Full Circle.  

This is the work Jeff and I are going to be firing tomorrow.  The last firing of the year.....

Shit I forgot what I was going to write.  It was so good too.....

I haven't been writing in my blog for many many days.  Just about a year.  It was just about a year my father past.  Funny I should be putting urns for a local funeral home in the last kiln load of the year firing tomorrow.  

Now I am am sitting in a dark room with the help of piano music soothing my mother to sleep.   

Thanks to back lighting I figured out how to get back into my blog, then actually write something and post it.  

I hope to pay attention to writing.  I am experiencing a wonderful thing having mom live in my home.   Thanks to my dear friend Faith, who helped me

open some windows.

Jeff will push this load into the kiln tomorrow morning around 7am and the fire will cure the pieces.  This will take about 12 hours.  I hope I remember to take a picture when we open the kiln and show the glazes matured.

Enjoy your families this next few weeks

Artists Wanted

http://thrownpottery.artistswanted.org/yr2011

Vote...and thank you

Studio is Smokin'

This is a picture of recent pots ready and waiting for me to paint them.

I have been getting lots of orders lately for dinnerware. This is fun and challenging for me.

In the past I had collaborated with a couple potters and we designed a plates, had a mold, and used a ram press to make them out of each of our clay bodies. The mold cracked and is too expensive to redo, and the potter who was responsible for the pressing got tired of the task. Now I am hand throwing the plates and am having a good time. I started, years ago at 4 1/2 lbs for each dinner plate. Because of practice and learning new techniques I am now using only 3 1/2 lbs and the plates are more consistent. Above is a picture of a recent place setting in the tulip pattern.

Other than dinnerware I have been throwing bowls, pie plates, baking dishes, etc. Making mugs, vases and pitchers. My daughter has been working with me when she is not at school. She is making a nice line of work. We both will be selling at our annual Holiday Pottery Shop in Hallowell, ME which opens around December 8th.

I love making work that is beautiful and that can be used and loved daily. I am thankful my work is well received and I can continue to make pottery and pass this talent onto my daughter. My dream is to someday have a community pottery studio in a nice little town, where people can come try, make learn and maybe even become a potter. Right now I am starting with my daughter, Denae, who has embraced the art of working with clay. For this I am happy.

As the holidays approach, there seems to be limited time. Its funny because the days are not any shorter, they just feel that way. Many demands and deadlines. Sometimes I wonder why as a society we put so much pressure on ourselves. I mean, there really isn't any difference between the days, just the value we put on them. I know I depend on holiday sales to make it through the long winter where the orders and demands for my work are slow to none, but at the same time I wish I could take that pressure away for not only myself and family, but for all of us. I have this fantasy the spirit of giving is showered on birthdays spreading the gift giving year round. I would rather have this kind of steady flow than a feast or famine lifestyle.

Take the time to enjoy yourself and your loved ones. When you purchase think local. Support your local businesses, whether it be the local hardware store or local artist. This keeps your community strong.

Afternoon Naps

I think naps in the afternoon are just fabulous, especially on rainy days. I have spent the morning working on pots I made yesterday, loading the kiln for a bisque firing, and a bit of glazing. I came in to do some computer work and correspondence with customers who are interested in dinnerware. As I was going through pictures I found this one of Billy and I taking in some ZZZZs. I believe after I write and publish this I will go take a nap with or without Billy.

Tomorrow I will be going out to dinner with my daughter Denae, my husband Jeff, and our friend Ryan. Ryan is Denae's close friend. They have been buddies since 6th grade. He has gone to Jamaica with us several times and we kind of consider him "our son". Because in the summer of 2001 he made a very bad hair decision, I tripped over a rock at the Winthrop Beach resulting in an emergency room visit and having a chest xray. This is how my cancer was discovered in my lungs. So the four of us are going to celebrate Ryan's Bad Hair Day!!!! Because of his decision to dye his hair that god awful color I am 10 years cancer free!!!! YAY

Anyway I think it is time for a nap.

October

Today is lovely. The sun has come out after several days of rain and clouds. The show in Camden was a bust due to the rain. Made expenses back and almost caught a cold. I was able to ward it off thank goodness.

