Pots

Here are some pots from the firing. New slab tray. A couple cups made with the new clay body test. I don't really like this clay but I like how it fires and how the slip looks on it. It's more shiny than my body and it is very light so the slip breaks nicely on the edges. It doesn't throw well and I don't like the way it looks without any slip on it.
Big jar, I had two of these in this load. I had lots of animal jars, here's a little dog (thanks Kharma). And some new soup/cereal bowls with taller feet and little lugs. Good stuff.

Firing

Okay, here are two images of list weeks firing. I was pretty happy with the results although the front got super blasted. I tried to put some blocker bricks up there up it didn't quite do the trick. I am getting a lot of gray soda action up front from all the build up. I think I'm going to back off on the amount of soda I'm using and add more salt. I'll have to think on it a bit.

Loaded

I loaded the kiln today. I'll fire tomorrow and unload on Thursday. I have some new takes on my usual forms in this load. Some new cereal bowls, mugs, long trays, small trays, and a couple bigger jars. I'll get some pics up when I unload on Thursday.
I'll be at the ClayMatters Guild pottery sale on Saturday May 13th at McAlpine Business park on Monre Road in Charlotte.

Graduation

Sarah graduated from Applachian State University on Saturday with her masters in community counseling. She will be doing her intership over the summer at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. She starts this week. I have said again and again how hard she worked during school but I think I failed to mention that she finished with a 4.0 GPA. What can I say, she's awesome, and she's going to make a great therapist.
Sarah and her proud parents.

Off to Boone

Tomorrow we heading up to Boone. Sarah is graduating on Saturday. We are going up tomorrow to have a celebration dinner with some classmates of hers and spend the night at the house where Sarah lived for a year. It will be fun and I am looking forward to it.
Saturday will be a special day. I'm sure many of us will be in tears, I probably will anyhow. Sarah has really worked hard and been so dedicated to her studies, her assistantship, and her department as a whole. I know she was an asset to them and they will miss her. I on the other hand will be happy to have her home!!

I had a good day here today, finished cleaning up the house, unloaded a bisque kiln, messed around a bit and then took Kharma to puppy class. One more week to go and then she will graduate too! After class we headed over to Sarah's parents for supper which was delicious as usual.

Well that's it until I get home late on Saturday. I'll have some pics to post from the graduation ceremony.

Keeping it Real

Sarah and I have been busy this morning cleaning house. We have a pretty small space so it can get cluttered, dirty and dusty in a hurry. We are about a week overdue on cleaning so it's nice to be getting that taken care of. I love scrubbing the kitchen sink.

My two new words for how I've been feeling are 'blank' and 'dread'. I have been feeling sort of out of it since sometime in January, maybe longer. When I get over stimulated or overwhelmed I tend to blank out. I find myself standing in my studio looking at the table or going over nothing in my head, over and over. It's weird, but 'blank' pretty much sums it up. I came up with 'dread' a few days ago. I'm not depressed, I know what that feels like. Maybe this is what could lead up to that. Or not. ?? I find that I wake up with a feeling of dread. Dreading not knowing what to do, dreading seeing my family, dreading walking the dog, dreading going back to bed at night. Whatever. It's strange but that is how I feel. I think with Sarah being in school for the past two years and me being home a lot by myself that I have sort of gotten lost. I have gotten caught up in some of my Fears and that often leads to procrastionation, dread, and blankness. I have told myself often that I need to work on my daily routine. My pots are going okay, but sure I could be doing more, and I could be playing more and allowing myself to have some fun and not feeling guilty about it. Some of this stems from living so close to my family. (long story).

Right now it kind of feels good just to put this out there. What comes next? Action? Contemplation? Play? Sleep? Food? All of the above? Something new? ??

Wear and tear

Here are some images from the inside of my salt/soda kiln. Foamy blob of castable in firebox.

Salt glazed brick. I wish my pots looked like this!

Front corner around salt/soda port.

Contour line drawing

I want to get into the habit of doing some kind of drawing everyday. Today I did a couple blind contour line drawings, one of a pen and the other a tissue box. I like doing these. It's fun to draw without looking at the page and see what I get when I am finished.

New week

Monday. Today is usually one of my more productive days. It's off to a good start I guess as I've loaded a bisque and got it going as well as walked the dog and got a bit of journaling in over a cup of tea. I am planning on getting some pots glazed and later putting some plants in the garden. I feel I am a bit late on that this year, but it will be fine. My father in law, Roy, always gets lots of plants going in his greenhouse and gives us all we want for our garden. He planted on Saturday so I guess I'm on schedule with him anyhow. I didn't get a lot of my early stuff in this year, ie spinach, lettuce, chard, etc. I do have some lettuce and chard beginning to come in now though.

