2010-03-14 Sunday - Raku day!

A bunch of us converged on Clayworks Sunday to raku some pieces.  There was a whole lot more going on there, such as people working on all aspects of their art, and Maggie even had a make-up session for one of her classes scheduled.  The raku had mixed outcomes (as is often the way of raku), but there were some outstanding results in the mix.  Becky had some really great results with her horsehair birds.  She also found out she really likes using feathers as well as horsehair.  Joe's pieces came out wonderfully and I'm sorry I didn't get any pictures of them.  It's ok, Joe, I forgot to take one of my own pot.  Kim had mixed feelings about her saggar firings, but I thought some of them came out nice.  Expectations often rule our perception of the final product.

Greg, Joe, and Melissa take a break.

One of Kim's pots that I like.

The sky was a lot more friendly today.

First, the bird goes on a small sawdust "nest"...

Next, the horsehair is applied...

As more horsehair is applied, the patterns form...

Now multiply by twenty-four!

(or Four and Twenty if you prefer...)

Pete was busy making his really tall shape.

I really like it and the decoration works very nicely.

Chuck was working on his tall series.

I like this for completely different reasons.

Read on...

This is the previous one he threw.

I love the fluidity of this form.

It looks like we caught it in mid-wave in moving water.

Greg raku'd this fine looking couple that are joined into one piece.

It took him hours to layer on his glazes and it makes for rich results

that have a a lot of depth and subtle details.

2010-02-27 Saturday - Muddy Fun

Saturday was Muddy Fun day!  We had one teacher (Maggie), three volunteers (Chuck, Pete, and yours truly), and seven excellent students.  They made a whole bunch of pots and they were very good for their first time.

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

2010-01-16 Saturday - Clayworks (where else?)

Saturday was a Muddy Fun day and it was a blast as usual.  Angela and I were there to assist Maggie with another group of Muddy Funners.  All went well and some folks said they were going to sign up for regular classes.  Good deal.

Angela and Maggie assisting Muddy Funners.

 

Jon showing Becky how to make her birds sing

by making them into whistles.  Very cool.

2009-10-25 Sunday - Clayworks

Sunday was a busy day at Clayworks. I got there at about 8:30 a.m. and planned on getting TONS of work done. I had to glaze some pots, and then I wanted to throw some large pieces and possibly paint some cone 5 work. I only accomplished the glazing portion of my plans --and I was there until 5:30 p.m. My glazing ALWAYS takes longer than I think it will, especially now that I am dipping, and then spraying several different layers.

Since the Clayworks annual meeting was taking place later in the day, I helped Maggie move equipment and tables. I changed some light bulbs (one of the curses/advantages of being tall), and helped moving more furniture. This was the first Clayworks annual meeting I had ever attended and it was great. Things are apparently going fairly well for such a down economy. Enrollment is up and we are in the process of looking for our own building.

I am constantly amazed at the people around me and Sunday was no different. They never cease to surprise me with things I would never have thought were possible.

When Adrienne was running down the list of requirements for the new building, one item almost knocked me off my stool: air conditioning. The plans are to have air conditioning at the new building. I had no idea that was even an option, but I will be taking full advantage of it in the future. Our lack of air conditioning makes summers almost unbearable in the studio. Lately my need to make pots has overridden my need for comfort, but it is usually like a sauna in the summer time. Between the air conditioning and the loading dock, I'm a more than happy camper. Exciting times indeed. Thanks, Adrienne!

One of the great things that was shown at the meeting was a new booklet featuring the history of Clayworks. It was obvious that Jan spent a lot of time putting this impressive document together. It's not only a wonderful thing to have, but also an invaluable tool when applying for grants. Thanks, Jan!

Ann was also responsible for bringing the home made red velvet mini cupcakes and the mini cheesecakes and let me tell you, they were phenomenal. I have been the happy taster of Ann's baked goods in the past and know how wonderful they are, but she really outdid herself on Sunday. Thanks, Ann!

Maggie mixing glazes.

Wares to glaze.

More wares to glaze.

Shari checking out her pot.

Elaine and Scott hard at work.