Gargoyle demo

I finished up the gargoyles from the children's demo at Round Hill Art Center. They look so GRUESOMELY cute! I fired them in the kiln, painted them with tempura paint and when dried, washed it off with water and a toothbrush and finished them off with a glossy spray enamel. I cant wait to get them back to the children!

Slow Food and Handmade Pots...any ideas or thoughts?

I read this article from Laurie Erdman today and it absolutely sums up my latest idea percolating about a class or an actual event centered around the art of the table, handmade serving vessels, local potters, local food and their inherent interrelationships. Any ideas or thoughts? Making notes and brainstorming...more to come!

“Yukkuri, tanoshiku” - slow down, enjoy it!

http://laurieerdmanpottery.com/2009/06/05/pottery-and-slow-food/

Wood Fire Pottery

I have gone over the mountains and through the woods today, and I ended up off a gravel road at Wood Fire Pottery. I met Shawn Grove and Bryan Mattraw! They have the juiciest pots ever and a lovely studio! I dearly wanted to purchase a pitcher, and after handling and petting it for a while, I reigned myself in and purchased a sweet little cup and spoon for my morning coffee ritual. They wood fire their kiln and the vapors and ash from the wood add to the color and texture of the clay and glazes. The word that comes to mind is "Juicy"...nice thick rimmed vessels with almost an orange peel look to the glazes. Very VERY Nice!

My NC inspirations

Oh.....to see the work of my heroes and inspirations! Please see the wonderful works of Piedmont Ceramic Artists - Adrienne Dellinger, Julie Wiggins, Amy Sanders, Joy Tanner, Terry Gesss, Nick Joerling, and all the rest! What a blessing to have "grown up" in the Carolina Ceramic tradition!

http://www.piedmontcraftsmen.org/artist-select.php?mid=1

Favorite website

My ABSOLUTELY favorite Website!

Amazing work!

http://www.akardesign.com/art/

Energyxchange

http://www.energyxchange.org/about/energyxchange-story

FYI!!!

Love Birds

Bird Production has begun!!! I am making a large number of love birds for my niece who is getting married this Fall. I am making a set for the cake topper, and multiples for the reception tables. It is such a joy to make these little guys-(talk to me after about 20+). They will be glazed in blue and orangish glaze when completed. I plan to make these sweeties all summer long, when I have some spare time or need a break from the wheel. What great inspiration my niece and her fiance are providing! Tweet Tweet!

Centering

I woke this morning to a crisp coolness that was absolutely delightful. I got Joel off to work and the girls off to school and ventured downstairs to open the kiln. I am so happy with my new glaze results and cannot wait to make some more work! I have unloaded the kiln and have done a quick 20 minute yoga routine. I feel so loose and relaxed and I am reminded of the importance of breathing, stretching and opening and quieting my mind. I am reminded of the wonderful book "Centering, in pottery, poetry and the person" by MC Richards.... AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ...Enjoy!

http://www.upne.com/0-8195-5190-2.html