This year has started off very different from the last 4 years.
We are now 3 months into the year. This is about the time we first measure how the year is going so far. I’m not sure you will believe me or that I will bore you with my faith beliefs but here goes.
Goal #1. To be bold in my faith!
In the spring of 2017 I had such a difficult season working in my own strength. (My own strength? you ask,) ” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians, 4:13.
Yes, in my own strength. I try to do everything myself and I try not to bother people or ask for help if I can help it. Why? That’s for another posting.
According to the bible we are not meant to be an island unto ourselves but to help, encourage, care for others, commune and fellowship with others. The problem with being creative, most artists spend a lot of time alone painting, creating, making. Always in our own world.
Okay, back to Spring of 2017, I was exhausted, achy, and always in pain while setting up and taking down shows. My last street fair of that season was my very last street fair….forever! I made a decision that street fairs are not my audience.
But what I did after that show was have a conversation. I mean I talked with God, which I tend to do throughout my day. I told him, somewhat insistently, that I could not go on doing it the way I have been doing life and he had to help me. I was done fretting about making art, making money, or my future as an artist. Did he answer me? Not audibly but he did provide for me. Yes! Confirmation! And I kept my promise to not fret but trust in Jesus. All Year Long!
Surprisingly, looking back, I had a good 2017. PTL!
Goal #2. Be more social
I have been voted in as Vice President of Southern Arizona Clay Artists. A fine group of potters and ceramic artists. We will be having more show opportunities in the coming years in our community. I like doing that. This gets me out serving the community.
So this year I am not grasping at life but I continue to reach out, asking for help, helping others and always seeking God’s wisdom. And it’s pretty cool.
Goal # 3. Make amazing art that inspires others!
New Work
The spring season is always fun for me because my design focus is on home and garden decor in larger works from Wall mosaics, murals to tiled benches.
This Pomegranate Garden Mirror is for indoor or outdoor use. Handmade tile with rabbits, javelina, butterflies, hummingbirds, and sculpted 3-D pomegranates.
The Daily Bread Angel is a combination of Sculpted shadow box and mosaic. The angel brings the gift for each day. Daily bread. An inspirational piece, this angel is to serve, offering communion in a garden.
In high relief, the angel unexpectedly parts the foliage with glowing droplets of amber, serving bread and wine in a challis. Currently available.
Tuxedo Cat in a Window Welcome Wall Plaque.
Whimsical, cheerful and full of color, this mosaic is a charmer for a cat lover.
The center sculpted tile, flower pots, lettering and overhead light are all high relief, hand built ceramic. Currently available.
I would absolutely love to have a garden like this but I have a tiny back yard with mostly potted plants and a grouting zone. I can always go to my nearest botanical places in town to enjoy a cactus garden without the upkeep, like Tohono Chul or Tucson Botanical Gardens.
This is handmade tile on a concrete bench. Desert cactus garden with birds, flowers, butterflies and jackrabbit. Many details to this bench with agave cactus, prickly pear cactus, cholla cactus, saguaros, aloes, flowers, hummingbird. Let me know if you would like to custom order a bench. Sold!
The Blue Agave Bench is kind of an art deco style. I love how the colors turned out. It reminds me of a peacock. The abstract flowers compliment the many shade of teal blues and greens. If you want to see this one in person stop by Jane Hamilton Fine Art Gallery.
This mosaic welcome plaque is a playful, bright and cheery sign that can compliment any door or entry way. A garden theme with cholla and blue birds, blooming barrel cactus, flowering saguaro…the shadow box shows 2 hummers on a flowering Aloe. The colors are spectacular. Currently available.
Please email be if you are interested in any thing I post here. I am happy to do a custom piece for your.
Robin Chlad Designs 