While many of us work in a small scale, my heart calls out to think big. To MAKE big. So imagine my delight when stumbling upon a temporary installation of Quantum Astronaut by Julian Voss-Andreae on a recent visit to Palm Springs, CA.
Despite the palm trees and warm night air, the sculpture seemed familiar. And it was! When I started coming to PNWS meetings in 2023, Julian had opened up his studio to fellow members so we could get to know him and his work. 
It was a mind-blowing experience – from his story as a quantum physicist-turned-sculptor, to the studio itself, to the easy camaraderie and inquisitiveness of PNWS members.
The meeting reframed my thinking about what was possible. It made the idea of being a professional artist real. Now, I realize many of our members ARE professional artists, but for me and my art-related demons it was a message I needed to hear.
The thing is, PNWS supports each of us in whatever way we let it.
We know from a recent member survey that connecting with and learning from other sculptors is a big reason to be here. The PNWS online calendar is the best way to keep track of what’s happening next, along with reading member posts about what’s going on with people’s art.
We also know a lot of members want to grow their reputations as artists, and increase sales. While some of us are thinking about how to provide professional development opportunities, 2025 is already shaping up to be full of options for supporting each other:
- Gathering of the Guilds, Portland Convention Center
- April 23-27 Volunteer opportunities
- April 25-27 PNWS Gallery and member booths open, sculpture demonstrators needed
- April 26 Member “meeting” onsite with celebration of International Sculpture Day
- May 17 Member Gathering to make ceramic masks (Portland/Vancouver)
- May 30 – June 1 Camping on Whidbey Island, WA with tour of Price Sculpture Forest
- June 7, 8 Troutdale Arts Festival
- Raku firing ceramic masks
- Demonstrators needed with artwork display/sales opportunity
- June 14 Member Gathering – Flea Zorkus in north Portland
- July 19 Member Gathering – studio tour at Bill Leigh’s in Vancouver
- August 16 Member Gathering – studio tour and possible panel discussion at Teri Fahrendorf’s in NW Portland
For artists outside of the Portland/Vancouver area, the monthly Sculpture Conversation via Zoom is a must. There are also starting to be rumblings about possible in-person gatherings around Seattle and central Oregon. Let me know if you’re interested in helping make that happen!
Until we meet next, may you glimpse larger-than-life possibilities for yourself and your work – perhaps even finding a bit of your own, inner quantum astronaut. I’m looking forward to seeing you along the way.
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