You really do this stuff??

Well, this is it! My very own blog! For those of you that don't know me, this should be an illuminating journey into the machinations, contradictions and art that is me....Todd. I am the owner, operator and sole artist of Torchwood Studio. To be honest, it's gonna be illuminating for those of you that do know me too. 

First, a little bit of background on me. I'm a 38 year old guy/cop/polymer clay artist living in the Central NY area. I just recently started working with polyclay and luckily, some unknown hidden polyclay gene apparently kicked in. I have never considered myself to be very artistic. Matter of fact, I do believe that I failed every single art class I ever took. Now, was that because I absolutely had no artistic talents or abilities or was it because my teachers just couldn't comprehend the hidden meanings, complex layers and genius level I was working at?? In my heart, I think it was because I had no artistic ability...lol

Now, I know right away that someone is looking at the cop/artist declaration up there and going, "What??" A cop that considers himself an artist? Like I said, welcome to the contradictions. I work full-time as a Law Enforcement Officer and I use the other 128 hours I have left over each week to work on my polymer clay creations (plus or minus a few hours sleep here and there). For the last 13 years or so, I've worked as a Military Police Officer, a Gang Intelligence Officer and a Law Enforcement Officer. If the job title had the word "Officer" in it, I probably worked it. But, this blog isn't going to be about my life as a cop. Rather, I'll be talking about my polymer clay artwork, the amazing artwork of other artists I've had the pleasure of meeting on-line or in person and about anything else in between that happens to catch my attention.

So, back to the title of this blog. When people who have known me for years find out what I'm doing with polymer clay, I invariably hear this coming from their mouths, "You really do this stuff??" I invariably answer the same way every time, "Yea, I really do that stuff! You got something to say?" Please remember I'm a cop and I have an innate need to act aggressive at times. Seriously though, I usually just say "Yup, I do this stuff. What do you think?" For the most part, people just look at my art and then look at me and then gush with adoration, admiration and several other "a" words that I can't think of right now. Some of the guys I work with just look at my art for a few minutes and then look at me with this "You do this girly stuff?" kind of smirk. Of course, within 60 seconds the knowing smirk fades and then they're sitting there giving me suggestions, ideas and the best color combinations for new pieces. Who knew there was a little bit of an artist in all of us. 

So, for all those people who have yet to ask the above question....Yes, I do this stuff and I love doing it. For a very long time I tried to figure out what kind of artistic talent or ability I might have had. It only took 38 years but I'm damn glad I finally figured it out.

Please check back often as I'll be introducing all of you to some of the most incredible independent artists that I've come across. Whether it's polymer clay artists, painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelry makers or the ever elusive all-around artists, you will find them in this blog being reviewed, critiqued, admired, adored and appreciated. Hey! Appreciation....That was the other "a" word I was looking for. Well, just bookmark this blog if you want to get to know some of the best up and coming independent artists out there! Then again, don't bookmark it if you don't want to...just remember, if you don't, I definitely won't give you a break on a ticket when you come speeding through my patrol zone. Well, maybe I will... but why take chances :)

Comments

[Capitola Girl]

Great story. We're the same age, so I could really relate to what you said about it taking that long to figure it out - LOL. Your creations are wonderful, its inspiring to read about someone who is doing what they love.

[Madelyn]

Love the puppy pic and hearing about your finding your way with polymer clay. It confirms my belief that everyone is creative and just needs to find his or her medium.

[Nicole]

Hi, I'm Nicole from Sativa Studios I do Custom Polymer Clay Jewelry..All my designs come in 16 colors and I have over 20 something designs. I guess You could say my designs have a natural earthy element about them..I do 2 main techniques one is antiquing and the other is a silver leafing...thnx a bunch...

[Jodie]

Great blog! Feel free to convo me for a feature anytime! Cute dog! Great work! love it.

[Flowersbyfarha]

Congrats!

Glad to hear your story, and that cops can have an artistic side, too!

Would love to see more pix/closeup of the turquoise/orange celtic knot bowl/lid. It looks awesome--want to see the detail!

Come by the shop sometime at Etsy, I'll give you a tour of the "garden."

Best Wishes,

Flowersbyfarha

[MALEAH]

Your blog looks great, you look like a pro!