I lost a couple trays in my last bisque load. I think they weren't dry enough. One blew the foot off and another blew out a big chunck off the bottom. These are new forms and I was hoping to get them through the firing. I have 2 that made it so far. I will make more for the May kiln.

I found Kevin Crowe's website yesterday. I've always liked Kevin's work. We had a cup of his at one time but I can't seem to find it in the cupboard. I'd like to visit his pottery in Amherst, Va. sometime. He has a good article that I recommend reading. Couldn't have said it better myself.

Have a great week.

Crap toss

I saw a story on CBS Sunday Morning today that fell in line with more memories of my childhood regarding cow manure. In April every year, Beaver, Oklahoma hosts the World Championship Cow Chip Throwing Contest. This years winner threw 200 ft 7 in. Wow! If only I'd known this as a child I could have been preparing for 30 years. We used to do this all the time when we were kids. Granted we weren't throwing for distance, we mostly used dry cow dung as ammo. I tell ya I haven't thought about this in years and it really makes me laugh. I love that I grew up in the country.

Morning cereal/Pots in Use

Tom Gray sent me this pic of a bowl of mine filled with morning cereal. I remember giving Tom this bowl. It was out of one of the first firings where I started to add more soda to the kiln and I had also started slipping the insides of my bowls instead of using a glaze. It's a good bowl and I am pretty sure Tom has told me it's one of his favorites.
Thanks Tom!

Too cold

I went out last night to walk barefoot and found it was really cold. I was not expecting that. And wet too. So I have postponed it to later today after things warm up.

Sarah had coffee made after I got back from the walk with Kharma so I skipped my regular morning tea and decided to pull down one of my favorite cups. This cup is made by Welsh potter Phil Rogers. It's a nice small size and I use it only for coffee. Phil uses lots of local materials in his glazes. The inside of this cup has an ash glaze and the outside is a temmoku probably made from local stone dust with iron and other materials. The sides are faceted and the handle is awesome.
I got my bisque going about 4:30 this morning.
I need to get down to the kitchen now and make up some pizza dough so it can be rising while we are off in Charlotte. I am grilling some pizzas tonight for supper.

Take your shoes off

I found this really interesting. Barefoot hiking. I never go barefoot anymore. As a kid I ran around barefoot all the time. I remember coming in at night and getting the bathtub and scrubbing my dirty little feet. I ran around in the cow pasture a lot and got lots of pleasure stepping in squishy piles of...well... cow manure. Okay that's probably more info. than any of you wanted and more than my mother would ever want me to reveal. But it was fun and we always giggled and cringed up our noses as we did it. The creek was near by for washing off.
Well enough about my childhood. I think I'll go out now and walk barefoot in the dark in the freshly cut grass out front.

Readers

Hey it's good to know I have some folks out there checking in from time to time. Thanks for responding to my previous post.

We went to 'puppy class' this evening with Kharma. I have to remember to take my camera next week. We have some cute dogs in our class. We know most of their names, but hardly any of the owners names. There's Precious the boxer, Max the German Shepard, Jordan the beagle, Maggie the chocolate lab, Mrs. Paradise the ?, but her owner's name is Diamond (cool huh?). Anyhow you get the idea.

Tomorrow we are going to Charlotte to buy Sarah a new (used) car. She located it on Tuesday and drove it, today she confirmed with the seller that she wanted it so we'll get it tomorrow.

Bisque firing a load tomorrow. One more next week as soon as things dry out. I'll get some pics of pots up too.

Comments

Is anyone reading this thing?

Studio time

I am working towards finishing up a load of pots for my next firing. I hope to wrap it all up by Monday. Nothing is drying very well so I have resorted to a fan. I will be at the ClayMatters Pottery Guild Spring Sale on May 13th. I'll try and get details up soon. It's at the McAlpine Business Park on Monroe Road in Charlotte.
I am testing a new clay body in this load. It's one of the one's I ran some trials on in my last firing. I mixed up a larger batch of it and have made mugs, trays, some bottles, and plates. It is a very smooth clay, unlike my current body which is course and open. Comparing the two I'd say the test clay is fleshy while my old clay is more bones. That may not make sense to some. Anyhow I think this new clay will have nice response in the soda kiln, more shiny and glassy. I may try adding some fireclay to it to give it some tooth.
Rainy here tonight. Sarah is on her way home from Boone so I have been hanging out with Kharma. She got a little loud and roughty with Loupey (#1 cat) so I have put her to bed for the night, (much to Loupey's relief).
Over and out.

