Potter's Journal

I've Moved

2009-01-03T11:56:00.003-05:00

Please find my new Blog/website at the following link:

Click Here.

Please change your bookmarks, links, and Reader so that you are updated.
http://www.ronphilbeckpottery.com/

I hope you will find the new site to be just as fun and informative as this site has been. Please know that all content from this site has been transferred to the new one, so nothing is lost.

Thanks!!! Ron

Moving On

2008-12-30T08:47:00.003-05:00

Over the next day or two I'm going to be moving this blog to my new site at
www.ronphilbeckpottery.com

I really hope you'll come along with me.
Please update your blogrolls too.
And tell your friends!

I'll be keeping a blogroll on the new site so I'll take you all along with me too. (I'll get all that info added today or tomorrow).

All the content from this blog has been imported to the new site. So you can still go back in time there if you want.

I'm looking forward to having more content as well as my own URL. I think RonPhilbeckPottery.com is an easier thing for my customers to remember than PottersJournal.

I'll have my Etsy site there too.

Okay, so come on over. I'll have my last post here on Jan. 1, 2009.

Sunshine

2008-12-29T09:31:00.003-05:00

Thank goodness the sun has finally decided to come out again. Blue skies, Yea!

Well, all the family have left. It's been a long Christmas for the Nantz family (Sarah's side). I am looking forward to doing some healthy eating this week and getting back to some sort of normal routine.

A Few Pots

2008-12-28T13:53:00.004-05:00

A few images to keep you going till I get back to work in the shop. That roasting dish I am esp. fond of. It's sold now so I'll have to make some like it soon.

This is the jar from the video that I posted a while back. It turned out fairly well (except it has no bottom....oops! Ha.)
The beaver has been at it again.

Tool

2008-12-26T17:24:00.002-05:00

I had some questions about what tool I use to draw with. I use this Kemper wire tool.

I modified one by cutting the end off of and gluing it into a bamboo handle. It's a little larger in diameter than the original handle and also longer. I find it easier to hold and use.

24th

2008-12-24T12:24:00.002-05:00

Christmas Eve, wow I can't believe it's here already. I've got a few gifts to wrap but I'm not feeling too much pressure or stress. I'm glad for that.

Loaded a bisque this morning. Some last minute things that will go to family this weekend.

Sarah shot some images of me drawing on pots this week. I always love seeing process, so I hope some of you like seeing these.

Today I did a bit of painting on cups with underglazes. That was fun and I'll be curious to how they look when finished. It was nice to see the colors on the pots. Who knows where that will lead.

Well that's it for now.

Deco'd Jar

2008-12-23T09:49:00.002-05:00

Slipping

2008-12-22T08:16:00.003-05:00

Sarah took a bunch of photos of me working in the shop slipping pots yesterday. Today I'll have her taking a few more of the decorating process.
Below is one of the wavy rim plates I made last week. I like them because they aren't TOO wavy but aren't just straight either.

Jeff Oestreich Pots

2008-12-21T13:59:00.004-05:00

My pal Tom Gray sent me these two cups from his collection last week. They were made by Jeff Oestreich, who lives in Minnesota. Jeff was trained at the Leach Pottery. I'm guessing these were made sometime in the 80's. Jeff is known these days for his soda fired work. I love these two pots and have used them numerous times while visiting Tom. The one on the left is porcelain with incising/combing under a celadon glaze, the one on the right has brushwork over a celadon.
These two pots make a great addition to our collection. Thanks Tom, we'll use them often.

Do I Need More Social Networking?

2008-12-20T16:38:00.002-05:00

So a couple months ago I joined Facebook to see some photos of a potters work. I didn't plan on getting 'friended' all of a sudden and now I've friended people etc etc. I don't really get F.B. like I do blogging. But I'm on there.

Then yesterday I was listening to NPR and caught a bit about Twitter, which I joined up on this morning to see what that was all about. Not much. I mean how many times a day can I log into T and answer the question "What are you doing right now?" ?

I stay on this machine way too much as it is. I need an intervention. I don't know if I'll keep my F.B. account much longer and I just deleted my Twitter account. (Sorry if I Tweeted you today, you're now on your on).

Blogging is plenty for me.

