Sunday, July 31, 2011

Spinning my wheels!

Lately I have been throwing these large platters. I don't quite know yet what my fascination is with these. They have a large surface area just begging for some form of brushwork or carving etc...  but like a lot of things, I am a bit apprehensive to do so. Got to work on that. I think I might leave a few just as they are and let the kiln work some magic on them by stacking some smaller pots on top.  These guys are fairly large for me. At 22" in diameter they can be a beast to throw sometimes. Soft clay is a must here. I actually wedge up my scraps to throw these guys. I take and spread the scraps out on plaster and let it dry then wedge it up. I don't use a traditional method of centering/throwing on these I use a punch and throw method and have been quite pleased with the lack of "s" cracking.

I have also been preparing for Indie Craft Parade in September.  I don't exactly know how much work I am going to need, so I am making as much as I can as it is a three day event, don't want to get caught without enough goods. I don't plan on selling out though that would be great!  The booth sizes are small about 8ft across and according to the memos sent out we cant do a "walk in" booth unless we have a corner booth. That is going to be interesting to say the least. A three foot by eight foot table is not a lot of room to put stuff!  I will manage though. I will have to put those creative juices on the task of coming up with a booth design that will still be functional/practical and attractive. Well  a storm is rolling in and I must get some things done before it starts to pour. So another day and another time.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Surprises

Lately I have been doing some glaze testing and have been getting some surprising results. The cup above has some qualities to it that you might only find in a gas/soda kiln or wood kiln although this came from my electric kiln. I know, I know I am a wood fire guy. You are asking yourself electric kiln what? At school we fire electric kilns and students are always asking about glazes and certain colors etc... but some colors and tones are difficult to get from electric kilns. So I put the nose to the grindstone (literally fighting it tooth and nail)  and started a series of tests to expand the color palette that my students would have to choose from.  I must say that I am quite pleased with some of the results........