pulling lovelies and lessons out of the kiln

So let's talk about flux. 

There's one definition, 'a continued flow', that can be very appealing.   And then there's being in a state of flux, which means 'being in a state of uncertainty of what to do next'.  You'd think the two wouldn't exist simultaneously, but you're wrong!

Since early after the new year started, I've been trying to maintain the first definition.  No longer in my own studio, I'm working out of a community studio which brings great camaraderie with other ceramic artists, yet also brings the challenges of working within allotted times and staying within an allotted space.  Even so, I've been maintaining a pretty good flow of building work up for my first full kiln firing since last fall.

carved work out of bisque

Meanwhile, there's the ongoing question of where I will ultimately land in my own studio, if it will include a reduction kiln on site, if it will be in town, out of town or perhaps in another galaxy all together.  That kind of duality in ongoing thought gets to be a lot, even for a Gemini, so for the past month or two I've been focused solely on creating work for this recent firing, and satisfying commission and gallery orders so I could then move on to building an inventory over the rest of the summer.

lining up new work for glazing

testing a new form and graphic, lizella slip on white stoneware

So now it's time to fire, and in preparation I mixed up new batches of my glazes, and actually maintained a steady schedule of mixing, decorating and glazing that had everything glazed and packed for the firing a whole three days before the load!  

ipod in and away we go...

It was nice to not feel rushed through the brush work, and to give everything time to dry before being packed up. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to fire a lovely reduction kiln, and we had beautiful weather for the load and firing.  Given the whirl of activity leading up to the firing, the actual day of was almost like a vacation day, enjoying the sun, watching the birds circle at dusk, even saw some bats!

kiln door, near the end of the firing

A few days later comes the much anticipated unload, and here's where we get to introduce yet another version of flux.  Flux is an element of every ceramic glaze.  Silica is the main glass former, but will not melt at the temperatures used in these firings, so a flux agent is introduced to lower the melt point and allow the glazes to melt (I am not a glaze expert, as the results of this kiln will support, but this info is integral to the rest of this tale).  

So the kiln is opened, and there was a wide range of results.  The celadon glaze I use on the carved tree series acted a bit differently, but was for the most part as expected and with some thinness in the application, brought some interesting results where it broke on the rims.  

carved tree plate

more family trees

The tenmoku glaze that I used more sparingly than I wish I had in retrospect, was juicier than it's ever been, and I can't wait to do more in the next firing.  

juicy glaze!

And then there's my old stand-by, my go-to glaze combo of a kaki glaze with clear over wax brush work.  The variations have always been interesting and welcome, depending on how thick the cover glaze is applied and how long I can wait between each step to get the best resist on the wax.  

this is your pot with flux...

What I found, unfortunately, was that the cover glaze apparently did not flux, so it did not melt.  In fact, it even blistered in some spots.  

these are your pots without flux

There's that first moment, where I thought 'now this is a new variation', but much like that feeling you get when you realize 'no, this is where I parked my car and it's not here!', I slowly realized that 'no, this is not good.'  This is another of those dual-flux moments.  Things are moving - pots unloaded need to go on to fulfill orders and fill inventory, and yet you can't help but pause and wonder just where to go from here.

Because this is my go-to glaze, it was at least half the kiln.  Looking back at my mixing notes, it's impossible to see where it went wrong.  Perhaps it was when I had to stop mid-mix to run out for more materials, perhaps I stuck my scoop into the wrong bin or read the wrong line of ingredient amount.   

   

For now I'm focused on the parts that worked, sorting work for galleries and any orders that can be satisfied.  Taking these quick shots and prepping to shoot better images for some hopeful show applications for later in the summer.  Several orders are now back on the 'do' list, and after a quick family visit next week, I'll be working to get back into the flow to stock up bisque for another firing.  New glazes will be mixed again, and on we go with the flux.

Early Spring, Early Spring Workshop!

As spring is wont to do, it changes.  When I first started writing this post, just after our first workshop, it was still warm and sunny.  Today, it's at least sunny again, but the chill is still with us as a final reminder that spring is COMING.  I love the changes of the seasons!

So I had a delightful call about a week ago from some visitors to the area who wanted to have a little play in the clay, so with the support of Matt Clark at Bittersweet Studio (where I have been fortunate to work during the unfrozen months since I closed the teaching studio), I was able to put together a one-day workshop for Jayne & Jerry.  They've been in Asheville since the first of March, escaping the end of winter blues of their native Minnesota.  Lucky them, by the time they get back, they'll get a second spring!