Oh I Forgot

2008-12-19T16:01:00.004-05:00

The main reason I mentioned that show below is because at one point Bittman and C.B. were served a roasted pig in this awesome shallow, oval, earthenware baking dish. It was totally cool. I hoped to find a pic of that but couldn't. So watch episode 9 if you get the chance.

Ha! Found it! I'm a good cyber detective. You can tell that pot has been in and out of the oven a few times. Beauty. (I bet that pork was tasty too)

Spain... on the road Again: Episode 09

2008-12-19T14:49:00.002-05:00

I caught this show on the tube last night. I really want to travel soon. Italy looks pretty good right. Bittman and Claudia Bassols (oh la la) go to some cool places in this episode.

Thursday Stuff

2008-12-18T20:54:00.004-05:00

I had an appointment with my acupuncturist today in Charlotte. I've been going for a couple months now and I've really seen some improvement in several areas, physically, emotionally and mentally. She is treating my depressed tendencies by changing my diet (no dairy, less acidic foods, etc) and with herbs. I've really felt more upbeat recently and I think it has a lot to do with this treatment. The acupuncture is part of this as well and also for some physical pain in my arms, neck, shoulders, and back. Today I had a cupping treatment. Visit that link to get an idea of what it is. I had 14 of those cups stuck to my back while sitting up. It was pretty cool and felt great. My back looks like it was attacked by a giant squid now though.

Well none of this has anything to do with that goat dish. I just put it up there so you'd have something nice to look at!

I've got pots waiting under plastic to be slipped and decorated. I need my photographer (Sarah) to be around as I'm submitting photos to a book that I hope to be included in. Hopefully we'll get some images shot on Saturday.

Today I bought some containers of underglaze so I can play around with some color. I'm planning on making some small dishes next week and just having a couple play days. Should be fun. I picked up a couple watercolor brushes today too, small sizes for fine lines.

All right that's it. Thanks to Gary for posting about me and Doug and Matt. Hi to all of Gary's army of followers out there!! I'll be returning the favor soon.

Warren McKenzie Drop Rim Bowl

2008-12-17T18:48:00.001-05:00

This is one of my favorite pots Warren makes, the drop rim bowl. If anyone has one that they want to send me just let me know, I'll be happy to have it.

Hollyford Clay

2008-12-17T15:01:00.002-05:00

Made this little cup from the Hollyford woodland clay that Doug sent me.

Back to Making

2008-12-17T07:59:00.003-05:00

I finally got in the studio yesterday after lunch. I needed to make some cups for family gifts and a few odd pots to shoot photos of the process. Anyhow it felt great to be back on the wheel. It was a quiet, damp day with only the sound of my treadle clicking away. It was nice not to be working in a hurry, towards some show or deadline. I made a point to throw slowly and intentionally.

These plates have a wavey rim. I'm not sure if I like them yet. I'll get the feet cut on them tomorrow probably. Then I'll know more.Today a few more cups, but other than that just finishing up anything that's ready. More later probably.

Looking for Something a Bit Different????

2008-12-16T18:36:00.002-05:00

This fellow(?) from London is not your ordinary potter. Here is an article on him winning the Turner Prize in 2003 and click here for some of his work.

Thanks to Hannah for telling me about him/her.

Craziness

2008-12-16T08:37:00.003-05:00

Some of the pottery madness happening around our house....

Clutter and Piles

2008-12-15T16:30:00.003-05:00

No potting today. I almost blew my stack when I opened up the cupboard today and the balsamic vinegar fell out and hit the floor. Thankfully only the cap shattered and shot not too much vinegar across the kitchen.

Things had been piling up around here for a week or more. I had to do some serious organizing and throwing out today. I can actually see the top of the kitchen table now, and I organized two cupboards and a drawer in the kitchen. I also cleaned out the refrigerator.

We have waaaaaaaaaay too many pots.

I may have a pottery clear out in the Spring. (If Sarah doesn't kill me before then for bringing more home)

Sorry no images or anything exciting. I feel a bit better though.

Goneaway Pottery Sale

2008-12-15T16:26:00.001-05:00

My pal John from Charlotte is having a Sale this weekend. Go see him. He's a hoot, and he makes some good pots too.