Have been back home making more pottery. Firing the kiln today and making granola. I am doing much needed housework.

As I sit here avoiding more housework I am reminded that October is a special month for me. Especially this year. Ten years ago in July I was told I had lung cancer. It was operable and I had my surgery in October of 2001. I have been clean and received the official "cured" stamp 5 years ago, but somehow this anniversary seems a bit more final and optimistic. Wow, ten years ago my life was different. On this day I was preparing for the surgery and the recovery ahead. I knew I was not going to be able to do much for the next few months. They were planning on taking out the upper right lobe of my right lung. I ended up having the upper and middle removed. I believe my actual surgery was Oct 17th... I could look it up, but don't think it is necessary.

I don't think I have much else to say. Just thankful I am still here.

I will say I received much help from family and friends. Thank you for that

I also received help from http://craftemergency.org

A wonderful organization. I will be raising money again this year for CERF+

I believe I am going to auction off a bowl......details forthcoming. Just firing the kiln today, then the glazing....I will post a picture of the bowl once it is done. In the meantime visit the website for CERF+

Summer!!!

Just looked over my blog and noticed I have not written since Feb. Wow, I must have been pottin' away. I guess I have.
We had a nice visit to Florida and once home began making pottery and haven't stopped. Orders have been decent and now my daughter is working with us. She just finished up a summer class so will be here full time for the summer. It's fun having her around and watching her develop her skills as a potter.

Other than making pots I have been a waiting the warm weather for floating in the stream. I believe this weekend will be warm enough and the water warm enough for me to launch the floating station. I got a floating cooler for Christmas and it needs its maiden voyage. Have to have a convention soon.

Well, enough said I must go out to the studio as I am firing the kiln today, having a seconds sale, and supervising some students here.

Enjoy!!!

Snowy Day and Chowda....

What does one do on a snowy day trapped at home? Being a potter who father always said, "you turn money into dirt....where upon I proceed to turn dirt into money....but make chowda bowls.
Maine is a great place for chowda and what a better thing to make on a day like this (so far we have about 12" of snow) than to anticipate hot piping chowda in one of my lovely chowda bowls. I made 42 of them today and tomorrow they will be ready for handles.

After messing around in the studio I came in the house and made chocolate chip cookies. The cookies are on a plate I made in the late 70s. That's 1970s....can't believe I have been making pottery for over 30 years!!!! And I am so young!!!! LOL
The plate the cookies are on is made from chocolate stoneware, how fitting. The glaze is Albany Slip, a natural glaze that used to be mined in Albany, NY. The mines have been closed and paved over and there hasn't been any real Albany Slip to purchase since the 80s. I found a bucket recently that I have and will soon be glazing some special addition pieces with this wonderful natural glaze this spring. I add a colorant to it to bring out the texture of the glaze. Will post a picture of the plate without the cookies once they are all eaten. With my sweet tooth of a husband it won't be long.

Enjoy the warmth of your home and I will show the finished chowda mugs in a couple weeks when they are ready for hot soups!!!!!

Cone 5

A while back my niece asked me what the heck “cone 5” was on my Facebook status.

Cones are used in the firing process of making pottery. They measure the level of heat absorption to ensure proper firing and finished product. Kilns are not fired just to a certain temperature, but also to a specific cone level, or, heat absorption. Pyrometric cones are made from approximately 100 carefully controlled compositions and correspond (by number) to bend once a certain level of heat absorption is reached. The higher the cone’s number, the higher the level of heat absorption the cone is composed to measure. Starting at 10 (highest level), cones range down to 1 and then continue sequentially on: 01, 02, 03, etc. Each cone number is unique and measures within 30 degree temperature range.

Once my kiln is loaded and ready for firing, I place the cones throughout the kiln to ensure even heating. During firing I check the cones to see if they have started to bend. Cones look not unlike a gnome’s hat. Prior to heating they are bent to an 8 degree angle. As heat is absorbed, they begin to bend. Since the final temperature is most affected by the rate of temperature increase over the last 300 –400 degrees, it is imperative to keep a close watch on the cones. In a perfect firing, the cone will bend to a 90 degree angle.

Usually, I use “cone 5”. Below is an example of cones post firing.

