2018-05-01 - Tuesday - Lunch and Other Things

Tuesday I went over to my friend Herb Cohen's house to help him with some printer problems he was having. After getting the printer problems sorted, Herb offered me lunch. We had a delicious meal made better by good company.

On the way home I decided to check out our park. I was told that the playground equipment was gone and I found out it was.

Tuesday night I threw some voluminous pots.

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2017-06-23 - Friday - Herb Cohen Movie Night

Friday night was movie night at Clayworks and we showed Herb Cohen's video of him making a platter several years ago. It followed his process from pugging the clay, throwing the piece, and carving and decorating it.

We had a HUGE turnout and everyone wanted to talk to Herb. He also displayed several photographs of his work which prompted lots of questions. Herb patiently answered them all with his usual thoughtfulness.

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2017-03-16 - Thursday - Clay

Thursday was all about clay.

A bunch of us from Clayworks went to lunch and afterwards went to Herb Cohen's house to see his art collection. It was quite a collection to tour.

This is one of Herb's pieces.

Later that evening at Clayworks Ju-Ian showed me the clay portrait of me that she's been working on. I think she's captured me pretty well.

Look at the second photo, not the first. I included the first one to show how flat the piece looks lying down. As soon as you stand it up and the light creates the natural shadows of a face it looks much more realistic.

Lying down --flat.

Upright, much more natural.

Ju-Ian poking me in the eyes.

Later still, I carved the base of the snorkel pot and finished the abstract piece I was working on.

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2017-01-28 - Saturday - ASC Cultural Free For All

Saturday we had three Muddy Fun classes in conjunction with the Arts & Science Council's Cultural Free For All. Angela Berry taught all three of them, Susan Hughes taught several hand building classes and we gave tours of our facility during the day. It was a full house.

We were honored to have esteemed potter Herb Cohen helping with the afternoon Muddy Fun class. He said he would love to volunteer more but he has a long-standing engagement on Saturday mornings when the regular Muddy Fun class is held.

Enthusiastic students and volunteers.

New potters.

New pots.

Herb Cohen teaching beginners.

Very impressive first effort.

Collaboration.

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2016-06-18 - Saturday - Elder Gallery & Art & Soul of South End

Saturday I was honored to be asked to show some of my work and demo for Clayworks at Elder Gallery for the Art & Soul of South End Festival. Ann Prock, Ju-Ian Shen, Greg Scott, and I were there demoing and enjoying the beautiful day outside. Some Clayworks folks came and hung out with us and several of Larry Elder's customers stopped by. Traffic wasn't overwhelming, but we were a block from the festival so it was about what I expected.

Whenever you have a chance to hang out with your very talented friends and enjoy a day out on a wonderful spring day, it's a good day.

I also had the chance to go across the street for my first visit to the Common Market with Ann for a sandwich. Interesting place, too bad it's going to have to move. I got the Evil Homer sandwich and the Monster Cookie.

A big thanks to Larry Elder and Clayworks for making it happen.

Herb Cohen watches Greg throw and Ann does some handbuilding.

Our professional banner.

My display.

Ann's display.

Greg's display.

Ju-Ian's display.

Near the end of the demo, our friend Vince came by to help us clean up. He was going to check out the festival so I invited myself along to hang out with him. The festival was only two blocks long: one block of art and one block of food trucks, so it didn't take long to cover it.

We ended up at the Wooden Robot Brewery right across from Elder Gallery and had a nice beer.

Going to breweries in Charlotte is a bit strange since people bring there children and their dogs in with them. A woman at our table was wearing her baby on her chest in one of those carriers and her husband/boyfriend had their large dog on a leash under the table. It's fine, just a bit strange at first.

It was so nice to bum around with Vince. I can't remember the last time I took time to just hang out and have some nice conversations over a beer.

"Not Sure" amber.

2014-12-13 - Saturday - Goneaway Pottery Holiday Sale

Saturday was the annual Goneaway Pottery Holiday Sale. Several of my friends joined me for the annual shindig. As you can see from the photos it was a beautiful sunny day unlike last year's constant cold drizzle.

It was a good day with a steady stream of customers and many friends stopping by to hang out in the sun and visit. We had some canvas chairs set up in the driveway and there weren't many times they were empty. It always makes me feel good when friends visit and linger, and Saturday was no exception. Even Herb Cohen and Jose Fumero stopped by and sat for a while. To say I was honored would be an understatement. You can read more about Herb and Jose here.

Elaine.

Susan.

Kim.

Ju-Ian.

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2014-12-05 - Friday - Elder Gallery, Larry Horowitz, Clayworks Holiday Sale & Open House

Friday started out at the Elder Gallery for part of the Lunch with the Artist series with Larry Horowitz. It was a great talk with Mr. Horowitz showing us his handmade pastels and explaining how he makes them. He told us about being Wolf Kahn's assistant for several years when he started out. He works mainly in pastels and oils and many of his works were on display. I really like his work and I've been a fan of Wolf Kahn's for several years.

Let me take a moment to extol the virtues of the Lunch with the Artist series at Elder Gallery. It's a wonderful way to find out about an artist you may not be aware of or find out more about an artist you already follow. The hour gives them a chance to share their inspirations, processes, and philosophy of their work. At ten dollars, it's a very affordable way to expose yourself to some great art and insights.

Larry Elder introducing Larry Horowitz.

Larry Horowitz discussing his work.

In the evening it was over to Clayworks for the annual Holiday Sale & Open House. Our studio artists spent the day arranging their work in the gallery and the studio. It really is quite a transformation into a ceramic wonderland. My friend Sylvia Cobb was kind enough to share some of her photos of the setup and the event.

For the last several years I have done demos during Friday night. I enjoy throwing, talking to people, and answering questions as I work. I am grateful to everyone at Clayworks for allowing me to do the demos.

Kary Coke with some of his work.

Ralph Mello and his creations.

Ju-Ian Shen's work.

Jeff Pender's sculptures.

Hannah putting on the finishing touches.

Ju-Ian with her work.

Greg Scott's work.

Greg and Hannah discussing her work.

Herb Cohen and Jose Fumero.

Herb and Jose visiting with yours truly.

Jack, Ju-Ian, and Karen with Ju-Ian's piece they purchased.

Life imitating art.

If you've been reading this blog for any length of time you know I love photo series. In this one I caught Ansley was clowning with me while she helped out at the wrapping station with Elaine. The series speaks for itself as she goes from her usual angelic smile to complete mock contempt. (at least I hope it's mock!)

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2014-12-01 - Monday - Val Cushing, Leaves, and pots

On Monday I went to the Mint Museum for a talk and video presentation from Herb Cohen about his friend, the late Val Cushing. It was a moving and informative session made better by Herb's personal recollections about his friend and classmate.

In the late afternoon I went outside to clean up some of the leaves that we are blessed with every autumn. For some reason the blower did not have the usual power. When I removed the tube I found a large chunk of something hard blocking the air flow. I removed it and when I flipped it over I found the whole ring around the impeller filled with the same substance. Since this blower also works as a vacuum I realized that the debris was composed of ground up leaves and mud. I took quite a bit of work to break it up and remove it and I realized this would have made a great building material for a mud hut.

I am happy to report that since removing the dried mud the blower is back to full strength.

While I like the patterns the leaves made on our
new concrete, I am going to clean it and seal it
in the spring.

More leaf patterns.

On Monday night a slid into Clayworks to get some work done. I am trying to branch out into new forms and processes so I made these.

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