With the back-to-school season, I find myself reflecting on when I was a teacher and back to school, and also reflecting on the past four seasons I didn't have a back-to-school experience. My last time teaching in the classroom was in June 2021, and I have been a full-time artist working in wheel-thrown functional pottery since then. I also haven't been blogging much, so with a new school year, I thought a "Throwback Thursday" would be fun for a blog.
I love epic projects, and when I left the classroom, the epic projects were going to have to happen in my business. On a Saturday in September 2021, I called my friend and said, "Let's paint that mural this weekend." She said "YES," and the first epic project began for Freba Pottery. The highway store had been created from wood from an old machinery shed in the yard back in 2013, and the back wall was an old billboard from Carousel Fashions (a former business in Wynyard). For eight years, it was a bit of an eyesore, but it was on the back of the store, so low priority to change.
The mural design was created by following the shapes that were already there, but morphing them into various forms. Mel Chorney and I adore Norval Morrisseau's style and art, so I do feel that his style influenced what we created. For two days, we were in a creative haze of painting, designing, and, of course, in awe of how it all came together. My husband cooked meals for us, moved the vehicle to shine light on the mural as the sun went down on Saturday night. Sunday evening, we sat on lawn chairs and enjoyed the beauty of our artwork that we created just for the fun of it.
The mural remains hidden until you walk around the building and discover it. I intentionally haven't drawn attention to it much, as I enjoy the surprise people experience when they stumble upon it. Finding the mural gives off a whimsical vibe, much like the discovery of my highway store operating on the honor system.
As a new school year starts, I am now in my fourth year as a full-time artist instead of a full-time teacher. I am pleased to report that I have been consistently engaged in exciting projects and constantly brainstorming new ones.
If you've been eager to join an Elemental Claycation this autumn, please note that there are four available spots for the weekends of October 18-20, 2024, and December 6-8, 2024. Each of these weekends already has two confirmed guests, promising a chance to "meet your new best friends."
Something exciting is on the horizon, and I can’t wait to share it with you! For now, all I can say is that it’s a one-time collection close to my heart, blending art, history, and craftsmanship into something truly unique.
Want to be the first to know when it’s revealed? Head over to the Coming Soon and add your name to the list for early access. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one! Stay tuned for more hints coming soon...
Happy Back to School Season,
Marea Olafson
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