Typically, I use sets of 3 cones. The triad of cones number in succession; if firing to cone 5, I would use a cone 4 and a cone 6 as well as the 5 to best measure the level of heat absorption. Once cone 4 begins to bend, I know I will need to begin shutting down the kiln.

Cones, cones, cones!

Earth, Air, Water, Fire

These are the ingredients of pots and human beings alike,
And each formula contains also the element of chance
Do not seek perfection in pots or people
For your search will go unrewarded, and you will miss knowing many good pots and many good people!!!! Author unknown

I found this poem while searching through my computer files for something else. A nice way to start my day.

January

It may be January, below freezing temps, but I have been combing through the show applications, deciding which to apply for, looking for new places. I can get overwhelming having to plan one's year in January. Man all I want to do in July and August is float. I certainly hope we have a nice hot summer again this year. Well maybe not quite as hot, hardly enjoyed the kayak...but did float and float and float.

Outside of show applications I have been making my pottery. Fired the kiln today and will unload tomorrow afternoon. Then the painting begins.
I'll be painting and glazing all week. Hope to have all done and glaze fire Saturday or Sunday.
Going to put the music up loud, dance and paint and dance and paint. Eat some lunch and dance and paint again......

December 29, 2010

2010 is just about over. A few more days and a new year begins. I am do looking forward to another hot summer. Especially since I received this wonderful floating cooler as a gift this holiday season. Imagine, my float docked at the floating station, cooler in tow bobbing along with me. Frosty beverages and lunch inside. Oh, the dreaming will soon be here......if time goes by as quickly as it has been. Hey, should go quicker as they say, whoever they are, that the older one gets the faster time goes. Bring it on summer!!!

This has been quite a year. In a month's time, Jan 29, 2011 I will have been 1 year out from my brain surgery. I was scratching my head, in the area where I was opened up and it still a bit numb. My hair has grown long enough in that area to put in a pony tail again. The only evidence of my medical adventure is the hearing loss and numbness. Otherwise one could not even tell. My facial expressions are even and one would not know from looking at me.

I hope to get a big chunk of the medial bills paid this coming year. Have to keep the potter's wheel spinning and the orders coming in. I also hope to take a long deserved vacation this year. A drive to Florida may be in order. We'll see.

So, look for a blow out sale sometime in Jan or Feb. Maybe March, depending when I can get it together. I am looking at doing it over a friends. A more central location.

Well, off to the ole spinning and throwing and making of pottery.

Relax....

The dishes are done. The tree is still up but will most likely take the ornaments off tomorrow while the "big storm" is raging here in Litchfield.
Suppose to get up to 14" or so. Will be nice to hang out, drink tea, and not get dressed.
Had a wonderful time with family and one more holiday party with parents, brothers, sister's nieces and nephew's this weekend.

Enjoy!!!

Once again we are in downtown Hallowell, Maine with our Holiday Pottery Shop
136 Water St. Hallowell
For More information call 207 582-7985

There are about 10 potters showing, a couple of photographers, a weaver and 2 jewelers!!!

We are open every day from 10-6 and Dec 24 from 10-2.
We are discussing on opening up after Christmas, and will hopefully know soon!!!!

American Craft Week

October has begun. I have had one show, a Designing Women show in Kennebunkport. Wonderful artists there and the show was successful. I sold some dinnerware, something I normally don't bring or sell at an art fair. This was a nice surprise. I believe I will bring more to the next show.

It is American Craft Week this week. My studio is open to the public. I would love to have some visitors out here. One may happen upon me throwing on the potter's wheel, glazing, or loading the kiln. I have work in all the stages of pottery making and finished pieces looking for a new home.

Monkitree Gallery in Gardiner, who carries my work has a fabulous showing of Maine Woodworkers. There are some amazing pieces of work being shown there. This gallery is a gem for Central Maine.

Center for Maine Crafts in West Gardiner, located within the travel plaza will be celebrating throughout the week. I also have work here amongst the most talented craftsman and women in Maine. There will be a reception Friday Oct 9th. Several artisans will be there for a meet and greet too. Come on in, especially if you haven't been in at all, and see the works of your neighbors. Maine has some extremely talented people.

