UpBi-week

In all that has been happening in the world as of late, I’ve found myself more and more tempted to push against the speed of swipes and algorithms to engage in deeper conversation.

So much of my practice in the last few years, since putting my blog on pause, has evolved in a variety of ways that aren’t always easy to sum up in an image or short text. Instagram once provided supportive connection and community, but it has become something else as of late. I go to post an image, a reel, and I constantly end up deleting the draft post as it just feels disingenuous. I’ve wanted to find a way to better record my research and practice while sharing all the layers and threads that run through my work.

Musing About Mud blog had evolved to be more of a notice board of upcoming events and opportunities. I want to keep some of that aspect alive here as well. It’s always been an honour to serve our clay community internationally in this way.

Some things go quiet before they come back stronger (fingers crossed here). The blog is returning because the world needs more clay — more slowness, more community, more art that gets its hands dirty with the questions that matter. Consider this a gathering place: for makers, thinkers, and anyone who believes a vessel can hold more than water and that ceramics is integral to our recording of human history.

Thinking about the format for the blog coming back, I realize that I want to make a few changes, tweaks to the old way of doing things. This time I want to be providing something that goes above and beyond what can be found easily online, and which will provide greater engagement in our field of ceramic research and creation.

I need to talk about what scares me;

I’ve had a long time to think through the things that hold me back creatively and professionally. At 47 I’m ready to admit that the most complex hurdle I’ve created for myself is how to confidently assert my value as artist, designer, mentor and contributor in our sector. Awkwardly a substantial part of this hurdle is how to make a living through the various projects I’m contributing to.

Musing About Mud being accessible and for everyone in the community is a core belief of mine. I don’t agree with gate-keeping information. Alas a horrible business plan though financially. With the reinvestment of time back into this blog I need to consider how to find a means for it to be sustainable. I ran the blog for over 15 years as a volunteer and the economy as it is currently, that isn’t an option any longer. I’ve had the unwavering support of Erin and Jared of Finelite Photography and Design for the blog’s web hosting and consulting over the years, but this time I’m looking outwards for other sponsors. Putting myself out there and asking for that financial support is one of my biggest fears. (And yes my therapist is helping with it! LOL)

Some of you might have been long time readers of Musing. Some of you might wonder who the hell I am and what’s my story and credentials. No matter how you got here, I’m so happy to have your attention and precious time.

Here’s a sense of what I’m planning and what you can expect:

ON MUSINGABOUTMUD.COM

Monday Morning Eye Candy! Yes this must come back! So many inspirational artists out there creating ceramics that I want to share with you. And as always I’ll be hoping you all send in your latest and greatest works so I can share them with the Musing community.

Technical Info! Tips, tricks, videos and lists of upcoming workshops / lectures internationally that you can join.

Calls for entry for EXHIBITIONS, RESIDENCIES, EMPLOYMENT, and so much more.

All the above will be posted on Musing About Mud weekly with FREE access.

For those that have the financial means to support the blog there are the following new options to show your support:

Paid subscriber benefits:

Monthly plan price of $7 CDN (about $5 USD) or Yearly at $75 CDN (about $54 USD)

1. Subscriber-only posts. Go behind the scenes including deeper insight into Carole’s research and process, educational documents, creative and professional resources, and full blog archive.
2. Bi-weekly newsletter digest of upcoming deadlines, etc. 
3. Minimum 2 long format posts per month.
4. Post comments and join the community.
5. Access to Pre-sale /Pre-orders and discounts in my online shop.
6. Digital freebies: Colouring pages, screen savers, downloadable prints.

Founding Member benefits:

Price $350 CDN (About $254 USD) Annually

1. Access to Free and Paid subscriber benefits;
2. Acknowledgement in newsletter and on blog of sponsorship with direct link to your website.

Times are weird and challenging out there. It’s getting exceptionally harder to make a living as an artist. I’m looking forward to sharing more with you about our international clay community and insights into how myself and others are making it work.

Much Love,

Carole