What's up for 2010?

Every year I decide on a theme. Last year the theme was to Simplify and Focus. So I asked myself, "What am I doing? Or 'what the hell am i doing' as Mara - my wife - puts it? And whatever I'm doing, is it necessary or unnecessary?"

Now maybe I have a tendency to get lost in my head and think too deeply about things...but anyway...

That theme helped structure my work for 2009. I cut out some of the unnecessary things distracting me from giving each piece thought and focus. So looking at how to build upon that, this year's theme is Concentrate - to focus one's powers, efforts, or attention.

In this digital age, we are exposed to so much information, imagery, and communication. It seems as if we can do anything. Just look it up online and learn the "how to." It is very easy to get distracted from what you really want to do and become a "multi-tasker." We pride ourselves on our ability to be present in small percentages to various tasks at one time.

So how does relate to my work with metal? I want my work to reflect this theme of concentration and my efforts in the studio to be intensely focused on craftsmanship. When looking at and holding my work, I want the viewer to feel the energy that went in to each piece.

And that's what's up.