2015-11-12 - Thursday - New pots

I finally got around to photographing some pots from the September firing. You can click on the image below to see the rest of the pots in this group.

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2015-11-08 - Sunday - Recouperating

Thursday I went to the hospital for a procedure.

I have a hereditary varicose vein condition and I've been seeing a doctor about them for several years. We have removed the problem veins from my legs, but my left foot has continued to have recurring ulcers. My doctor said the blood was getting to my foot well enough through the arteries, but it wasn't getting back up to my heart through the veins, causing excess pressure in my foot.

Since we had taken care of the veins in my leg there must be a blockage or a narrowing above my leg. This meant we had to run a catheter up the vein and widen any narrow points with an angioplasty balloon. Once it was widened a stent would be inserted to keep the vein open.

Thursday was the day it happened and the doctor put three stents in.

I spent the day in the hospital from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and Karen stayed with me the whole time. My wife has supported me every step of the way and as busy as she stays I can always count on her to have my back.

Below is a photo of the expensive jewelry I wore at the hospital. Every single one of the nurses in recovery said they had never seen the type of IV on my right hand with all the hookups before.

Now I've been at home for a few days on the couch. I have a small puncture wound on my leg surrounded by a HUGE bruise. Both my hands and both my wrists are bruised. I've been sore, but do you know what? My foot feels better than it's felt for a long time. Part of that is from staying on the couch, but I'm sure part of it is due to the blood now being able to leave my foot.

I wanted a photo of my fine "jewelry" since I will be paying for it for quite some time. Let's hope it was worth it.

2015-10-29 - Thursday - Renaldo

I am honored to have a piece included in this year's Evening of Earth & Fire fundraiser for Clayworks. This is "Renaldo" and you can bid on him and lots of fine ceramic art on November 14, 2015 at Elder Gallery.

"Renaldo"

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2015-10-27 - Tuesday - New forms

Tuesday I started experimenting with some new forms. I don't know where these are going, but I'm enjoying making them right now since they are a bit of challenge because they're new.

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2015-10-26 - Monday - Bisque kiln

Monday I started a bisque kiln since I have a bunch of pieces to get moving.

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2015-10-25 - Sunday - New pots

On Sunday I threw some new pots and while the forms weren't new I'm thinking of new glaze combinations on them. We'll see.

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2015-10-24 - Saturday - Fortunate fortune

We had a meal at a local restaurant and I found this fortune in my cookie.

I have been offered the dream of a lifetime, and I am living it.

I have...

• a wonderful wife, two great daughters, and a loving family
• been self-employed doing the computer consulting job I love (solving problems) since 1989
• a fulfilling second career of making ceramic art
• an amazing support system of friends, mentors, and fellow artists
• had some phenomenal opportunities handed to me
• a roof over my head
• food in my belly (sometimes too much)
• sunshine
• laughter
• the stars at night

• everything

and I try to be thankful for it every day.

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2015-10-22 - Thursday -Pottery 101 and Futo Buta

Thursday Ju-Ian and I went to Pottery 101 to drop off some work. I was pleased to place a bunch of pots with Cheryl. She has a beautiful gallery full of wonderful work and I am honored to be represented by her. My work is in very good company.

When we got back to town we went to Futo Buta for ramen. The food there is very good and tastes even better because it's served in bowls made by Will Baker. Will is a friend, fellow potter, and he builds kilns. He built our salt kiln at Clayworks.

After lunch we ran through Ciel Gallery and Lark & Key Gallery.

It was a good day and I still had time to get some work done.

Dropping off work.

Ju-Ian likes the bowls (and the ramen).

I have no idea how to eat this.

Looks delicious.

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2015-10-21 - Wednesday - New pots

Wednesday I finally got back to making pots again. Don't ask me what that one of he left is about; it started out completely differently and I'm not sure I'm keeping it. The middle one will be stretched more once it firms up a bit and the one one the right will have handles added to it. As usual, I'll see where they take me.

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2015-10-17 - Saturday - Muddy Fun

Saturday I taught the Muddy Fun class at Clayworks. It was a small class of five students and Chris helped out so it went smoothly.

As usual, everyone had Muddy Fun and the students made some surprisingly good pots for their first time at the wheel. It never fails to amaze me that some people just "get it" on their first outing. I wish I had done that well on my first try.

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2015-10-10 - Saturday - Hilton Head Island

On Saturday it rained quite hard in the morning, but cleared beautifully in the afternoon. We went on a dolphin watching cruise and the while the weather was glorious, the dolphins were a bit shy.

On our way to the boat.

The only photo I caught of a dolphin.

The view from the room.

Sunset at supper.

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