Utne (rhymes with chutney)

We somehow ended up with a subscription to Utne magazine a year ago. I have really enjoyed it and will probably renew for next year. In addition to its own feature articles and departments, Utne has lots of informative articles that they glean from different sources and assemble into their mag. This month there was a section entitled 'Elemental Art' featuring artists who work in the enviroment using materials at hand. Andy Goldsworthy is well known, but you may want to check out some of these folks too.
Nils-Udo
Diana Lynn Thompson
Patrick Dougherty
Ahmad Nadalian
Urs-P. Twellmann

Fast food

Fried rice is one of our quick weeknight meals that we have pretty often. This week I decided it would be cool to try it will grilled tofu. I marinated the tofu in soy with a dash of sesame oil and sprinkled on some toasted sesame seeds before grilling. It was really good. No, we aren't vegetarians. I have to have a good cheeseburger at least once a week.
I haven't been cooking as much as I'd like to lately although we did have grilled pizza a week or so ago. Other favorites of mine are roasted chicken with rosemary and garlic, spinach and mushroom manicotti, pad thai,
and grilled jerk chicken.
Well that's it for now, I haven't had breakfast yet.

What a day.

I had a full day today. I got a lot done in the pottery. It was nice this morning, I opened the windows, listened to the rain on the tin roof, and the click, clack of my treadle wheel. Finished off all the pots I made yesterday, and threw the sections for a large jar. Things dry slowly in this new space. I am not used to it yet and I need a better rack system for storing work in progress as it is getting in the way. I may work on that soon. So all the pots I finished today still need to be slipped in the morning. Then I hope to make some mugs, bowls, oval serving bowls, and medium oval bakers. That's what my list says. I'd also like to get some vases in this firing but I am not sure what to do about that, I have some new designs in mind.
Kharma and I had a long walk before dark. Sarah is on her way home from Boone and will be here late. I am tired and ready for bed. Good night.

Rain

I woke this morning around 5 am to the sound of thunder in the distance. I got up to unplug the computers, we have bad luck with lighting and powersurges hitting modems. We are getting some rain now, much needed. I hope it continues steadily throughout the day.

I have lots of pots waiting to be finished in the studio. I got a gallery order yesterday so that gives me forward motion as to what needs to be made to finish out this kiln load. I hope to fire the week of May 8th. That's not so far away so I really need to be getting things done. I'll be making bowls tomorrow and that usually gets the kiln full quickly.

Well I am realizing that this post isn't very interesting. So maybe I'll come back later.
See ya.

Studio time

Kharma did well with me in the studio yesterday. It also helped that Sarah was home all day and kept her for a spell in the house with her. I got lots of pots made and hope to finish them up today. It has been nice having Sarah home from school and work. It's been like old times when we were both working full time as artists. We have been able to have lunch together, and a nap, and just hang out a little in the mornings before we get started.
Sarah has decided to do her internship this summmer at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, she will be counseling patients there. I think this will be an awesome opportunity for her. She starts the 3rd week in May.

Weather

All the severe weather went east of us yesterday. We still had some windy conditions and some awesome clouds blowing over. It's been very hot for April, last night a cold front moved in and it feels nice out this morning. I'm not totally ready for 90 degree heat just yet. We are seriously in need of some rain.

Is this any good?

