Terri Russell- Seasons of Change

A clay piece that begins as a slab of clay cut in the shape of a leaf. Rolled up, it is reminiscent of a furled leaf covered in the impressions of maple leaves. Colored with a variety of mason stains and glazes with a crackle overcoat. Finished in a Raku firing process. The trees and their leaves forecast the changes of the seasons, along with changes in the environment. It is all around us. All of us, human and animal need the trees. The trees need us to look out for them.

14"h x 6"d x 7"w

50% of the proceeds from this sculpture will be donated to Wildcare Foundation.  To learn more about their work please visit www.wildcareoklahoma.org

About the Artist:

I did not grow up with computers or smart phones or social media. The outdoor world was my playground. Most of my time was spent outdoors. I am so thankful for this. I was free to run through the meadows, woods and creeks. Watching and learning about natures patterns, the stories that the many lives have to share. I drank it in. Early on, art: doodling, pen and ink, pastel, crayon, painting and more, was my way of journaling. Books and reading were a delight. I read all I could about the creatures and plants our world shares with us. Imagination allowed me to go anywhere in the world to share in the stories that nature told. It was my world. The tech world for me is the strange new world. The wild world is my safe haven. A place of discovery, parables and life lessons. Terry Aikens, my high school art teacher, introduced me to ceramics. Hand building with clay. As my hands touched the clay it was electric, magic. Love at first touch. I discovered the direction my art would focus on. Terry challenged me to pursue excellence in craftsmanship and clay making, firing, and other important techniques. Terry was my mentor and a blessing to my life.

My artwork, then and now, is a celebration of nature and the patterns found there. The world around me is rich with artistic themes. No limits. From simple to complex designs. Naturalistic and abstract. Light and shadow. Color, texture and form. Content and substance. I want to include it all, any medium, any approach without limitation. My way of journaling includes an expression of gratitude for the beauty and wonder of the natural world. I hope my work welcomes you to share in my celebration of life.

 To see more of Terri's work be sure to follow on Instagram @trussellartwork