2016-02-16 - Tuesday - New pot

Tonight I trimmed and carved the two snorkel pots and threw a new crackle pot using sodium silicate. Instead of a garlic pot this time I threw one with a more formal rim. Since I couldn't get my hand inside I had to stretch it with my throwing stick, which is a wooden spoon. I normally use my finger to make the ribs so this time I had to use the handle of the spoon for the ribs on the corners.

It's good practice since it's harder to feel the thickness of the clay when using a wooden tool instead of your fingers. By changing things up it allows us to stretch a bit.

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2016-02-11 - Thursday - Snorkel Pots

Thursday night I made some snorkel pots and tried making a three-piece one for the first time. I'm not sure if I like it as much, but there it is. I want to take these in a different direction (or several), but it's a "try it and see" kind of thing, so watch for some new twists as I find my path.

It's a kit.

Some assembly required.

More traditional (well, for me).

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2015-09-23 - Wednesday - Kiln opening

We unloaded the gas kiln on Wednesday night. Kim says it was the best firing she's ever done and I can't argue with her. To say I'm happy with my pots would be an understatement. I'm in love all over again.

I'll get some nicer photos taken as soon as I get a chance, but even in these quick snaps these pots make me smile.

People who don't fire kilns only get one Christmas a year.

Family photo.

 Some highlights...

Pensive.

Purple and juicy.
(Hint: I didn't use any purple glazes.)

Another side.

Trees on the bottom.

A partially formed quartet.

Small garlic pots.

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2015-08-03 - Monday - Bisque kiln

Monday I loaded a bisque kiln with some student work and my own. When I got to the top I realized my snorkel pots were too tall to fit so I had to improvise. I tipped them over and put a short stilt under one of them to brace it. Whatever works.

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2015-07-21 - Tuesday - Pots

Tuesday I threw some new pots at Clayworks. I made a couple of one-piece pots and a two-piece snorkel pot using craggy crunch. I like the large amount of grog in craggy crunch because it makes it very pliable.

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2015-07-08 - Wednesday - Snorkel pots

Wednesday I made two more snorkel pots and slipped one of them. Snorkels and faces lately.

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2015-07-04 - Saturday - Snorkel pot

Saturday I went to Clayworks and made a new snorkel pot. I enjoy making these and I generally try something new with each set. Snorkel on, dude.

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2015-06-03 - Wednesday - Car repair, sculpture, hazelnuts, and pots

Wednesday I had to take my car in to H & H Motor Co., Inc. for an oil change. While I was waiting I snapped a few photos of some metal sculptures created by Dean, the owner. I highly recommend H & H. They have been taking care of all of our cars for years now. I started going there when Dean's father, Gus owned it. Always a good job at a good price --and you get to check out all the cool sculptures. If you go, tell them I sent you.

Later, while letting Binkley out I checked on the hazelnuts and they are truly weighed down with nut clusters. It looks like it's going to be another abundant year for the deer as they always get them. They will wait, somewhat patiently, for the nuts to ripen and then strip the bushes in one night. I can't blame them, nuts are high-energy food and since they are american hazelnuts, they are pretty small.

It's just fun to watch something like hazelnuts grow and produce every year all by themselves. I like a low maintenance plant.

Potential energy.

Wednesday night I went to Clayworks and made some slippy pots and a two-piece snorkel pot. I'm not too sure about the one on the left, but I like the other two. We'll see, as always.

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2015-01-21 - Wednesday - Potnesday

Wednesday I made some new forms and an old one. While I am trying out new forms I still go back to some of my favorites. I don't think I've explored everything on the "snorkel pots". That's what I call the one on the left with the elephant trunk neck. We'll see where they go.

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