Bittersweet Studio

getting things opened and aired after a short winter's nap

Bittersweet Studio is located on the grounds of Bittersweet Cottage - a true find of a guest house (cozy cottage or comfy suite, both with killer views!) on Elk Mtn Scenic Highway.  Matt is also a member of Crazy Green Studios, and his growing skills with clay can be seen throughout the property.  He runs the biz with his partner Stephen, who, by the way, is a genius for helping us figure out how to re-adjust the foot pedal on the wheel (and thanks too to JJ for phone support!) so the workshop could actually take place!

Matt Clark, Bittersweet's resident potter & InnKeeper

Jayne wanted to try the wheel, and she went right to it with a great attitude and good sense of humor.  She got a good feel for it, spending an hour or so centering before she started making forms.  Jerry really just wanted to 'muck about' with some hand building, but he was very kind to let me go on with several technique demonstrations before he settled in at a table in the sun to make some very cool creations.

Jayne, making her first go at a cup

Jayne with one of her last pieces of the day - very nice!

Dedicated students that they were, Jayne and Jerry took only a short break to walk up the hill a bit and enjoy some of the scenic views while I fetched us some coffees.  Over the afternoon, Jayne worked on several cups and bowls, getting better with each one, while Jerry and I drifted in and out of a conversation about fractional reserve banking (actually, he was doing most of the talking, and I learned a lot!).

Jerry, soaking up the rays and playing with clay

decorating with underglazes

on the right, a spoon rest Jerry made that I loved so much,
I asked him to make me one (on the left)

Later in the afternoon, some pieces were decorated with underglazes, while others will get a single glaze in a later firing before I ship them home to Minnesota.

We ended the day on the deck of the Suite, gazing out at the mountain views, nibbling on snacks and enjoying a lovely glass of wine with Matt before Jerry and Jayne found their way back down the mountain.

well deserved rest and refreshment after a good day's work!

It was such a delightful day, and the perfect way to re-open Bittersweet Studio for the season!  I had so much fun working with Jayne and Jerry, and the weather played right along with us creating an absolute perfect setting.

In addition to the ongoing work that Matt does there, I may be up to use my kick wheel over the season, and we'll be brewing up creative get-away opportunities for guests of the Cottage or Suite.  Anyone looking for gorgeous and comfortable accommodations just minutes from downtown yet with the seclusion of being on the side of a mountain AND use of a private studio with instruction - this is your place!

Birthday Love for my Mom!

A little shout out and birthday love for my beautiful momma,

and a word about this particular greeting...

My mom has this alarm clock.  Not one she uses every day, but one she brings out on special occasions, like birthdays.  If you are a family or close friend, you may have been gifted with this experience yourself!

it may look something like this

When I'm with her on my birthday, I can expect to be gently woken with canned trumpets of reveille to start the day.  And when I'm not, well it still works over the phone!

So this is for you, mom!  I could've just played it over the phone when I called, but I think it's cute enough to get its own post.  Maybe I'll find one to keep on hand for other birthdays (people who I know, watch out!). xoxoxo

time flies

Time has been flying by it seems.  More internal journaling than outer, but happily life has also been more experiential of late so I give myself a break for not keeping up.  Here's a little taste of what's kept me busy over the last six weeks or so since my last post, in no particular order other than how they lined up in the photo grabbing queue:

I hopped down to Atlanta to celebrate a significant birthday of my significant (and older) dear friend Anne.

I said good-bye to Echo Gallery. 

I got the big gift (twice in a month too!) of hearing my friend Gwen
sing with her swing orchestra at the Grove Park Inn

I got an early spring cut and henna update.

I've been juicing - things that start like this...

and end like this (mug by friend heather)

I'm working part time at Sensibilities Day Spa,
assisting the very hard-working staff and soaking up good energy.

I volunteered for the annual ACN benefit and enjoyed a sunny morning at Sunny Point, then

I got a little more sun working the lunch at 12 Bones.

I'm back in the studio - playing with some fun new things - stay tuned to see what happens with these.

I'm taking a class about making pots for salt/soda firing with Linda McFarling (standing),
and we had Judith Duff as a guest instructor.