I spent several hours Saturday at Linda McFarling's pottery in Burnsville, NC. Linda and I met years ago at Arrowmont school where we were both taking a class. Since then Linda has been a friend and mentor to me.
Linda was firing her salt kiln during the visit but we had time to sit and talk and look at pots. One of the things that came up was the question of how one critically looks at ones on work. This has been a struggle for me and since I can be sort of shy I have not really sought out other's criticism in the past. Linda went over her process with me using her own pots as examples. It was very helpful. One of the methods she uses was learned from Minnesota potter Linda Christianson. Pots are looked at at different stages of development, during the making, handling, turning, after bisque, after final firing. Questions are asked, "which one is best?, why? which ones don't work?, why?, what can I change?" This is done with pots that are similar, say a run of cups, or jars or whatever. So the comparison is apples to apples. It is important to be present, to be objective, and to be willing to discard what isn't working or at least try again. This whole thing isn't easy and my belief is that not every one can do it. Not everyone can 'see' what is there, or what needs to be there. Linda says her training as a painter has helped her greatly. I think I can reconize good pots of others easier than I can of my own. I have no art training. I have to rely on what I have seen as good pots. I think drawing, looking, and paying attention are things that could help me.
Linda also said it is important to learn to 'discard'. This means for her throwing away finished pots that do not meet her standards. I do this but it usually takes time. For instance, right now I have two very full boxes of old pots sitting under the tractor shed. I think I will take them to the gully today. It will be very freeing.
Another lesson is learning to go the extra step. For instance, if I put a handle on a pitcher and I see that it doesn't work, I should go the extra step to take that handle off and try again. Or if I am turning a foot on a plate and it comes off still heavy, I should put it back on the wheel and take off more clay. Take the time to make the pots right.
Of course all this brings up the question, 'what makes a good pot?' For one person it may be one thing and another something else. And some people just don't care to ask, they just want to make stuff and not really go to this place. I can't really put into words what I think is a good pot. I know it when I see it. Sometimes pots are TOO good. These I don't like. My standards may be different than others. So maybe I'll think about what my standards are and how I am meeting them in my own work.
It was good to get to have this time with Linda and we planned on meeting again, this time with me bringing up some more pots and possibily getting together with a couple other potter's to have a 'pot on the spot' disscussion, over each other's work. That would be great for me.

Mug Shots

Here are a couple of Pots in Use images sent in by friends Wanda (behind the computer) and Tina. They both show my mugs in use. The one Tina is using is from way back.

Thanks ladies!

Friday, Finally

It's been a heck of a week for both Sarah and myself. Sarah had a hard week and was on the go to work or school everyday. Yesterday was the last day of her practicum and I think she only has a couple more days of class to finish up. Her graduation date is May 6th. She has worked extremely hard and I am so proud of her. She keeps telling me she feels guilty that I have had things here at home all to myself. It has been hard for me, especially with the new puppy around, but it's all going to be worth it. Sarah will be a good counselor/therapist and I am happy she is doing what she is passionate about. She will be doing an internship over the summer. She has it narrowed down to two sites and will decide next week I think on where to go.

Kharma has been keeping me on my toes and testing my patience. I took her to puppy class again yesterday evening. It was lots of fun. I am learning a lot and she is too. We are working on 'sit', 'wait', 'down', 'come', controlled walking, and lots of play time. She's going to be good dog. I am meeting some new people in class too. Last night I met a lady who baby sat me when I was an infant. She went to school with my mom and dad.

I will be making some pizza dough today so I can grill a couple pizzas for supper tonight. I also need to finish off some pots in the studio. I was thinking I'd get away from here tomorrow, maybe head to the mountains to visit some friends, or go for a hike. I need to get out of here for a while and play.

If you are near Seagrove, NC this weekend be sure to go out for the annual Spring Kiln Opening. My friends Tom Gray and Pat Newby will have lots of cool new work at Tom's studio on Fork Creek Mill Rd.

New workspace

I had my first official full workday in the new workshop today. Made some sections for two large jars, some mugs, small pitchers, a couple large pitchers and a board of animal jars. I am almost out of clay until what is in the racks drys out enough to use. That should be the end of the week since we are having some sunny weather. Made all of todays pots except for the animal jars on the new kickwheel. That baby will spin. It's not exactly set up right for me and my back isn't feeling really great right now. I need to figure out the height on the seat and add a couple of blocks to prop my feet on. Anyhow it's a good wheel.

Kharma was with me in the studio all day. Boy that's a chore having a puppy around. She loves to see the kickwheel spin. I had to install a barrier on the front to keep her from getting in there while I was working. I think she's about got me trained. I bet I got up from the wheel 20 times. It went something like this.....
'hey, I'll chew on this piece of plastic' =Ron gets up and puts it away
'hey, I'll jump on the potter's wheel' = Ron gets up, cuts a board and screws it in place as barrier.
'hey,I'll try to get up on the table and eat those pots'=Ron gets up and moves pots
'hey, I'll pee in the floor'=Ron cleans up pee
'hey I'll chew on the broom and drag it across the floor' =Ron gets up and puts away broom
'hey, I think I'll drag my blanket out of my crate and across the room'= you know what


Okay you get the picture. I bet Bernard Leach or Hamada never had to put up with this. I am well trained and didn't even get any treats.

