to begin , to begin, to begin

I am creating this blog to promote fine craft from Texas. I am an artist, working in Houston. I have started a series of podcasts that I hope broadcast soon featuring artists working in craft. I hope that by creating this blog and podcast I hope to create greater awareness of work created in metal, clay, wood, fiber, glass and other mediums. I am an artist in residence at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. The residency began in June 2006 and will end in June 2007 and I was given a studio space which allows me to create my work and educate the public on metalsmithing. The Center also has a rotating exhibits, a gallery space which sells works by artists, and workshops. Why am I focus on Texas Craft Artist? I have discovered that although Texas has a lot of wonderful artists, the Crafts have been neglected, until recently. The east and the west coast have a strong following of supporters and collectors. In the past five years, Texas has become aware that there is a Craft community, which has been largely ignored. Most of us, have garnered more success outside our native home. Although we are seeing greater interest in work it has been slow. I do wish to dispel a couple of myths about Texas artists. Not all of us wear cowboy boots and hats, and have an oil well in the back yard and listen to Country and Western music. Most of us are liberal in both mind and spirit, enjoy wearing the color black and denim with a few festive colors mixed in. I sill be adding more links and and pictures. And as soon as I can I will post when and where you can find the podcasts. I hope to change this one blog at a time. If you are an artist and living in Texas or anywhere, please feel free to to post a comment. Support the arts!