A glimpse at our first firing

I took a day off and went to Biltmore with my friend Matt
(this is how you act when you don't take enough days off)

back at work also means more mugs for the Chocolate Lounge!

recent efforts in both juicing and a piece from a recent salt/soda firing.

And that's some of what's been going on. I know I might normally go on a bit more about many of the events, but right now living them seems to be more interesting to me than a post-commentary (but I'm sure I'll get all wordy again real soon!).  And now off to the studio!

still fine tuning perspectives

The writing has mainly been inside my head of late - been very busy in sense that I'm constantly in motion - finishing/ending some things and preparing to begin others.  The week has buzzed by and I feel like I've let both my physical and mental exercises lapse.  Got this in the email today from Betsey Streeter and it's a good way to get at least one of them back on a more productive and proactive track:

The Best Question in the World

View more presentations from Betsy Streeter.

And the funny thing is, I've never been a fan of "what if" - always seemed too passive and reluctant to me.  But lately my head has been more full of "as soon as..." or "I can't do this until...".  I think in this case the 'what if' is a much better lyric to play in my head.


Now the dog and I are going to address another lapsed routine!

Snow Day Musings...

Snow is as Snow does...
I needn't have worried about missing the big snow over Christmas - it's come back around again!  And while 'business as usual' will re-commence as soon as it seems practical and safe, for now we're tucked into a wintery wonderland.  The dog, as always, reminds us to live in the here and now, and take a romp around the yard!

So this year's intent to do more writing is cruising along.  Third blog within a week, a few more pages filled in the new journal.  I was finally unpacking some boxes of books recently - cookbooks! Many I love to read almost as novels and many are 'food for thought' in more than one form. Tucked inside one of the boxes, I found a smaller box of letters and cards received from friends dating back almost 20 years.  Some from Atlanta friends after I had moved to Chicago, and then those again and more from Chicago friends after I moved to DC.  

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed letter writing and even the fact that I WROTE as much as these replies seem to indicate.  So if you recognize yourself as having corresponded with me over the past nearly 20 years, you may expect a little piece of mail in the future.  I'm adding letter writing to the new writing intention, and these first will be warm-ups, to be sure.  Funny, I almost feel like the first letter has to be a re-introduction to the whole idea of letter writing!  

So between romps in the back yard with the dog, and forays into other good snow day activities (cleaning, but not too much.  organizing, but not too much.  cooking/eating, but not too much...), I'll continue my letter writing.  And I'm not sure if I'll get many replies, but I think I enjoy the act of the writing almost as much as receiving an envelope with my name written in a familiar hand.  And I'm kind of excited about collecting stationary again!  And I've even got some stamps around here somewhere...


Other fun finds on a snowy day...


A friend on facebook has started a routine of posting 'who' she has her morning bevvie and sometimes brekkie with, as in naming the artist who made the cup and/or bowl/plate, etc.  I've joined in and it's fun seeing the extended 'family' of pots we all enjoy.  We've also taken to posting links to the artists we mention, as another way to spread the love.  

This morning, I actually dug into my housemate's collection and had my morning cuppa out of a Jeff Martin piece that I really like.  When I went in search of his website, I found his blog, and also found that he (like more than one potter I know of recently) seems to have moved more to painting.  While searching through his archives for any images of his potterly type work, I found this wonderful list of his personal approach to happiness and success as an artist.  Since it was printed on his blog for everyone to see, I'm hoping he won't mind my grateful reprint. He's preaching to the choir with me, but I really like reading and hearing other perspectives on what are essentially similar or same beliefs, and as he says, it needs repeating daily.  And sometimes it's nice to hear something you already know or believe from a voice outside your own head as a reminder to actively think about it and act on it (#2 I need reminding of daily!). Take a look and see how many you might also do, or how many you might think about adopting. 


From Jeff Martin's blog about a year ago:


1. Get up happy. Say some affirmations. Get rid of the negative chatter in your head-that voice that says things like, “I’m not coming up with any good ideas. I’ll never make this deadline. I’ll never be good enough to do this job.” Instead, train that voice to say something positive. Reprogram yourself. “I am illustrating books that people love. I am happy with my art. My career is going great. I am a successful artist…” This might sound too simple, and you’ve probably heard it before from the self –help gurus. Have you ever actually tried it….consistently over a few months?

2. Exercise and stay healthy. This is not an option. When you feel healthy, you are more open and ideas come more quickly.