This evening I finally started on my taxes! Ha. I always wait till the last minute.

July 11, 1994

I am still cleaning out from my old studio and moving things into the new space. Yesterday I was going through some papers and found the following journal entry from 1994.

"I just finished unloading my first real glaze load. It was very successful. I have not felt this good in a very long time. And I've never been so proud of anything I've made. I had to yell a few times I was so happy.
I just really feel good inside. Seeing these pots when I opened the lid. There were a couple right there on top that just caught my eye. Special pots. Shallow bowls. And as I went further down things were okay and better. Everything came out fine. It's all sitting on the table now all layed out. Beautiful. I hope it's like this every time!"

There were a few more pages too and I'll post them later. This page really moved me and I think how even now I love to open my kiln and see all the pots, how exciting it is and how wonderful it is to be a potter. I am thankful for my meager beginnings, I remember those early pots well and how proud I was to be making something that would be useful in people's home. Most of those pots ended up in friend's and family's houses and I still have some boxed up in the barn.

I can be very hard on myself sometimes to try to cram all I can into a day. Yesterday I was sort of hard on myself for forgetting to get some things while in town, and I felt like I'd wasted a lot of time and energy. I do desire to have a simple life, but I am coming to understand that it's not all the external things that hold me up or keep me from moving forward. It's that I am too demanding on myself sometimes and that I am not allowing myself enough time to play or feel what I am feeling. I cover up, push on, stuff the pain, and rush on through. The journal entry opened me up and allowed me to feel good yesterday and to realize that I have a great life, I have choices each day as to how I spend my time and energy. I get to make nice pots that people are proud enough to use in their homes everyday. That is a great feeling. Today I am going to be good to myself, enjoy the sunshine, relax and do what I want.

Pot in use

Jim from Gastonia sent in this image of an oval bowl. He tells how it ended up on his coffee table. "The story of how the your pot ended up on the coffee table is that I walked in from you last sale, hands full of things - mail, your pot, groceries, etc. - and set the pot on the coffee table. Not being the neatest housekeeper it just sat there until some guests came over and raved about the new pot I bought for my coffee table. I received many more compliments on the pot and its placement -- the placement which was totally accidential. The pot is still there today!" Thanks Jim. Look for more Pots in Use images to come.

Friday

I have been working on getting all set up in my new studio. It's taken me longer than I expected but I am trying to get rid of stuff as I move over. I have gotten to the point in my work where I don't need a lot of tools or gadgets, just a couple throwing ribs, a cut off wire, some batts, sponge, a couple sticks I use to decorate with and the tools at the end of each of my arms. Of course there's more but my point is that I am getting rid of all I don't absoultely need. This includes buckets of dried up slip and glaze that have sat around for years. I am down to 2 glazes and 3 slips. Easy.

The clay is in the racks drying but I bet it will be late next week before it is ready to use.
I have borrowed a heavy contiential kick wheel from a friend. I think this is going to be helpful in making the large jars and bowls. I like working on kickwheels as well as my treadle wheel. Quiet, nice movement, easy.

I have been asked to join the Board at the Cleveland County Arts Council. It is a 3 year term and I start next week. Today I have to go in for a new member training.

I really want to get back to making pots soon. My next show is at the McAlpine Barn with the ClayMatters Guild in May. I also have galleries wanting pots. So I need to get busy.
Have a good weekend.

Life wth Kharma

It's been a week since I found Kharma on the side of the road. And it's been a trying week. At a point when I am trying to make my life more simple and rid myself of unnecessary things, people, and work, I find I am constantly worrying about making this canine happy and tend to her. No, that's not her fault I know. I need some limits. Yet after yesterday I am not sure that this will be a long term thing or not. I'll have to keep you posted. In the meantime, I have said that in a week we will re-evaluate the situation and decide what to do. She's a sweet pup and is doing okay with her house training and learning to sit, come, and learn her name.
At a time when Sarah and I have been trying to figure out whether or not we want to have a child this is all good information. I know a baby would be a huge change for me, but at least it would be of the same species as me (I hope), poop and pee in a diaper, and be able to stay in a hotel with us if we decide to go somewhere. And eventually a child would speak my language, give and receive love without licking my face or biting my pants cuff, and learn things more fun than fetching a ball. (Like mixing clay, or setting the table. Just kidding) So this is all food for thought, and I am sure those of you with kids think I am silly for even comparing this, but really I have no frame of reference with kids of my own so I have to do the best I can with my past experiences (which honestly at times have not been great). So feel free to chime in Jen or Adrienne or Tom or whoever may have a thought out there. I am open to the core right now.
I guess I better so see if Kharma is ready to go out for potty, then I can get to work in the studio.
Enjoy the sun if it is shining on you today.

