It’s been a week since the Tucson Open Studio Tour. And I am just starting to feel normal again. I needed the whole week just to do nothing but flop on the couch after work or go play with my grandkids or have tea with me girl friends. It aint easy working 3 jobs (technically 2 but my studio work always feels like full time plus overtime). I felt honored for those of you that came to my studio/ garden to view and purchase stuff. It was a real success! So thanks again for taking the time to come. And now…
Author: robinchladdesigns
I have been doodling, coloring, drawing, cutting, sculpting, painting, sewing, writing and everything in between since I could hold a crayon in my hand.
My first art projects were filling up a big, fat coloring book of bridal dresses. I boldly ventured into new territory with paint-by-number sets. I graduated to luxurious and decadent velvet (paint-by-number) sets. Eventually, I mastered the art of Spirogragh.
Originally from upstate New York I have lived in Tucson, Arizona since 1986. Back then I was a single mom and found myself in the job market. I went to Pima Community College for training. Instead of diving into my academics I kept hanging around the pottery studio. Some people lived there and if I didn’t have two little girls at home I would have ended up living there as well. Joking aside, I fell in love with clay and all its possibilities. Being in a position to care for my kids, in 1989 I created a very marketable, creative, and functional item. It was a simple concept that took me into new heights of the craft world and I became an entrepreneur. Creating and selling became my passion. I had achieved success for many years. I loved being my own boss and living the artist’s dream. Life moved real fast and before I knew it my girls were all grown up, moving out, getting married and having kids of there own. Hey, wait a minute… I am a Gramma at 40? No sweat, I handled it gracefully.
Fast forward to the present: I have been on a journey led by God.
I took a sabbatical for the last 6 years learning new people skills in real estate, retail and care giving to the elderly. But my natural instincts kept leading me back to what my soul cannot deny. New visions, new risks, and a stronger faith has lead me to this point. Have I arrived? It’s like my life is all mapped out and a red arrow points to You Are Here! But the road keeps going and I have learned to listen to that still small voice. My days are filled with a little bit of art, a little bit of caring for my grandchildren, care giving to the elderly and volunteering at Sunday school.
I am currently working on sculpting with clay in a tile mosaic setting, like my Seed Pod series or House of Fruit Trios. Some of my pieces are a mixture of individual 3-D tiles, shadow box shrines, and ornaments. The work that’s being created is inspirational, whimsical, and contemporary. Even though life can be very serious and intense I hope to achieve simply bringing joy or even a smile to someone’s face though my creations.
I am also designing and developing my%2
Open Studio in Two Days…April 13 & 14 !
I am participating in the spring 2013 Tucson Artists Open Studio Tour in 2 Days. This weekend, April 13 & 14, Saturday and Sunday from 11-5 each day, I will be opening my studio and artsy yard to visitors. You will see how my little piece of outdoors inspires me to make art for the garden or yard. You are invited. I will be setting up a kids activity table for those that would like to bring along their kids. It will be fun and interactive. I will also do a grouting demonstration as well. Just follow…
Pomegranate Ornaments At My Open Studio April 13 & 14.
Pomegranate Ornaments! Each one has a something special in them. Pomegranates are a symbol of hope, prosperity, and eternal life. I am enamored with making this lovely fruit. I think they are one of the most beautiful fruits God has ever created. Not only are they unique in there design and shape but one pomegranate gives birth to hundreds of jewel-like fruity seeds that sparkle like garnets. And the taste…fogetaboutit! Sweet and delicious. I had a pomegranate tree in the past that always produced. But the birds always got to the fruit before I could. So I would end…
The Smell of Orange Blossoms
The Smell of Orange Blossoms.
The Smell of Orange Blossoms
March is almost over but the smell of orange blossoms linger in the evening air. Almost every evening I take a walk with my little doggy, Pip. No more bundling up. Just grab the leash and go. Our walks are a time for me to saunter and contemplate about all the blessings in my life and to gaze at the moon and feel like everything is perfect in God’s plan. I have been very busy and overwhelmed, so just taking snippets of time to reflect fills me with gratitude. Some times I speak with God, and Pip wags his tale…
Art Show this weekend, March 15-17.
I wanted to jog every ones memory about the Tucson Museum of Art Spring Craft Show, Friday thru Sunday, hours 9-5. It is supposed to be in the 90’s this weekend. So slather on the sunscreen, wear your floppy hats. It’s t shirts and shorts weather! I am not going to complain about the high temps so soon…we have had a cold winter so I am ready for the heat! I will be in booth 83. I am so excited to roll out my new designs for 2013. I have designed a pomegranate series of sugar/sauce bowls, pom. ornaments, and…
Hope and Glory
This handmade tile is made with the passion of Hope! The story of the red bird is that he never leaves. The red bird, like a cardinal, stays through the summer and stays through the winter. He is not a migrating bird. One time I heard a christian recording artist in an interview tell how he told his son he is like that red bird. He will never leave him, he will stay through all seasons. Well, let me tell you, I just about choked up. We all want someone we love to never leave us. And so I…
Red Bird Hope Cross 3-D Tile.
2013 Spring Art Show Schedules
Here is a schedule of shows I will be participating in this spring season. Rodeo Days Arts Celebration Downtown Saturday, February 23rd from 11-8 at the Historic Steinfeld Building 101 W. 6th street, Tucson, Az Tucson Museum of Art Spring Show 3 day show, March 15, 16, 17, 9-5 each day. Downtown Tucson, 140 N. Main St. Tucson City Wide Open Studio Tour Saturday and Sunday April 13 & 14 11-5 each day 556 E. Calle Arizona
Balance
I am always seeking balance between a part time job, full time artist, running a business and all my other life that happens in between. I am often talking with God and seeking his wisdom. This year my desire is to live an intentional life. What is an intentional life? I got the idea from listening to Family Life Radio, Dr. Randy Carlson, www.flr.org. I have decided to take the challenge by working through the stubborn procrastination that lingers like a shadow, always following me like a bad habit. I choose to be intentional about facing not-so-fun tasks…
Robin Chlad Designs 