Wish I Made It

2008-12-15T10:14:00.003-05:00

Not long ago, Doug sent me this link to a page featuring Cyprus Sgraffito Pottery from the Guzelyurt Museum and the St. Barnabus Museum. I had never seen these pots before or known that the amber and green glazes were used on this ware in this manner. I've been doing something slightly similar, and honestly I'm not sure where I got the idea. Possibily from a contemporary potter who HAD seen these pots. What ever the case, these are some sweet pots. I love how the sgraffito fills up the interior of the bowl and I esp. like the energetic squiggles and loops on some of these. Enjoy.

Ink and Brush

2008-12-15T08:36:00.002-05:00

I tried a few pages of drawing with a # 1 water color brush yesterday using India ink. I like the lines the brush makes. I certainly have never felt very comfortable with a brush. Practice I guess. I may try a small one like a zero, I'll have to check them out when I go back to the art supply.

Just Some Drawings

2008-12-14T17:10:00.004-05:00

Well you can see I haven't done much potting. None really. Mostly reading and drawing this weekend.

I have some mugs and jars to make this week so I'll get in the workshop tomorrow to do that. It will be a small load, mainly things for gifts.

All for now.

Star Wars according to a 3 year old.

2008-12-14T10:51:00.001-05:00

This is just tooo cute.

Plates

2008-12-12T12:45:00.001-05:00

I've added a few plates to my Etsy Shop.

This and That on a Damp Thursday.

2008-12-11T18:01:00.003-05:00

More Art-O-Mat madness. Here are several of the board members from the Cleveland County Arts Council showing off the artwork bought out of our new Art-O-Mat. Look how happy they all are...art has that effect on people.

Today I went into Charlotte for several hours. I had lunch with my pals Jen, Amy and Julie. Julie doesn't have a web presence so I thought I'd put up a shot of her work. It's fun stuff. I got one of her mugs last week and have been totally enjoying it.
After lunch I headed to Cheap Joe's for some art supplies, pens and journals and then over to Clayworks to pick up some work of mine from our sale last weekend.

I have some nice pots left over, mugs and plates, so I'll try and get a few of them up om my Etsy shop in the morning. I have been pleasantly surprised that I sold 7 of the 12 mugs I posted Tuesday. Those all have been delivered or shipped.

I had a bit of a chat with Michael Kline today on the phone. He seems well, anxious to get back to making pots. I really need to get up to visit him and see his new studio and showroom.

Well that's it for today.

New Cups on Etsy

2008-12-09T18:30:00.001-05:00

They're up! Please shop responsibly and be sure to tell your friends!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!

Click here.

Art-O-Mat in Shelby

2008-12-08T09:12:00.003-05:00

The Cleveland County Arts Council in Shelby has acquired an Art - O - Mat machine. I am so excited for us to have this in our town. Original art for $5. And the excitement of obtaining it in such a unique way.

Art - O - Mat machines are the brainchild of Clark Whittington of Winston Salem, NC. The machines are retired cigarette vending machines. Clark was room mates in college with local accountant and Arts Council member Jay Gragg. Jay had the idea of getting us a machine and last Thursday Clark came out and installed it for us.
Below you can see the excitement of obtaining a piece of original art from the Art-O-Mat.
The art comes packaged in small boxes or on blocks of wood that are wrapped in cellophane.

Sarah got a necklace with a wire pendant made by Michelle Cutler.I got this really groovy dog boy painting by Asheville artist Julie Armbruster. Totally suits me right?!!!!

Once the first supply of art has run out we will restock with new artists some of which will be locals. For more information please check out the Art-O-Mat website. You can find out how to get one in your area, or find an exsisting one, you can also find out how to apply to be an Art-o-Mat artist.

End of the Weekend

2008-12-07T20:04:00.004-05:00

My Holiday Open House went well. Thanks to everyone who came out to get pots. I am officially finished with shows for the year. I had three things going on this weekend. Some were better than others but I'm happy now that it's over and I can get back to the studio this coming week.

I do plan on having 20-30 new pots on Esty before the end of the week. I'll post the date on Tuesday. The kiln is firing right now with about 20 new cups (along with all 80 + soap dishes for the order I had)

If you're in the area please give me a call if you want to come by. There are still some nice pots here. 704 480 6046

Okay that's it for now. Regular blogging resumes tomorrow.

