Year of the Pig Project

12 months

12 pig artworks

1 great cause

~~~

(January-Spotted Piglet-Charcoal Pencils)

I started this project to honor my friend and mentor Bruce Howdle; who passed away, suddenly, last year. I was fortunate to be one of the students that Bruce taught in his time teaching at UW-Platteville, and while it may sound sappy, it was a dream come true to study under Bruce, as I have been an admirer of his work since I first saw it while taking an art class field trip to Mineral Point, WI and his studio, while in high school. I have many fond memories of Clay Club, working as Bruce's work study student, taking his classes, and getting to chat with him whenever I was in the area.

(February-Poland China Boar-Colored Pencils)

While perhaps better known for his large scale clay murals, many of which can be seen in Wisconsin, and others around the country; he was also known for his unique thrown pig sculptures. This started as a means to come to terms with the loss of Bruce. It was not easy to come to terms with the idea that I would no longer be able to stop in and see him to chat, catch up, and ask for advice. This year is the Year of the Pig in the Chinese zodiac. So I thought it was fitting to do a pig artwork each month. On top of that, each piece would be done in a different medium. Clay, of course, would be one of those.

(March-Pot Bellied Pig-India Ink)

As I started to work on these pieces, I wanted to do something more to, not only remember Bruce, but to honor his memory too. It was then, that I decided that all the art pieces created for Year of the Pig would be sold and the proceeds donated to charity. It took me quite some time to decide where the proceeds would go but I finally settled on one.

(April-Oxford Sandy & Black-Watercolor)

All of these artworks that you see in this blog post (plus 12 painted medallion/magnets) will go up for auction on eBay early January. All of these artworks, except the acrylic Hereford, as that's stretched canvas, will be sold in frames. Proceeds from the sales of these pieces will be donated to Americans for the Arts-a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping the arts/art education in schools. Of all the charities I looked at, this one felt like the best fit. After all, Bruce spent much of his time teaching students/people about the arts. An organization whose goal is to keep the arts in schools across the country is fantastic!

(May-Duroc Piglet-Oil Pastels)

This has been a year long endeavor, obviously. There have been some really high points and some really low points. There were months where I struggled to find time to even sit down to sketch the piece much less get one finished, and yet I did just that. I have built up my confidence as an artist, and while I am still working to build up clientele, there is not much that I feel I can't accomplish. That being said, this project isn't done yet, and I cannot finish it, entirely, alone.

(June-Landrace Pig-Pastels)

I am currently finishing up December's pig-which is actually 12 magnets/medallions (I hesitate to call them true medallions as they are made from Sculpey Clay rather than a resin or true clay). They are a smiling pig AND pony. Each one will be painted differently so no two will be the same AND I am ONLY PRODUCING THE TWELVE. That's it! No more will be produced after this. Twelve. Done.

(July-Hereford Pig-Acrylic Paints)

As I said, I cannot finish this project alone, and the reality is that while I produced the art pieces, I did not do this entirely alone either. First, I must thank several people who have supported me throughout this project, knowingly or unknowingly.

(August-Yorkshire Pig-Scratchboard)

First and foremost, big thank you to my mother, Carol, for her support and for being there when I was ready to throw some of these pieces out the window.

(September-Whimsical Pig-Pens)

Then there are my equine mentors-Crimson & Brandi. Thank you for taking a chance on me and letting me start to build clientele for my riding lessons and getting to assist you all for your fun days, game days and camps. You've allowed me to follow my passion and I cannot thank you enough. There are days I really don't know what I would have done if I hadn't been able to go to the barn to remember that there is something more & better than the my, sometimes soul-killing day to day job. Also, I need to thank you for keeping me inspired through your dedicated efforts in starting your own non-profit, Equine Empowerment Inc., and for letting me contribute in the ways I can to that effort. 

(October-Flying Pig-Highlighters)

Next, I need to thank several of my friends: Toni, for just being the person who listened to my rants on other topics. You allowed me to clear my mind of irritations, made me laugh, and got me back on track (though I don't think you even knew I was working on this...?) so that I had a clear head when I was working. Katerina, Stacy, Jamie and Chef Jeff (sorry couldn't resist) you were there in Clay Club, we all lost our mentor and friend, and we always manage to schedule weekends to see each other a couple times a year, I love the times we get together. I really want to say thank you to you all for not laughing or dismissing this idea. You supported it and gave me confidence to keep at it (some knowingly, some not!)

(November-Wild Boar-Alcohol Inks)

Of course, I cannot forget to thank Shannon of Shamrock Farms Inc. Without your support and contributions/loans of medium and time, some of these pieces definitely would not have been possible (thank you for the scratchboard). You went above and beyond the call of duty as a friend! I think we reached a point where I need to paint you all the models you want for the time you put in to this project!

(December WIP-"Smiles" Pony & Pig Magnets/Medallions)

Lastly, I wanted to thank Joelle & Katie for making sure that Bruce Howdle Studio would not remain empty. With a fitting name change to The Globe Clay Center, you both bring your own, wonderful flare to the studio while honoring the studio's past. I apologize for not being able to stop in yet, but I have greatly enjoyed seeing your works through Facebook & Instagram! I hope to stop by in the near future, as it's been too long since I've been to the studio!

(One of the beautiful pieces produced from The Globe Clay Center-from their website-link above!)

With the thank yous out of the way, now we come to where YOU, the reader, come in. As I stated already, I cannot finish this project alone. I need YOUR help. If you are a pig lover, know someone who loves pigs, or just want to help spread the word-please share that these pieces are going to be up for sale early January. Thank you!

(The much loved, Bruce Howdle pig sculpture in our household-Gerti.)

Till the next time!