As ceramicists we all have things we need to handle–mostly mugs! Adding a handle is the moment in building that finishes your piece. It can give it personality and style, complete it in a harmonious way or relegate it to the ‘interesting but not very useful pile’.Over the years and I’ve put a lot of handles on things. And all this experience has led me to developed a small checklist of what I want in a handle. Basically, it to be functional and appropriate to the piece. Given the list is so short, it’s a surprise[…]
Tips to Work By
Every class session I’m reminded how long the learning curve is for ceramics. There are soooo many options for materials and the techniques we employ, glaze applications, firing variations and then there’s the combinations of all these things. It takes a long time to master this art. I still learn something every time I open a glaze kiln. So here are some tips I find myself telling students frequently. Hopefully they to help shorten the curve! * Water is the key-to building! To build successfully you have to monitor and control the water content in your[…]
Taking a Fresh Look
I’ve recently started questioning my functional work. Once you can make a form successfully, it’s very easy to stop thinking about it and just default to ‘that shape you know how to make’. I’m taking a fresh look at everything and asking does it work well? Why did I choose that shape? What would make it be better? Take butter dishes for example. My standard process is to make them a bit like an upside down pinch pot, about the size and shape of a stick of butter, and then refine and decorate them later. In[…]
A Blast About Class!
Well, the holidays are over and it’s back to work with a new dedication and resolve. It’s inevitable that some things will remain the same but some new things are in the works! I’ll be writing more about these ideas later but for now I’m letting things jell a bit more. The first thing to get off the ground is the schedule of new classes. You’ve been asking so here it is! They’ll be starting soon so click below for all the info. Then, contact me to sign up!
Coasting to the Finish
2023 is almost finished and that makes this is the final newsletter of the year! Just a little note about the last hurrah of making, the final shows of the year, and my appreciation. It doesn’t quite feel like the holidays are already upon us. I think it’s because the big push to get everything finished happened a little bit earlier for me this year. Now I’m almost in coasting mode–classes are finished, one gift fair done and another this weekend, last big firing happening right now, Open Air Open Studio happening in a low key[…]
Thank You!
This year is so quickly drawing to a close and I wanted to thank you all for being part of my clay journey. Your support and encouragement keeps me going and makes this all possible. So, from the bottom of my empty reclaim bucket and with full shelves, I thank you!! I’ve been working night and day to get a big load of new work ready for the holidays and it’s just about done. A couple more glazing days, another big firing and I’ll be as ready as I can be. These are the opportunities in[…]
Throwing for Fun
When I started my ceramics career, I was building everything by hand. My background is in sculpture so my work stemmed from what I was familiar with. I built a lot of interesting teapots and crazy, heavy mugs. No two were the same! But, as my opportunities expanded, I needed more ware and I needed it faster. Although I knew how to throw on the wheel, it wasn’t my preferred way of working. Hand building is definitely slower than throwing. So, I started to throw more and got better, faster and I started to make things[…]
Are You Up for Discipline?
Today is a glaze firing day. That means I have to get up very early to start the process.When it’s cold outside it can be hard to muster the energy to get out of bed, light the kiln and get everything started. But, once I’m up and awake I love the few quiet hours before the day gets started to get things done. Today I planned to write this newsletter. I spent a little time reading previous blogs to catch some ideas and get in the flow but I couldn’t come up with anything concrete. So,[…]