it all,” said Susan.

To read more about Terry and Susan’s art process, check out their blogs listed on our blog list to your right.  Terry’s blog is And Sew It Goes.  Susan’s blog is Sculpting A Life.

Art and Artists from the Sneak Preview Exhibit

This year’s Sneak Preview Exhibit and Sale featuring the artists of the Washington County Open Studios Tour is an amazing display of art at the Washington County Museum.  You’ll see a wide range of media from encaustic, metal work, ceramics, fiber art, paintings, book arts and mixed media.

To give you an idea of what you’ll see, here's a slideshow from the opening reception. 

Visit Wednesday through Saturday until September 27, with museum admission and get a sneak preview of the artists and art for the Washington County Open Studios before our event October 18-19^th from 11am-5pm.  It’s open in the second floor gallery space during museum hours.

See the Washington County Open Studios Sneak Preview Exhibit and Sale now until September 27th. 

Washington County Museum

Hillsboro Civic Center Plaza Building
120 E Main Street
Hillsboro, Oregon 97123
Wednesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Entrance is the double doors next to Starbucks off of the plaza)

A Chat With Terry Grant, Fiber Artist.

This new blog series of artist chats is a way to help our artists and visitors get to know each other better.  

One thing you may not know about Terry is how much work she does for our group.  Terry has been the person in charge of registration for Washington County Open Studios.  She’s put together all the online registration forms and collected all the photographs for the catalog.

Now, let’s grab a cup of coffee or tea, sit down and find out more about fiber artist, Terry Grant’s art journey.

Terry, What got you interested in art? 

"My mother was an artist and I probably picked up on her interests at an early age. I started drawing as a very small child and it became my favorite thing to do. I was never NOT interested in art!"

Why do you love what you do?

"It is a total escape from the world."

 

What’s your favorite part of your process?

"I love the process of taking an idea from concept to product, but especially the handling of the fabrics and materials and the way time slips away as a project takes shape. It is very contemplative."

What weird and different material or technique do you use?

"I am currently working with recycled fabrics, specifically men's shirts which I overdye and use."

When people come to your studio, what will they see you doing …what part of your process?

"I plan to be working on the stitching of a piece. People seem to be intrigued by how the fabric comes together and especially the stitching that adds depth and texture."

To see more of Terry’s work, visit her website and blog at http://andsewitgoes.blogspot.com

 And remember, you can visit her studio October 18-19 from 11 am-5pm during the Washington County Open Studios Tour.