Pots After Use

I like this image a lot. It was sent to me by Dale in York, SC. It shows some of my cups and mugs before he unloaded them from the dishwasher. It's really cool looking at the pots in this context, upside down and sort of askew. I like the way those squared bottoms are pressed in a bit and that you can see the wire cut on the one on the far right. Dale says he and Kate use these pots almost everyday. I am glad. This makes me want to go make some faceted teacups and square mugs.

Daylight Savings

I love daylight savings time. It is beautiful outside today and my buddy David just called to see if I wanted to go to the river and wet a line. Unfortunately I have to go to a clay guild board meeting today in Charlotte. What a bummer. I missed the last one so I can't really blow this one off I don't guess. (stupid meetings) Ha. Okay so this week I'm gonna try and move completely into my new workspace, I've sort of got my feet in two places now and I need to get all transitioned over. Also, I'll mix clay.
I want to really enjoy this summer. Do some fishing, canoeing, grilling, have time with friends, work in my garden and yard. Who wants to work all the time? Not me. I want to get on a good work schedule so I can get what I need to done and have time to play and relax. Life is too short.
Well that's it for now, I hope you all have a wonderful day. Hopefully this meeting won't last forever and hopefully we'll at least be outside.
Sunshine, blue skies, green grass, warm air, I love spring.

Pots in Use

Here's my buddy Slate having his morning juice out of a cup I made. Slate is Tom Gray's son and they live in Seagrove. I guess I've known Slate since he was around 2 years old. It's hard to believe he's grown up so fast. We always have a good time when I visit, playing on the computer or just hanging out talking about what we have been doing.

New Additon to Family

For the record this is totally unlike me. Yes, I'm a good guy but I don't make it a habit to stop and pick up animals that are on the side of the road. Tuesday night was an exception. I had a great day Tuesday. Early that day I had been up to Ben Ousleys' farm to see a Border Collie demo. Herding up some sheep. Very cool. Later that day I made some cool connections regarding my work, my good emotional state of recent, and my future hopes and plans. So I was in a great mood and very open when at 9 pm while driving home from Charlotte I see a small dark image in the parking lot of the livestock barn up the road from my house. I pull in and see a little dog cowering at the edge of the lot. No one is there. No trucks,no people. I pursuade the pup to come to me. She is sweet and loving, alittle aprehensive, scared and hungry. I put her in the truck and drive home. Sarah couldn't belive it when I took her out to the studio and said "Look what I brought home." We named her Kharma and tonight we joined up and had our first obedience class. So it looks like we are keeping her. I did go up to the livestock barn to day and told the man there about the dog and where to send anyone who may have lost her. I also checked with the neighbors. Someone said tonight she looked like she had some Blue healer in her and I think maybe some German shepard, although I don't know for sure.
I'll try and get a better pic of her tomorrow. Here's one for now.

Pots in Use

Here is the first picture in the Pots in Use series I am working on. My friend Mark Brackett from Shelby sent this in the day I posted the email. He was the first entry and won the free pot. Mark and I have been friends since high school and he and his wife Julie use lots of pots in their home, mine and others. The cup with the stars is mine and was made 3 or 4 years ago. I am not sure if I made that sugar jar or not. Thanks for the entry Mark. I'll post more pictures in the coming days. If you'd like to send a picture of one of my pots in use you can send it to me at ronpots2@yahoo.com Try and keep the file size small.

Great Weekend

I had a really good turnout for the Spring Pottery Sale. Thanks to you all who came. Lots of pots went out the door so I am getting geared up to make more. Many of the new pots were a hit including the bowls with tall feet, my new slab trays, and the little jugs. I sold one of the bigger pots too.
The new showroom space is really nice. I have pots all the time so if you are in the area or need a gift for someone, or yourself, please feel free to stop in.
I will be mixing clay in the next week or so. I had some clay tests in this last kiln load but they didn't deliver the results I was looking for. Actually I think this clay I am using is quite good, I am going to tweak it a bit this next go around.
I am ready for some warmer weather. The poplar trees are budding out and my grass is greening up. I will be happy when we start daylight savings time next weekend.

Showroom

Here are a few images of the new showroom space all set up for the Spring Sale.

