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,[…]
The Challenge
The challenge: make a set of pieces that meet specific requirements set by someone else, that you can duplicate and still makes you happy. I’ve been working on this project for almost two months now and it’s an interesting challenge!It started when I had the opportunity to submit my new work to a buyer that represents some fancy, high end stores. So, I put together my package and sent it off to her, after she reviewed it she came back with some suggestions that would make things more salable. I’ve been working on those suggestions–hence, the[…]
Endless Possibilities
Ceramics is a continuous journey. There’s so much to try out, experiment with and learn! Pieces are finished and evaluated and that leads you on to the next set of questions and pieces. There are quite literally endless possibilities and opportunities. There are a lot of things finishing around here and also new things starting. One big project that is finally finished–the glaze wall! I have to say, it’s pretty impressive. There are sample tiles of all the glazes on three different types of clay and at two firing temperatures plus a bunch of glaze combos.[…]
May is Happening Here!
We’ve had an unusually long Spring this year and it’s been especially beautiful. The building energy of the past few months has resulted in extra rain, the biggest snow pack in 70 years and super blooms up and down the state! I’ve also been building like mad and preparing for the upcoming sunny time of the year. There are so many pieces ready for glazing, some made with black clay or white clay and a lot made of brown. I can’t wait to see them with my new glaze combos! We’ll be hosting one our funnest[…]
Limits and Repetition, Creativity and Refinement
Studies have shown that we perform better and feel happier with some limits. Absolute freedom means having to make choices constantly and this is stressful! Routines offer a kind of freedom from that stress. At the same time, things can get boring without some challenges and new ideas. I’ve noticed that a few self imposed limits during the idea stage can make me more creative. I think more about what I’m making and how to go about it instead of falling into safety and boredom. When I sit down to throw mugs, it’s easy to default[…]