Keating, Nancy

Born and bred in “The Valley” in Oregon, I have always wanted to live in Central Oregon. Once that wish was granted; my second wish, to create artwork, has come to pass. There is nowhere better than the Sisters area to let those creative urges loose. Because my home is full of my murals on the walls, hand made tile floors, and made lamps, etc. it appears I have taken FULL advantage of this wonderful place where I live.

I have discovered an art form that is interesting, quite different and fun to create. My pieces are made of clay and pine needles. A strange companionship that seems to work. I start with a lump of clay. The clay is the base for the piece.

I begin by forming and carving the piece. Next, after a considerable dry time, it is fired in the kiln at least twice. There my be more firings depending on the glaze effect I like. The kiln really is trial by fire, so there is always that excitement to see how it turned out and whether it even made it through the fire. Because every piece is a new adventure with new combinations of glazes, often the results are VERY interesting. When I am happy with the piece I lash the pine needles onto the base. This process can take many weeks to complete.

It is now time to attach the ponderosa pine needles to the base.

After gathering the needles they are washed, sorted, sometimes colored, then stitched to the base with waxed Irish Linen. Once completed I apply a glaze of wax to the needles for protection and a nice little shine. To me the addition of the needles is much like putting on your Sunday best, so it must enhance the piece. Another process that is very time consuming, but fun and satisfying.

And finally…
Each piece is numbered, signed, with silicone applied to the base so it won’t scratch any surfaces. From the first moment with a raw lump of clay, and the trip to the woods for the needles this process is primitive and satisfying – it really is my therapy. I hope you will like the results.