Support your local artisans. Another way to "Keep Maine Strong"

Summer Shows

This summer the shows were abundant and some were horrible, but most were great. At the Winthrop Art Show I received a second place in mixed media for this piece. My fabulous husband Jeff and I collaborated here and woo hoo!!!! We even received a check.

After this show we participated in the Designing Woman show in Manchester at Longfellow's Greenhouses. What a beautiful day this was...so onward and into the late summer.

Tomorrow is the last day of summer and hopefully the weather forcasts are correct and it will be in the 80s. One more day of floating. This would be awesome!!!! A Great way to end the summer season I would say.

This weekend is the 13th annual BUMUPPFSF at Unity Pond Potter. 5 minutes from the common ground fair, so stop by on way to or from the fair. Its free family fun.
For more information go to www.unitypondpottery.com

Hope to see you there

Glazed and Ready for the Shows

Last week I posted a picture of the work as it waited for me to decorate. Here is the first of two firings with the finished wares on the shelves ready for the upcoming shows.
Can you find the penguins again?

First show
Winthrop Art Show
Saturday August 21
Winthrop Maine.
This is a beautiful show with around 50 artists and artisans. The weather predicted is suppose to be really nice. Not humid at all, in the 70s. A perfect day to browse seeing some of Maine's most talented artists

The next show is in Manchester, Maine.
This is a Designing Women Show. Designing Women is a fabulous organization of Maine and New Hampshire artisans.
The show will be set in the gardens of Longfellows Greenhouses on Puddledock Road in Manchester Maine. August 28.
Donation of $2 at the entrance to benefit Sexual Assault and Crisis Center located in Winthrop, Maine.

Hope to see you at one or both of the shows!!!!

Working for the Next Day...

Unloaded the kiln on Monday evening. This is a bisque firing where I fire the work I made to 1800 degrees. I now am in the process of painting and glazing each piece. I paint with glazes on the outside of each piece making the beautiful floral patterns or the new rainbow trout I have been doing. I will be working at this all week and hopefully ready to do the glaze firing on Friday or Saturday. Here the work is fired to 2200 degrees. This firing takes about 8 to 10 hours depending on the weather. If windy, usually takes a bit longer.
I am getting ready for the upcoming art shows I will be participating in this month.
The first show is The Winthop Art Show Saturday August 21. I believe it is the 21st year for this show. A nice show with some wonderful artists.

The second show this month is at Longfellow's Greenhouses in Manchester. This is a Designing Women Show. I will be there Saturday August 28th. Here the works of some of Maine and New Hampshire's finest women artisans will be showing and selling their work. We will be setting in the beautiful gardens at Longfellows, which makes a great background for the artwork.
Designing Women also partners with a non-profit group that helps the community. Once again this year the group will be Sexual Assault and Crisis Center who's office is in Winthrop. There is a suggested $2 donation at the entrance. Luncheon can also be purchased making this a fun destination for a lovely late summer outing. This added extra plus is that if it rains that day we will be setting up in the greenhouse.

So, hi ho hi ho.....

Wonderful Summer

This summer has been fantastic. The weather has been just right for a perfect summer. Lots of hot and humid days, with rain at night for the most part. Then just plain wonderful temps with low humidity as well. Haven't gotten much walking in, but floating has been frequent and thus more inspiration for new work. That is the only saving grace for winter. I know lots love the winter. I am not one. I realize it can be beautiful but when compared to the picture included here....I choose the season where the least amount of clothes are worn.

Drawings

These are some drawings a friend did in 1983 or 84 of me. I haven't seen or heard from her in over 15 years. Its been fun to find these and post them. Her name was Diane Cote. As you can see I haven't changed much now have I.

Floating Bowls

These bowls look like they are floating I am gallery sitting right now, it is very warm out and since I am not floating, as I should be, I thought maybe my pottery could.

I am attempting to discover what exactly one does on a computer for hours. I use the thing to email, check my website, add pictures of new work to blog and/or Facebook, but other than that I am clueless. Of course I know I can look up a billion things, and then when I get online, I draw a blank. I suppose surfing is not my thing. I find the computer a useful tool, but other than that, would rather be floating or making pottery....or drinking beer!!!