Back Quickly

2008-12-06T07:33:00.002-05:00

Good Saturday to you all. I haven't fallen off the pottery planet. So much going on, so little time to blog.

Thanks to everyone who came out to Clayworks last night for our Studio Sale. It continues today from 10 - 3. I have a nice selection of mugs, plates, jars and other pots there including the baker you see here.

My Holiday Sale continues this weekend. Sarah will be here taking care of that while I am at the Cleveland County Arts Council in Shelby. I have a booth there for the weekend for the Winter Arts Tour.

Too bad I can't be in all three places, but I have pots in all three locations so if you're near any one please stop in. If you're a bit farther away....say Devon maybe...you can get some beautiful slipware from Doug Fitch as he's having his sale today.

I'll have new cups going up on Etsy next week. Still have to get them glazed and fired so I'll post the date soon.

Much to report but that will have to wait until later. Thanks for checking in!!

Thankful

2008-12-04T08:17:00.003-05:00

I had an email invite to Diane Kenney's Holiday Studio Sale today. I've always admired her work. Click here to see the invite. Just look at that studio shot!!! Wow, talk about Winter Wonderland.

This quote is at the bottom and it really spoke to me.

When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty my only response is
that I am thankful I have a cup. --Sam Lefkowitz

So true. I have much to be thankful for (not only all our cups). I've been feeling quite 'up' lately and I'm thankful for that too.

Have a good day.

2 Hr. Work Day.

2008-12-03T19:29:00.004-05:00

I spent most of the day in Charlotte. I had an acupuncture appt. and then met up with my pal Amy to go over some glazes for an upcoming tile project we are doing. Of course there was lunch too and a bit of shopping. (I don't want to waste a trip to the city ya know).

I did get in about an hours work before I left and about that much when I got home. So that's not bad. Ha. I got all the Phoenix' drawn in and 18 cups slipped. I'll draw on those cups tomorrow.

This plate came out of the kiln yesterday. It's a girlie plate.
Well that's not much of a post but it's all I got.

Breakfast

2008-12-03T08:54:00.003-05:00

I woke up craving something different than my usual oatmeal or cereal breakfast today. Eggs maybe. But not just eggs,...crispy, fried, over-easy eggs with oyster sauce and scallions. A bit of leftover brown rice warmed up completed things. Once you break the yolks and mix them with the sauce....yummy.

Ready to face the day.

Soap Diiiiishessssss

2008-12-02T18:05:00.002-05:00

Finished slipping all 80 of the dishes tonight. Did a bit of deco on the edges and tomorrow I'll draw in the center. I wish I was doing some goats and such but these are for a company order and they want their logo in the center, which I have adapted to my style. It's a Phoenix...you know the bird. So that's tomorrow. Whew! A lot of work in these little devils. They each have 4 feet too you see. Crazy me!

New Pots Coming To My Etsy Shop

2008-12-01T19:57:00.001-05:00

I'll be putting up a new batch of cups on my Etsy Shop next week. Not sure about the exact day yet but I'll keep ya posted. Stay tuned.

Still Time

2008-12-01T08:40:00.002-05:00

There's still time to get pots. My shop will be open this Saturday from 10 till 5 and Sunday from Noon until 4.

Also I will have work at the Clayworks Studio Open House Friday night from 6 till 9 and Sat. from 10 am till 3 pm.

Also I will have work at the Cleveland County Arts Council during the Winter Arts Tour on Sat and Sunday. Same hours as my shop hours.

Not sure where you'll run into Bernie, but he'll be out and about.

Sale Weekend

2008-11-29T09:46:00.002-05:00

Friday was the first day of my Holiday Sale. I'm off to a good start. Who knew goats and clotheslines would be such a big hit??!!

Today we'll be here from 10 am till 5 pm and Sunday from Noon till 4pm.

There are still plenty of pots on the shelves and Sarah has a nice selection of jewelry too. I'll try and get pictures up later.

The address is 757 Wallace Grove Road Shelby, NC 28150
if you need to Mapquest.

