Wednesday, November 24, 2010

2010-11-23 Tuesday - Horrific Sight

Tonight I was driving home from Shelby on Route 74 at about 7:30 when I noticed a black column of smoke silhouetted against an already dark sky.  I was thinking, "I don't remember a smoke stack there...".

As I got a bit closer I noticed that there was an area of trees that were bright with the light of flames and I thought someone was having a bonfire.

Traveling further down the road I saw that the trees were lit very brightly and was hit with the tragedy that this must be a forest fire.  I immediately thought about calling 911, but thought I would wait to get closer so I could see if the fire department was already there.

Rounding the last bend in the road a terrible tableau opened up and seared itself into my memory forever.  There was a house on fire not one hundred feet from the road on which I was driving.  I often use the word conflagration, but I don't think I really understood the meaning of it until tonight. 

There was no part of that house untouched by flames.  Every surface, every edge, every molecule it seemed was combusting.  It was literally a fire in the shape of a house.  It was a hellish nightmare of flame.  It was the most horrible sight a homeowner or anyone with loved ones could imagine, and yet it was also mesmerizing in a "can't look away" moment.  As terrible as it was, I couldn't take my eyes off it as I drove by in what seemed like slow motion and I will never forget it.

It's odd, but I remember thinking there was also a strange beauty to it.  If one can remove or at least postpone the tragic aspect of it, the house was completely illuminated by the most unearthly light imaginable.  That same light shone on the trees surrounding the house and lit up the area almost like daylight.

The fire department was there, but no one was making any effort to extinguish the flames.  I guess it was a total loss and I prayed to God that nobody was in that building.

I remember thinking all these thoughts in less than a minute while looking at it.  I was, after all driving down the highway and it soon disappeared from view, but not from my memory.  Never from my memory.

This is not an actual picture of the house, but the closest one I could find to what I saw.





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Sunday, November 21, 2010

2010-11-18 Thursday - A Fine Mess

Thursday found a new development in the back yard.  Nature had repainted the yard while we slept.  It's beautiful to look at, but a lot of work to clean up.  We go through several of these leaf falls every Autumn.  No sooner do we get one cleared away then the next one comes down.  This cycle continues into January.

Color everywhere.


Yes, there is a deck under that new coating.


Of course there are WAY more left on the trees.


I love taking photos in different lighting.


The dappled sunlight.


More lighting fun.



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Monday, November 15, 2010

2010-11-13 Saturday - Set up for "An Artful Affair"

On Saturday afternoon we began the setup at Concentrix Music and Sound Studios for "An Artful Affair" which would take place that evening.  I think studio one looked pretty amazing after we set up our wares.  At one point Becky had to snake her way behind Kim's shelves to plug in an extension cord and we had to capture it.

The sale went well and everyone had a great time.  Unfortunately I was too busy talking to everyone to remember to take any photos during the sale.  I have asked Kim to share some of her photos with me and I will post some if she sends me some.

Thanks once again to Chris for lending me her shelves.  I hope to build some of my own in the next couple of weeks.


Becky climbing out.

It's a process.

An aerobic process.

Start the push-ups.

Ta-da!




 Kim's display, part 1. 

Kim's display, part 2.

My display (with flash).

My display (without flash).

A closer look, part 1.

A closer look, part 2.

Elaine's display, part 1.

Becky's display.

Elaine's display, part 2.

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Sunday, November 14, 2010

2010-11-11 Thursday - Porcelain work

Before my friend Ju-Ian left for Shanghai she gave me a bag of porcelain.  I am using it now and making some fun pots out of it.  In the past, using porcelain meant changing the type of forms I made.  Porcelain just seemed to demand more formal shapes and refined forms than stoneware clays --until now.  I am experiencing a freedom with porcelain that I never have before.  My forms are lighter, thinner, and looser than my porcelain has ever been.  Wish me luck.


A crackle pot and its big brother.


Tea bowls and an altered pot.


A more altered pot and a more "normal" one.


Top view.


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2010-11-07 Sunday - Ripping Holes in the Ceiling

I've been cutting holes in the ceilings lately, and boy is it fun!  Not!

We are planning on replacing our HVAC system soon since it's several decades old.  One of the problems we have is the compressor is on the driveway side of the house and new ordinances require concrete-filled posts five feet out, which will put a serious crimp in our driveway clearance.  To place the compressor in the backyard we will have to reroute the refrigerant lines through the downstairs ceilings, hence the ceiling-ectomy.

Luckily it appears we will have a fairly open run through to the back wall of the house.  Wish us luck!

Boy, it sure makes a mess, though.


Hall ceiling window.

Resulting debris.

View through the chase.

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2010-11-06 Saturday - Clayworks Fall Fundraiser

Saturday night was the Clayworks Fall Fundraiser.  It was a fine time with great people, good food, and wonderful artwork.  Everyone had a great time and we raised lots of money for Clayworks.  Thanks to everyone who donated items, cooked food, and purchased art in the silent auction.  Thanks, too, to Jan and Jim for holding it at their lovely home.













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Friday, November 12, 2010

2010-11-12 Friday - "An Artful Affair" by terra4m

Our group, terra4m is holding "An Artful Affair" Saturday evening 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.  We will have eleven artists showing their work along with food and libations.  Come out and see us.






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2010-11-04 Thursday - New Work

I picked up some of my new work on Thursday and was very pleased with it.  It gets over-used, but:  Life is good.

The rest of the photos are here.

A lidded casserole...


...and some of the baby pots.






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2010-11-03 Wednesday - Joe's Birthday Celebration

Wednesday we had quite a celebration for Joe's birthday.  Melissa brought in some pizzas, cupcakes and several libations for us all to enjoy.  We all wished Joe a very happy birthday and enjoyed our time together.  I've said it many times:  We have great people at Clayworks and we have a lot of fun.


Celebratin'.


The four horsemen of something...





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Thursday, November 11, 2010

2010-10-31 Sunday - Lexington, Kentucky Day 3

We went to the village at Berea to see some artwork and while some places were closed on Sunday, we weren't disappointed.  There are some interesting hand sculptures in the green and lots of great shops surrounding it.  I picked up a nice little pot that's nothing really special, it just speaks to me.  I will try to post a photo of it later.

One of the places we visited was a candy shop where we purchased a chocolate covered Twinkie.  Not bad.


Powdermill Pottery looked interesting, but it is closed Sundays.


Hands.








The old train station.


The previously mentioned Twinkie.


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Tuesday, November 9, 2010

2010-10-30 Saturday - Lexington, Kentucky Day 2

On Saturday we went to Keeneland for a breakfast buffet and to watch the horses work out.  It was a balmy 36 F and the sun hadn't hit the whole track yet.  The horses were running well and it was quite exciting to watch.

After spending the morning at Keeneland we went on three hour tour of horse breeding farms and saw Super Saver at Windstar farms.  On the tour we also saw a castle and the grave of Seattle Slew.


Keeneland race track.


Stephanie at the track.


A good run.


The track is covered with artificial turf.


More work outs.


Super Saver at Windstar Farms.


His stall.


This is actually the outside of the breeding barn.
It looks like a house.





Seattle Slew's grave.


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