Last post before Penland

One week from now, I'll be checked in and ready to attend my first class at Penland. I hope to post a lot while I'm there, just as Ron did during his time in the mountains. But as I ready myself for the journey,, there have been things to attend to here. Sis was up for the weekend. It was good to finish up the mobiles we started on her last visit. Here's a look at one of the three pieces in her creation.

This is mine, unfinished as of yet.

A close up...

I incorporated some real rocks, collected years ago on one of our family rock-hounding outings. Those memories bring power to the piece for me, making it truly mine. There's magic in the voice of memories -- personal and collective.

Speaking of magic, it's there -- in abundance -- any time the gas kiln at Clayworks is unloaded. Here, Cinder examines the wares within.

With Julie (not pictured) leading the team, Kim, John and I begin unloading. Jane, Amy & Raye were also there to lend a hand.

Amy had some beautiful results from this firing. See the results here. So did John. And Elaine's gift for her step-Mom, Joan, was breathtaking!

I had one piece in the kiln -- Herr Goose -- a tribute piece to the goose I unsuccessfully tried to rescue after it was hit by a car. Herr Goose was the first really large piece I worked on (even before "Eddie"). He's slab-built from Craggy Crunch, slipped in black and white. The only glaze on him is a spattering of clear on his body, and black glaze on the eyes and bill.

He shrank in the firing, losing about 2" to 2.5" in both length and girth. But he fits happily in my hands. And when I hold him, I will always remember holding the fatally injured goose that inspired his creation.

Next post --- Penland.