3. Sit quietly each day, do yoga, or meditate. Get calm and peaceful so that when the ideas come, you actually realize they are there. Worry, anger, fear, and other emotions actually block the ability to grasp those sparks of imagination.

4. Create a place and time to be at work. This is important if you are working at home. Your mind needs to understand, “I am now at work. I will now be creative.” So sharpen your pencils, put on music, sit before your drawing table and begin.

5. Don’t talk too much about your ideas; this depletes some of the magic. On a subconscious level, your wonderful idea has become a real thing in the world. It’s not real, and it won’t be, until you do it. So, instead of sharing your magnificent thoughts, go make the work happen.

6. Take time outs doing something you love. Go to a museum. Sit by a lake. Walk through the woods. You must replenish yourself. Fill the well. Don’t view this as goofing off…this time is very important.

7. Don’t be a workaholic. This is difficult, because you won’t know it, until it’s too late. Your friends and family will know it before you will. ONLY YOU CAN CONTROL THIS. Be the work police and set your own boundaries. Make a contract with yourself. “I do not wok on Tuesday and Sunday. I go on vacation without my work. I have lunch with a friend on Friday every week. I only work from 9am to 2pm.“ Put up a sign. Remind yourself that you are free to set your own schedule. Work as late or as little or as early as you want, but make sure you’re enjoying the pace.

And don't forget to play in the snow! (that one's from me & Gable)

a final look back on 2010...

I don't think I'm alone in having been more than happy to say goodbye to 2010.  Yes, the year-end is purely symbolic, but like anything, if it's believed strongly enough, it has merit.  So 2011 is a new page in a new journal and that's a very blatant metaphor for how I feel about it.

But rather than drone on about why I'm glad to see 2010 end ... I feel I spent enough time in THAT place at various times throughout the year ... I'd rather focus on some of what I am immensely grateful for that I experienced in 2010.  Yes, I am very much a glass-half-full kind of gal, and that can start the list because without that mentality embedded deeply within me, I would be curled up in a corner blathering 'ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba' to myself (KCQ: THANK YOU!).

I'm grateful for dogs, and I'm grateful to have experienced the love of a wonderful dog, and through her, the friendship and love of many, many others (dogs and humans) near and far.

I'm grateful for good clients who are also good friends who are also good mentors.

I'm grateful for being able make a bowl that others can enjoy and eat from, and more grateful to make a bowl that can help see that others eat (borrowed and paraphrased from DY).

I'm grateful to have the opportunity to express myself in my art, and grateful to soak up the music, words, and art of those in my life who have such strong and beautiful expressions that inspire me daily.

I'm grateful for good counsel from those far wiser.

I'm grateful that I was/am a part of a creative, generous and inspiring group of artists, and together we taught each other, learned from each other and found ways to spread our love for getting muddy.

I'm grateful for facebook ... yes, I said it ... because only through that have I re-connected with good friends, discovered new friends and cool things I may have otherwise missed, found daily inspiration, giggles and breath-taking awe from people around the world in seemingly small snippets that leave much larger impressions.

I'm grateful for that laugh you really only get when you're with really old friends (and I say this with love, yet being the youngest member of the Sisterhood of Travelling Candle Wax).  And I'm grateful for those old friends who just feel like home, no matter where they/we are or how often or seldom we connect.

I'm grateful for the close friendships I've made since I've been in Asheville, that feel like they run much deeper than the almost five years I've been here and have given me a sense of home (some in a more literal sense to be sure!).

I'm grateful for each and every person I've come in contact with, in person or over a wire or online.  No matter the impetus or the outcome, I learn more about myself in each interaction and with the sting of pain as much as the flutter of joy, it's that capacity to feel that makes one alive, and I'll opt for that over numbness any time.

I'm grateful for every person who's held me up and kept me going, and I'm grateful for every opportunity I've had to give even a small portion of it back to someone else.

I'm grateful for being able to joke with my mom that I couldn't possibly have anything new to tell her 'since yesterday'.

I'm grateful for friends with beach houses (what, not deep enough?).

I'm grateful for symbolism, for as the last quarter of the year began, I was feeling like I was losing my voice.  Or perhaps my direction ... or maybe my sense of where I was, not to mention where I was going.  And as the year end approached, I slowly felt a realignment of place within me, and almost literally with the chiming of midnight and the dropping of the ball, felt the low rumbles of a voice returning.