2013-11-25 - Monday - Raku night

Monday night we did an end-of-session raku firing.  Well, I just drank a beer and helped as I had nothing to fire yet.  Kim, Becky, and I will do another firing on Friday.  Raku firing on Black Friday has a nice ring to it.

The one in the front is Greg's and the back one is Chuck's.  They both came through the trial by fire wonderfully.

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2013-11-23 - Saturday - Yard, pots, home tour

Saturday I worked in the yard for a while cleaning up leaves.  I really like our maple trees in all seasons, but when they turn that flame orange/gold in Autumn they light up the yard.  It's a mess, but it's a beautiful mess.

Later I went to Clayworks to pick up my work from the latest firing.  I was pleased that it was good firing (it usually is).  Some of these pots will be for sale next month at my holiday sale.

Later Karen and I went to Home-A-Rama to walk through wonderful homes that we will never be able to afford, but it's still fun to take the tour.

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2013-11-20 - Wednesday - Soon to be raku pots

We (the class) decided to raku on Monday so I made some quick pots for the firing.  I wedged vermiculite into some craggy crunch I had left and threw some pots.  I'm hoping to get these dried and bisqued before Monday.  I may have to crank up my own kiln to do it, but I should make it.

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2013-11-17 - Sunday - Shane Mickey workshop

Sunday was the Carolina Clay Matters Pottery Guild mini workshop at CPCC with Shane Mickey.  Shane showed us many techniques and told us about his experiences building kilns, teaching classes, and making and firing pots.

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2013-11-16 - Saturday - Busy busy busy

Saturday morning I went with Karen and Stephanie to Toast in Dilworth for breakfast.  It was a delicious avocado, tomato, bacon, and Parmesan omelette.  Highly recommended.

After that Ju-Ian and I went to Shelby to the Carolina Pottery Festival at the brand new LeGrand Center.  More than eighty artists were in attendance and we spent several hours there.  On the way back we stopped at Red Bridges Barbecue for a late lunch.

Once we got back to Charlotte I dropped Ju-Ian off and headed over to Matthews to see a show my friend Max was in.  As usual, Max's work was extraordinary.

After that, it was back home again, then off to the Southern Christmas Show with Karen and Stephanie.  We always enjoy the show and this time was no exception.  Lots to see and purchase although we did way more looking than buying.

Busy day of walking.

The Carolina Pottery Festival

The Southern Christmas Show

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2013-11-14 - Thursday - Throwing

Thursday I spent some time throwing some bowls and tumblers for a special request.  I hope these fit the bill when they're done.  I'll keep you posted.

That is NOT my water bottle.

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2013-11-13 - Wednesday - Glaze-a-thon

Wednesday I glazed several pieces because the gas kiln is going to be fired on Monday.  I spent five hours glazing.  It always takes me longer than I expect, especially now since I am using more layers.  I dip, pour, brush, spray, and have a lot of fun.  There's usually some jumping around and dancing involved too.  I really get into the groove sometimes.

I use the fan to quick-dry between layers, but I also love the way it makes the shino scum.  Scumming makes the shino grow crystals on the surface.  You can get scumming if the weather is rainy before the firing or to a lesser degree by using a fan.

Sometimes when one of our shino glazes has not been disturbed for a while we find heavy crystalline growth on the inside of the bucket.  I usually try to get those crystals on my pots.  I'll try to remember to get a photo of the crystals in the bucket next time.

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2013-11-10 - Sunday - Yard Stuff

Sunday I was working in the yard and noticed that the trees were changing.  We have three maples in our backyard and they are all different cultivars.  They all drop their leaves at different times which keeps life interesting.  You have to keep an eye on things or you'll miss the passing of the seasons.  I enjoy each one.

The lower tree goes first.

The upper tree goes next and
the silver maple (not pictured)
dribbles leaves for three months.

The moon was out when I finished.

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2013-11-09 - Saturday - Crazy

Saturday I took part in the inaugural Indian Trail Cultural Arts Center Fall Pottery Sale.  It was a beautiful day and warm enough for just a t-shirt while the sun was shining.  The sale was pleasant, with a steady stream of people coming through.  There are plans to make it a regular Spring/Fall event sponsored by the township so it will probably get bigger in the future.  I'm going to stay with it.

After the sale I packed up my booth, ran home, changed clothes, and zipped over to the Clayworks fundraiser at the Elder Gallery.  I was worried as I handed the key to the valet since my whole show was packed up to the top of the headrests.  I told him to be careful since things might shift and crossed my fingers.

An Evening of Earth & Fire was very well attended and we went above our goal.  It was an evening of old and new friends, good food, and great art.  Larry Elder was very gracious to let us take over his wonderful space for the evening.  If you missed it, there's always next year.

It was a beautiful day.

I really liked this tree across the street.

Then it was on to the Elder Gallery...

Steve and Roy.

Greg discussing art.

Roy and Elaine.

Greg and Peter (and Peter's sculpture).

Gary, Adrienne, and Larry.

Jose' and Herb.

Gary was surprised with a birthday cake during his address.

He made short work of the candle.

We decided the cake knife looked like
someone used it to murder a clown.

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2013-11-08 - Friday - Pottery 101

Friday Jane Roberts and I took some of our work to the Pottery 101 gallery in Salisbury and our friend Ju-Ian came along for the ride.  Pottery 101 is beautiful gallery in downtown Salisbury owned by Cheryl Goins.

When we got there, Bill and Holly Stewart were unloading their work.  Jane and I found the gallery process a bit intimidating since we are new at this, but Cheryl put us completely at ease.

We unpacked our work and let Cheryl and her people decide which ones they wanted to sell.  I was flattered by the choices they made.

Before we left we all went to lunch together.

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2013-11-07 - Thursday - New Face

Thursday I finished the newest face and decided he needed a monocle, like a Bond villain or Colonel Klink from the old Hogan's Heroes show.  I'm definitely having fun with these.

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2013-11-02 - Saturday - Alex Matisse workshop

Saturday I attended the Alex Matisse workshop at Clayworks.  Alex wowed us with his throwing techniques, slip-trailing, and general work philosophy.  A good workshop by a talented artist.

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