A Little Piece of Heaven.

2008-11-26T17:59:00.002-05:00

Really it's a small piece of Devon. Doug sent over a mug and some clay with friends of mine who visited his pottery recently. What shall I make with this lovely woodland clay?

Look at my clean studio. Niiiiiiiice. I wish it would stay this clean.Time to hit the kitchen and start some things for tomorrow's big feast.
What a week.

Two Beasts, Two Trees.

2008-11-26T17:55:00.000-05:00

A few more pots from the other day.

The kiln is going now with the last load for the Holiday Sale.

Grant

2008-11-26T08:29:00.002-05:00

I found out yesterday I that have received a grant from the Arts and Science Council. I had applied in late summer. I'll use the money to take a workshop in 2009. I am pretty excited. There were 120 applicants and 20 were selected.
I totally forgot to post yesterday. Much cleaning was accomplished but I still have to finish the workshop. I have pots to glaze today too.

My Holiday Sale starts on Friday. See times at right.

I had a request for directions from Charlotte, NC so here they are:

Take I-85 south
Take Exit 10 B (hwy 74)
Go to the third light and make a right on hwy 74 business.
Go to the third light and make a right on to hwy 180 north/ North Post Rd.
Keep on 180 until you reach Hwy 18. Turn right on Hwy 18 North. (this will be 4 lanes)
After 18 goes to a two lane go almost 1 mile and turn left on Wallace Grove Road.
Pottery is on right. Look for sign.

Address is 757 Wallace Grove Road. Shelby NC 28150 if you need to use MapQuest.

Just Unloaded

2008-11-24T18:52:00.001-05:00

Hang in there for more pics tomorrow. (Sorry I couldn't resist).

All Over but the Firing

2008-11-24T16:13:00.003-05:00

I finished all my deco-rotation today, including these plates and a dozen mugs. Now it's down to a couple firings and I'll be all set for my Holiday Sale weekend. (Except for getting the studio and showroom all cleaned up, which is going to take a couple days.)

I'll be unloading a glaze firing in about an hour so I'll try and get some pics up.

Old Pots

2008-11-24T16:10:00.002-05:00

Cleaning up today in the shop I found these two old pots. This poor thing was dated 1993.

This pot was probably in my first salt firing, or at least an early one. Maybe 1996.

Rock It

2008-11-23T20:23:00.002-05:00

Sarah and I have been laying these stone between the house and the studio this weekend. We made pretty good headway but I doubt we'll be completely finished in time for the sale this weekend. Maybe though. Tomorrow I'm going to get gravel screenings to sweep in the spaces of this first area so it can take some traffic.
The studio door is there on the left so that area is in good shape. This is probably the most stressful week of my year. Thanksgiving cooking to do, my pottery sale, and it seems we always have some kind of project in the works too. I am firing a glaze kiln tonight. Mostly plates. I'm gonna have about 30 plates at the sale and I'm hoping to sell them all. I'm having a hard time keeping any in stock.

Well I hope you all had a great weekend. I'll be posting this week as I try to get everything around here tidied up and ready for the Sale.

Trouble

2008-11-21T17:19:00.005-05:00

These are the lyrics to the song Dan mentioned. I had not heard it when I made the drawing, but I'm glad to know it now. Thanks Dan.

Old Hogan's Goat

Old Hogan's goat was feeling fine,
Ate six red shirts from off the line;
Old Hogan grabbed him by the back
And tied him to the railroad track.
Now when the train came into sight,
That goat grew pale and green with fright;
He heaved a sigh, as if in pain,
Coughed up those shirts and flagged the train!

Resourceful?

2008-11-21T09:02:00.001-05:00

Plates

2008-11-20T18:03:00.002-05:00

I was pleased for the most part with my firing. Well I was actually really happy with it all. Only one loss. I am trying new things with my surface to liven it up a bit. I am finding that I like working on the surface more than I thought I would. Coming from such a long non-deco period this is surprising to me.

