Bits and Pieces

It's been a couple of decades since NC voters had any impact on a Presidential race.  Today we did.  Voter registration was up. People were actively involved in a process that too many, for too long, have taken for granted.  I saw lots of "I Voted" stickers being sported tonight at Clayworks.  It was good to see.  

That said, it was great to be back in class tonight.  Ron has mixed up a special "crackle slip" that we can use on a piece or two.  That's a surface deco thing.  And surface deco things I always love to try.   Our goal this class -- besides learning new & various forms & techniques -- is to load the gas kiln on May 20th. with the fruits of Ron's tutelage.  (Gas kiln?  I'm there!)  I have many pieces to glaze to get ready for this. 

 The candlesticks, imperfect as they are, will go in.  And if I can figure out how to glaze my porcelain dog sculpture, he will also go in the kiln.  Suggestions on this are welcome.  Just look at the pic of Spanky to the right on this blog. He's the inspiration for the sculpture.   There are a couple of other pieces, not pictured that I'll fire as well.    

Pay no attention to the rabbit pictured. It has already been fired. (Sis, here's your "angst bunny", baby. I'm glad you liked it and convinced me to glaze it for you. It has it's own personality and might feel at home in a flower pot on your splendid deck!) And the horses pot is a cone 06 piece. S crack in the bottom. But it will make a nice planter for cacti or other succulents in the garden.

 

While Ron concocted his crackle slip I trimmed and slipped and finished two pieces that may (or may not) be part of my niece's wedding at the end of August.  Besides the candlesticks, she requested a pillar candle holder and a wine chalice for the ceremony.  I've done neither form before.  Here's a look ( please be gentle) at my first attempt at both.  

I spent wonderful time throwing small porcelain forms tonight too. I'd forgotten how buttery porcelain feels between my fingers on the wheel. I threw 3 small pieces ---all meant to be "test tiles" for raku glazes. I'll throw more in the days to come because, surprisingly, I'm drawn to the raku process. It marries well with cave art (when it's successfully executed) and it brings life to my simple sculptures.

The mystery of it entices. The mechanics of it challenge. Who can resist being a part of something like this?



This has been a disjointed post, I know. Bits and pieces. But one of these days they may join together to make a "whole." If they don't, does it really matter? As long as they are enjoyed?