Great Firing

I had an awesome firing. Here are a few of the pots that came out of the kiln today. My Spring Sale is the weekend. I will be getting everything all set up tomorrow.

More Pots

Kiln and The Artist's Way

I peeped in the kiln with a flashlight tonight and things look pretty good. I'll unload tomorrow and get some pictures up here. I used more soda in this firing it will interesting to see what the total result looks like, I can tell by looking in tonight that I have more buildup on the pots in the front of the kiln.

I have been revisiting the book, The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. I did this 12 week workbook years ago and it really boosted my creativity at the time. I am thinking about doing it again. I certainly have more infomation now than I did 10 years ago. Today I was looking at the chapter on Recovering a Sense of Power. There are lots of good points in this part. The one that spoke the most to me was on Synchronicity. Yeah, I know it's a really awesome album by The Police, but more than that its about how life can unfold and possibilties can arise just by being open to the notion that I am not in control of anything at all. Cameron writes how "the hand of God, or good, [is] activated by our own hand when we act in behalf of our truest dreams, when we commit to our own soul." She says when we answer the call to our deepest selves and commit to it we set in motion what Jung called synchronicity. I totally believe this is true. Starting is always the hard part, the commitment. But when I have done it I have seen doors open, ideas blossom, and opportunities arise. I believe that when I am living my passion it infuses all around me and really sets things in motion that would otherwise not happen, or maybe I would not notice.

"Let your hook always be cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish" -Ovid

Just writing this blog from time to time is a beginning that could lead to any number of things. Someone may write and say I'm full of crap, or someone may pick up The Artist's Way and start a lifelong path of creativity. I could get even get a call from Sting... doubtful. Either way it feels good to be sitting here thinking about life, the universe, and everything instead of being stuck on the couch in front of the idiot box. I think I'll go make myself a cup of tea.

Kiln loaded

My Spring Pottery Sale is this Sat. and Sun.

I loaded the kiln today. I'll light the burners tonight and fire off tomorrow. I am excited about many of the pots in this load, including the bigger jars. I also have some new clay tests and a few pots made by a group of kids who visited last week. I plan on using more soda in this firing than I have been, trying for a more glassy, wet look on the pots. I'll be putting up the pics of the finished firing on Thursday so check back then.

On a totally unrelated note, I went to the dentist this morning for my checkup and cleaning. I have great teeth! That's what the dentist said. I always liked going to my dentist as a kid, Dr. Burris, he was really nice and always got me to add numbers in my head while he checked my teeth. I had thoughts of becoming a dentist but, well, I am a potter. Good choice probably. Anyhow remember, you don't have to floss all your teeth...only the ones you want to keep. :-)

Happy First Day of Spring! It sure didn't feel like it today, cold and rainy

St. Patrick's Day

Guess what I did today? That's right...more painting!! Ahhh, exterior doors on the studio. I think I am finished for awhile. I don't want to see a paintbrush for a year.

Today is the day that I asked Sarah to marry me back in 1999. I am so glad she said "Yes". I have an awesome wife.

I am off tonight to Charlotte to Clayworks Studios and RedSky Gallery to see some friends who are having shows there. I'll be hooking up with my pal Lester who for an evening of fun and maybe a Guiness or two. Sarah is off to Durham for a workshop for the weekend. We'll miss having her along.

That's it for now. Gotta go put on something green.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for my upcoming Spring Sale. March 25 & 26.

Home Sale and Upcoming Firing

My Spring Pottery Sale is Sat. March 25th 10 until 5 and Sun. March 26th Noon until 4. The new showroom will be finished by then and I'll have lots of good pots. I plan to fire a last minute load the week of the sale. This firing will include 6 large jars as well as some smaller vases and bottles along with my regular fare. I hope the big pots make it through the firing okay, they are made in two sections so I hope they don't come apart. (knock on wood). I'll be posting some pics over the next week as I finish things up, load the kiln, and fire. So check back often.
I hope many of you will make it to the Sale. I am excited about my new space, it really looks great. I feel like I'm 'uptown'.

Today, I'll be mixing up some clay body tests. I have in my mind what I want, it's just a matter of finding the right balance of materials to get the results I want. I am really drawn to pots with a slightly heavy coating of salt/soda glaze, a wet looking surface, some areas that are 'blasted', and nice flashing. This all comes from several factors, clay body, how the kiln is stacked, the amount of salt/soda that is introduced into the kiln, and kiln atmosphere,just to name a few.