Of course I'm also learning as I go so I am trying to embrace that part and take the good with the bad. I feel like I'm also giving myself permission to make these pots more of my own as I grow. It's nice to see that happening and a good feeling.
I had a few preconceptions about what I wanted this work to look like when I started back in February. I am noticing I am letting some of those go as I discover new things. For instance I really wanted to have a deep watery glaze coat. Like a lead glaze. But since I've been playing around and experimenting with glazes I've found that I like a thinner coat of glaze, a sheen sort of. It reminds me a bit of the thin salt glaze from my stoneware work. (Of course you can't really tell that much in these photos.)
It's fun for me right now to just allow myself to be in this process and to make work and play some. I think I'm at a point in life where I am trying to take myself less seriously. Or maybe it's just a phase. Either way I may as well enjoy it.

A few more

2008-11-20T18:00:00.000-05:00

Winner

2008-11-20T07:32:00.002-05:00

Alex won the contest yesterday. I hope you'll hop over to her blog and see what she's up too. Alex seems to have her hands in many things, clay, paper, wool and more. Very inspiring.

New pots out of the kiln sometime today.

I've finished making dinner plates and mugs for my upcoming shows. Now for a few jars and small bowls. I think that will be it then. Oh, and I have an order for 80 soap dishes....whew gotta get slabbing.

Contest

2008-11-19T13:56:00.002-05:00

Inspired yet again by Keri Smith I have decided to have a Contest.

Yea! We love contests right?

Okay so the first person to respond in the comments will win a small pottery something, or a pen and ink sketch or watercolor or something along those lines ie original something handmade by me.

Here's the contest...

First off you must be a person wearing purple socks.(You can go put some on if you want).
Then you have to stand up and say "I get great satisfaction from my purple socks" . Out loud. (yes even if you're in your cubicle at the office. Pump you fist in the air for good measure.

That's it. Go.

Satisfaction

2008-11-19T08:20:00.001-05:00

Devo Rules!!!

Monday Part 3.

2008-11-18T21:30:00.003-05:00

The pots are in the kiln and hopefully I'll have some new work to show you on Friday.

In the workshop Sunday, Cheri pointed out how many people are "Dissatisfaction Specialists". Pretty catchy huh? I noted that I'm certainly one of them. I feel as though I never really allow my self to be satisfied. Even for a moment. That's not very good. I thought as an example all the work I've done this year on the slipware and how much I've accomplished. With each kiln load I think I've allowed myself to be briefly content but what really goes through my mind is 'okay what's next?'....' get on with it.'

Of course many will say that we should never be satisfied, how else would we keep getting better, or moving forward?

Is that the point of life?

Not for me to say.

What I would like to do is allow myself to enjoy moments (or even longer periods) of satisfaction. This would be a much better way for me to live as opposed to being dis-satisfied much the time.

The workshop was centered around this statement, "The focus of my attention determines the life I have." We discussed awareness and attention and did exercises that helped us focus our attention or direct our attention to certain areas. Namely, the body, emotion, mind, and mind content.

I feel like I could go on about all this but that's probably enough for tonight. I'm out of tea and it's time for some reading and then bed. So that's all my thoughts and such for this Monday. It's been a good day in many ways.

Monday Part 2.

2008-11-18T16:07:00.002-05:00

Loads going on in the shop.
Wet pots, pots being stained, pots ready to glaze.
Leather hard, decorated pots.
I'm big on the Pig.
(Thanks to Jen for the toboggan)

Monday Part 1.

2008-11-18T12:46:00.002-05:00

The shelves are filling up with pots in various stages of completion. Yesterday was pretty hectic. (So much for coming home and being centered!)

Anyhow, today was a fresh start and new wet pots are being produced after a morning of decorating and unloading a bisque.

Knives

2008-11-18T09:16:00.000-05:00

This is purely an entry to get me a chance to win a knife from New West Knifeworks via Steamy Kitchen. Check out the contest here.

We do own a New West Knife that I got a few years ago. I really would love to get one of the Phoenix knives (hence this post to get me 2 chances).

Okay I'm off to the shop. Pics later I promise.

Nic Collins

2008-11-17T08:57:00.002-05:00

Nic's latest episode is up on his website. Scroll down to watch the video of the kiln loading. Quickest I've ever seen . Love the twangy music too.

I'm looking forward to the firing episode and of course the unloading.

