Artist Initiative

Mommsen created thirty large ceramic vases in which the form and surface are unified with a specific emotion obtained from observing a live model. It was very helpful to have Ursula to come and critique me regularly during this process. She was able to direct me to artists and forms that she thought would further the work. She recommended that I look at the work of Rudi Autio. This led to many new forms for me. She helped with places to apply. She recommended applying to the Phipps and this turned out to be a good choice. It was also good to have someone to turn to when things were getting tough or when I needed some technical advice. 2: Ten citizens participated in a workshop where they altered clay, drew and painted while observing a live model to give emotion to their art. The feedback from each participant as they laid out their cylinders and tiles was one of AHH! In the critique we used critical response. In critical response we understand a work or experience when we slow down and pay attention to what we notice, remember, feel and wonder about. The second part of the feedback was the response of the participants as they picked up their completed artwork at my show. They understood the process and my work much better.