2017-11-17 - Friday - Raku night

Friday was one of our studio raku nights where everyone at the studio is invited to participate and share some food and beverages. We had a good turnout and lots of pieces got fired.

I'm usually in the middle of everything, but Ralph had it well in hand so I kind of sat back and enjoyed the festivities.

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2017-10-07 - Saturday - Muddy Fun and stuff

Saturday was Muddy Fun Saturday! We had our usual class of eager students and helpful volunteers.

Ralph's kiln was finished cooling so I sneaked a peek to see how it went. Everything looked good and my mugs were no exception.

I was pleased with the shino.

Later I threw some more butter dishes and a couple of jars.

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2017-10-03 - Tuesday - Face mugs

Tuesday I glazed my face mugs (nose and mouth) to get them done in time to be fired in Ralph's kiln.

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2016-08-28 - Sunday - Kevin Crowe, part 2

On the second day Kevin showed us more of his techniques and finished the large pot.

One thing I forgot to mention is that Kevin started off each day with a poem and the ones he picked were wonderful. On Saturday he read a Jack Troy poem about all the material that passed through his hands over the years. It was very moving. That one is not online, but you can read three of his poems here.

On Sunday he read "Axe Handles" by Gary Snyder, another moving poem. You can read it here.

It was a fun and inspirational workshop on many levels and it will not soon be forgotten.

Building up the large pot.

Kevin and some guy.

Finishing the large pot with Ralph.

Ta-da!

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2016-07-10 - Sunday - Kiln unload

On Sunday I helped Ralph unload his kiln which he graciously let me add some pots to. As usual, I liked some of my pots better than others.

A full kiln.

My haul.

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2016-07-05 - Tuesday - Glazing

Tuesday I went to Clayworks to glaze pots. I had a range of pots in this run and it took a really long time just to get the waxing done. A lot of detail work. I'll have to glaze tomorrow.

Ralph is firing the kiln and he will fit some of my pots in it so it's glazing time.

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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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2010-05-08 Saturday - Part 2: Barn Sale

After visiting Renfrow Hardware and the Matthews Farmers Market, we returned to the Spring Barn Sale.  It was a beautiful day and I understand sales were pretty good.

Sylvia Coppola of Duck Creek Pottery.

Becky checking out Verna Witt's work.

Rae and Becky in Rae's booth.

Ralph (right) in his booth.

Corrine in her booth in the barn.

Missy and Lib Moss.

Ron and Sarah watching the crowds.

Ron making a fashion statement.

Ron's SmartWool socks.

Becky helping birds fledge from her booth.

Lisa in the other half of the booth.

Ro, Ron, and Ju-Ian.

Light through shotgun holes in the barn roof.

2009-11-14 Saturday - Carolina Pottery Festival

My plan on Saturday was to unload the gas kiln and then head out to the Carolina Pottery Festival. When I got to Clayworks the gas kiln was at 386 F and it needed to be under 200 F before we cracked the door. We removed the peeps and the temperature began dropping so S-L-O-W-L-Y that Ralph suggested we go to the festival first and then come back to unload later. (Good idea, Ralph!) As we were preparing to leave, Kim arrived and we convinced her to join us. (It wasn't a tough sell. :8^)

We had a great time seeing all the amazing work and visiting with all our friends. On the way back we stopped at the famous Red Bridges BBQ (locally known as "The Lodge") where Ralph treated us to lunch. Once sated we high-tailed it back to Charlotte to unload that kiln.

Andy Smith
who assured us he was working
on a new saggar workshop!

Gina Van Dyke

(Kim, Ralph, and Gina)

Brad Lail

Adrienne Dellinger

Julie Wiggins

Ron and Sarah Philbeck

Hal Dedmond

Corine Guseman