Weekend

2008-11-17T08:44:00.002-05:00

Sarah and I had a great weekend in Asheville, NC. We went primarily to attend a workshop by Cheri Huber but of course we made time for many good meals and some shopping. The weather was cold and windy and it even snowed a bit on Sunday morning. It was so nice to get away from home with one another and I think we both came back feeling centered, directed and refreshed. We need to get away more often.

It's going to be a busy week ahead in the workshop. I'm looking forward to it.

Friday's Post

2008-11-14T18:49:00.002-05:00

You've probably given up on getting a post from me today, but guess what?.....Here it is!! (I'm sooooo sure you have much more to look forward to on a Friday night than my meager blog posts) (If not then , well....thanks for peeping in.) (I'm home alone tonight and am looking forward to cooking myself a nice Chinese dinner and watching a movie).

On with the post...
This is number 12 dinner plate, all footed and surrounded by the trimmings of his 11 brothers (or sisters, or whatever).

Didn't get far on the slipping today. I'm hoping to get 12 mugs decorated before we leave tomorrow to go on our weekend holiday.

Kari Smith!!! Yea!!!! Kari's new book came in the post today. I've already dug in and am having fun. Kari's books help me with my ideas, and open me up to new things. Hopefully I'll share some here soon.

Okay.
Have a good weekend.
Really. You must!

Pots and Book

2008-11-12T17:01:00.004-05:00

This book came in the mail today. Yeaaaaaa. Mary Wondrausch (according to Hannah and Doug) is the Queen of Slipware. I'm looking forward to tucking into it tonight. I've seen MW's pots online but I'm looking forward to the day I get to see some in person. I tried not to over do it today in the shop. I've only got 1/2 day tomorrow to work and then all day Friday. Sarah and I are heading to Asheville, NC on Saturday for the weekend. Much needed get away.

So a dozen mugs and plates and 6 serving bowls. Hopefully all this will be finished, slipped and decoroated before I leave on Sat. I'd like to also have some bakers under plastic waiting for me when I get home, and some jars too. So that's on the agenda for Friday.

Now for tea and Mary Wondrausch

Drill Ron Drill

2008-11-11T23:27:00.002-05:00

I remember years ago my friend Tom Gray told me he used his drill to put the holes in his colanders.

I've been putting holes in the footrings of my decorated plates just in case anyone wants to hang them.

Today I gave the drill a go, worked great and quick.

To Our Veterans

2008-11-11T09:12:00.001-05:00

Thank you for your service, dedication, and sacrifice. Thank you for everything.

Working

2008-11-11T08:24:00.003-05:00

I replaced our old spoon jar with this new one yesterday. We had out grown the old one and I thought it'd be nice to have some of my latest work in the kitchen too.
That honey pot is one I made a couple years ago. Salt fired, no decoration, a good, functional, straightforward pot.

In our conversation yesterday Doug and I touched on the subject of constraints in our work. Doug mentioned his materials and I suspect he means the clay he uses and his choices of slips and glazes. I'm sure he'd also say the way he fires his pots and the shapes he makes. Working within certain limits gives much more freedom than some would imagine. It narrows things down enough for you to find your place but gives you enough room to explore and experiment without getting lost in the vast universe of ceramic possibilities.

I have expanded my limits this year to include more decoration and experimentation with forms that I would not have made in the past. The main constraint (I'm not sure that's the word I should be using, but I can't think of another just now). The main constraint for my work is still that it should be a functional pot. The pots should be welcoming to use and should work well. I'm pushing that a bit these days with shapes that are not as common as my old pots and of course the decoration has moved in.

It just occurred to me that I have placed some limits on how I am decorating but I haven't really given it much conscience thought or consideration. Maybe it's too early still. I am still experimenting, but I am doing so within the boundaries of decoration that is drawn on the pot, through the slip, sometimes adding stain and glaze later. I haven't really considered the subject matter constraints or if there should even be any. Something to think about.

I'm getting away a bit here but I guess that's fine as I think I've made my point and you can see how this idea of working within limits gives boundaries and freedom.

Well, off to work. More later on this maybe.

