I have been working in clay for about 50 years, and I love it. This fluid, free-flowing, plastic, sometimes gooey stuff has a mind of its own. I love the variety, freedom and spontaneity that clay offers. Sometimes sitting down at the wheel is intuitively the way to go; other times it's the slab roller and hand building that beckons. The range of possibilities has been the work of my art-life.
When I first put ceramic masks on my to-do list, I didn't realize that they would be so much fun until I actually started working on them. That’s I notice how differently and uniquely they developed, each with its own personality. From sleek to rough, abstract to representational, serious to amusing, they seemed to comprise a collection of the many aspects of our own personalities. I am reminded of what happens in the creative process: you start somewhere, take a step, and another, and gradually the work creates itself.
Artist friend, Michel, joined me in creating 22 masks, 14-29 inches high, for a gallery show in Missoula. The faces all over the walls welcomed the community, and the visitors really responded. The masks were a hoot, and the people loved them. I still have some masks available, and there are more in my head waiting to get out.
Fountains are another passion for me. I make small table fountains, focusing on issues important to women: "Intuition", "Dreams", "Children at Play", and even one called "Some Days I Just Can't Keep it Together". You'd have to call me to find out what that one is about. I am willing to create a fountain for you, on consignment, which reflects your interests.
Current exhibits on this site feature masks, teapots, and vessels.
If you are interested in any work you see on the site, feel free to contact me. If you live in or near Missoula, MT, I invite you to come to the studio and look around. Call for directions.
If you live outside the area, you may order by phone. We can then make arrangements to ship your order to you after your check clears. I will be using UPS to handle the shipping.
Myra Ducharme
406-370-5676
www.MyraDucharme.com