Pots and Potter's Conference

This past weekend I attended the NC Potter's Conference in Asheboro, NC. I had a great time. The three presenters were all from Australia, Janet Mansfield, Owen Rye, and Chester Nealie. They made some great pots, showed slides, and had lively talks and interaction with the audience and one another. Owen gave a talk and showed slides on Australian woodfired ceramics and Janet gave a presentation entitled "State of Ceramics, A World Overview".

I learned a good way to make bigger jars by watching Janet. I made two on Monday they are pictured here. The tallest is 19". I hope to have some of these fired before my sale on March 25 & 26.

I'll write more about the conference later, for now I need to get to work.

Poem

Here is a poem a friend passed on to me:

There is a vitality, a life force,a quickening that is translated through you into action,and because there is only one of you in all time,this expression is unique.

And if you block it,it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is;nor how valuable it is; Nor how it compares with other expressions.

It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly,to keep the channel open.

You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you.

Keep the channel open…No artist is pleased…

There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction,a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.

Martha Graham to Agnes DeMille

Friday update

I am falling down on the job here aren't I?
Okay so this week has been both productive and fun. I loaded the kiln today, fire tomorrow. I spent a good amount of time this week volunteering at the Arts Council getting ready for the Bowling For Dollars Soup Luncheon. This happened yesterday and was a huge success as it has been in the past. We served up about 200 bowls of soup to folks who had bought a ticket to come in a pick out a handmade bowl. All the bowls were donated by the potters who are participating in the Treasures of the Earth Pottery Show and Sale going on now at the Arts Council. Yesterday my job was carrying big pots of soup from the upstairs kitchen down to the serving line, as well as keeping up with other things like "we're out of bread go up and get some more" etc. All the ladies in the kitchen work really hard and are super great to work with. I made them all cranberry scones for breakfast.
Sarah has been in Durham at a Conference with her school mates for a few days. I had a couple guys over for pizza last night. Looks like tonight I'm headed for Chen's for some Chinese takeout... best in town.
This old machine is acting up, it some kind of weird reboot, that's never happened before. I hope it doesn't sieze up and die on me.
I'll try and do better this coming week getting some posts up.
Have a great weekend! Get out and play!

Mark Bittman

How to Cook Everything is a 30 min show that comes on PBS here on Saturdays at 2:30. I am usually out doing something during the day on Saturday so I don't get to see it often. Today I made it in and caught it. In the show Mark Bittman visits a chef and sort of takes him/her on in their resturant or kitchen. It's very laid back and fun. Bittman is my kind of cook. He uses simple ingredients and cooking methods. The chef he is paired up with is usually way more complicated. So the premise of the show is that the chef will cook a dish and then Bittman will do his version, which is always quicker and easier, most of the time using very similar ingredients. Each does two dishes per episode. Anyhow I finally visited the website today www.howtocookeverything.com and can't wait to try out some of the dishes.

Not much

I don't have a lot of new stuff to report but I thought I'd at least put something out here. I have been making pots for the next firing which is in a couple weeks. More new pitchers and I hope to fire all the special order dinner ware that I have made and get it to the folks who have been waiting.
I am reading Joseph Campbell's The Power of Myth. I learned about Campbell after reading a post on Joe Bennion's Journal page. This is very interesting to me, maybe I'll post more on it, but it's probably better just to go to the library and get a copy. I have just finished Chapter 1 and I am totally blown away by the relevance of it to this day and time.
I can't leave without saying that Dick Cheney must be a total idiot, what did he do mistake his friend for a terrorist? I guess he follows the shoot first, ask later policy. I have heard reports that put it off on the man shot, saying he should have announced himself. That's true but I learned when I was 10 years old not to shoot without identifying what I was shooting. The bright orange hat is usually a good give away that it's not a quail, deer, etc.
I have probably just red flagged myself. Oh well. See ya.

Recent Pots

I fired the salt/soda kiln on Friday. I unloaded yesterday and got all the pots in today. It usually takes me a day to warm up to everything and be objective about the firing. This firing was reduced a bit more than usual. Here are some of the pots. I also had some really nice bowls and dishes. Teapots. The one on the right has avery slip and trapped some carbon on the spout.
Pitchers. Left has heavy gray soda deposit.
New animal pot design.

More Pots

More pots from the firing.

Cups with ladle poured slips

Large fat jar.
Flying bird jar
Fat jar with indentations
Tall pitchers. About 1 3/4 qt. capacity