Barbara Melnik Carson

Де я? Where am I

Posted on March 27, 2019 by Babs

: Де я? Where am I?

This is the theme of my time here in Lviv so far. However, it could be a metaphorical reminder to live life in the moment. Frequently stoping and taking in where you are and deciding if that is where you want to be. I continue to get turned around, but I am no longer afraid to change direction.

The weather in Lviv was blue sky sunny and beautiful today, but cold. Glad I remembered to wear my sweater under my wind breaker, but really missing my gloves.

Below is a photo of me riding on my #8 tram. Today I discovered that if I stay on the right path it is only a 5 minute walk from my apartment, not the 10 minutes it has taken earlier in the week. Getting back home, is still another story. Can’t seem to go back the way I came. I’m constantly aware of needing to cross at the crosswalks. Cars do not seem to want to stop, so I wait to join a group crossing. Are there no traffic lights in Lviv?

Today Irene and I were taken to a wonderful Cafe called Biscuit. Pan Orest treated us to apple strudel, coffee and a taste of pine cone liquer. Then we took a quick look at Strysyikyi park, famous for it’s black swans. I can remember visiting this park with my father and being excited about seeing black swans for the first time. I will need to find my way back here as the weather warms up.

I am eager to get to the studio tomorrow morning. My studio mate Kseniia said they will be unloading the kiln. I look forward to see the wonderful work these students have made.

Hope to write more tomorrow.

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In the beginning

Posted on March 25, 2019 by Babs

Ceramic art at the Lviv National Academy of Art

Use your words. That recording plays over in my head, like a mantra or a chant. Finding the words in the midst of experiencing new things has become a challenge. How can I express thoughts and emotions that are actively still forming.
Today I went to the Lviv National Academy of Arts for the first time. The seed of this trip was planted decades ago. It took years for me to have the courage to even speak about such a crazy idea. An extended stay in Ukraine to immerse myself in Ceramic Art, a childish dream. Yet, here I am.
The active part of pursuing my idea began in February of last year. I must thank all my friends and family who supported me and continue to support me. Oksana, who was able to point me in the right direction. Irene, who tirelessly helped me plow through the language barrier, translating my request to the Academy. Cathy and Diane, who have helped me keep moving forward for the last 20 years. Last but not least my family. Especially, my husband and daughter who understand my need to create.
I continue to be overwhelmed and in awe of all the new things I am seeing and doing. Here is a visual sample of my day. From taking the tram to cooking 4 chicken breast on a hot plate.
Banksy?
The photo above is from the Tram station in Lviv where my journey began. The director of the ceramic department kindly met me at my apartment and escorted me to the Academy.

From the outside you would never guess how much it is overflowing with creativity and ceramic art. Here is a sample.

Below are photos of the kiln room. They have both electric and gas kilns

These photos below are of what they call “chamotte”. It appears to be a type of heavily grogged clay, which provides extra strength and less cracks for large sculptural pieces.

This photo below is of my wonderful tour guide and ceramic artist Natalka. She also introduced me to something else new to me “Molochnaya”. It is a milk glaze, and ancient technology of milk burning. The piece she is holding and the one next to it are both products of this process.

Tomorrow I will return with a packed lunch and begin creating.
Here is one of the four chicken I cooked on this hot plate. The room still smells like chicken.

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Short Self-guided spontaneous tour of Lviv city center.

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Babs

I have still not adjusted to the time change. I stayed awake until 3 am. Woke up to my alarm at 8 am. Decided to rest for a couple more minutes and didn’t wake up until 1pm.

By the time I found my way out the door it was 3pm. It was a beautiful Spring Sunday. The city was so full of delightfull sights, sounds and smells.

This time I tried to pay more attention to my surroundings. Cutting through this park seemed to help keep me headed in the right direction. My goal was to get to Rynok Square and find Fatset. On my way there was so much to see.