Polymer Clay! What a discovery! My daughter loves crafts and each Christmas I buy some new craft item for her to explore. Two years ago I picked up some oven bake clay. The pictures on the pack were of picture frames made of clay and other projects that looked like what an elementary child would create. I wasn't even sure if my high school age daughter would like the clay, since the package looked like this was for such young children. My daughter is very artistic, and what she created was nothing like what was pictured on the package, and I loved what she made. I don't remember what caused us to originally go onto the internet, but when we did we were in awe of what we saw!
The last two years has been the beginning of a wonderful journey that is still in its infancy. The artists that we have stumbled on are so inspiring. They are both my inspiration and my roadblock. I'm sure you can understand how they are my inspiration but may be surprised as to my saying they are also my roadblock, but I can't tell you the number of times that I have gone on the internet, to look at something "real quick," stumbled on an artist's site and ended up spending hours upon hours marveling at the beauty of their work. When I looked at the clock I discovered that not only had I spent the time I had scheduled to sculpt looking at the work of others but I was so enamored and entranced that dinner was once again going to be late!
The other thing that I discovered in the ooak (one of a kind) polymer clay world was a community of people that are as amazing as their art. I had been a part of a Catholic home school community for years, that were so generous with their time; supporting each other and helping each other, and was so surprised to find the ooak polymer clay community to be the same way. In every other venue, where there are competitions and possible income involved, I had only seen fiercely guarded secrets and such rivalry that you just want to run away as fast as possible. In contrast, the ooak polymer clay artists that I have had the pleasure to cross paths with have been so encouraging, kind, and absolutely amazing in helping new artists to learn.
After two years I am still trying to find my way. My work continues to improve and has come such a long way. I can see how far I have come when I look at my first attempts and compare them to what I am doing now. I can see how far I have to go when I look at the work of so many amazing artists that I have had the pleasure of "meeting" over the internet.
Looking at my first pieces, I would not even show those let alone insult the ooak polymer clay community by offering such poor work for sale. After two years, I am now at the point where I am willing to begin showing and selling what I am making. Two years ago I was a "newbie" but now consider myself a "rookie." This is an exciting journey and I welcome you to come with me to see where this journey leads.
~Monica Utt~ Artist in the making - Pun intended. ;)