Plates from Monday

2008-11-10T17:19:00.003-05:00

Monday. Not as productive as I'd liked for it to have been, but I did get all these plates decorated. I went back and worked on that first one some, adding some dots around the flowers. These were a bit dryer than I'd have liked them to be but I managed through it all.
The truck is unpacked from Saturday's show and I still have a good amount of pots. Certain things anyhow. It looks like this week and next will be plate making days as well as some platters, small bowls and jars. And mugs. I want to have a mug sale on Esty soon so I'd like to have all new cups for that.

Had a good chat this morning with Brad Lail who is in China still. He's doing well. I'm looking forward to getting together with him when he gets back to Cleveland County in a few weeks. He's learned so much and has had a great experience, and it's not over yet.
Doug and I also had a good chat session this afternoon. (No wonder I got so little done today, Skyping people all over the globe!) Doug's getting ready for a firing this week so keep a lookout here. I've sent a jug over for the firing but I don't know if it's gonna get there in time for the loading. Oh well, it will have to wait for the next firing then.
Well Sarah's just gotten home from work so I better run. More later maybe.

Show Day

2008-11-08T17:46:00.002-05:00

What a day! I had a very good show at the Carolina Pottery Festival today. About 1700 people made their way through the show and many of them were buying. I had good reactions from most everyone who had not seen my slipware. The pots with the goat imagery were a big hit and sold early as did a couple of large platters and mugs galore. I had one lady who got a huge kick out of a beaver mug. She kept picking it up and laughing. Which is good. I want my pots to make people happy.

Tonight we're kicking back with some Chinese takeout and a DVD. Good to be off my feet.

Thanks for everyone who came by to see me today. I really appreciate you all in supporting me in what I do.

Carolina Pottery Festival

2008-11-07T16:24:00.001-05:00

Not much to show off right now. Just home from setting up at the Carolina Pottery Festival. If you're looking for something to do tomorrow come on out.
Here's the link

I'll get some pics posted of the show later in the weekend.
Thanks for stopping by.

Flickr

2008-11-06T08:38:00.002-05:00

Hi ya,
I've started organizing my photos with Flickr. It's pretty cool.
So far I've uploaded some images from my last trip to Minnesota during the Minnesota Potters Tour. I've also uploaded some pics from Rock Creek Pottery. I think it will be fun for you all to see all these as they do pertain to pots, potters, or pottery events.
Oh, and I've put up a bunch of Ron Meyers' pictures too, these were taken at workshops or conferences.
I'm planning on getting more images up of my work and also of my journal pages. I'll be editing the current content too, so if something is sideways or out of focus I'll get to that soon.
That's it for now.

The Day After

2008-11-05T16:11:00.003-05:00

Karma stayed up way too late last night watching the election coverage.
I got the rest of my pots packed up for the show this Saturday.

And I made a dozen plates.

Other than that, I pretty much watched television, layed out in the yard, drew some, and drank tea. It's been a good day.

Hamada Admiring Ron's Cup

2008-11-05T15:55:00.001-05:00

Paul Jessop sent me this image and the text. I drew in the fish and changed the text a little. He, he, thanks Paul.

Pottery

2008-11-05T09:51:00.002-05:00

Okay.
Back to Pots!
Today in the studio....
Plates
Stay tuned.

Yes

2008-11-05T08:48:00.003-05:00

I am so proud this morning. Sarah and I are both very emotional and excited. I am feeling grateful and hopeful. To me this feels like such a new beginning. I was moved to tears to see the Obama family on stage last night and moved again and again throughout his speech.

"Yes We Can"
I began to think of the power of that statement as I lay in bed last night. The word "Yes" is a powerful affirmation. One single word. No matter what it is applied to, that statement, Yes We Can, Or Yes I Can has the power to change. I guess I'm mostly talking about this from my personal point of view, I've suffered from negative thoughts and depression for years. The words "No" or "I don't know" or "I can't" are like a loop on a tape that runs through my head, even when I'm not aware of it.

This morning I am saying "Yes I Can". I am so inspired by the man who will become our President in January. I am inspired by the people of this nation. I am hopeful of this new beginning, because it is a new beginning in many ways. I am not naive in thinking it will be all daisies and gumdrops. But I, along with many others feel great joy and determination right now to be the best American I can, the best person I can. We are all one people, one nation, one world. Yes.

Check this out...

2008-11-04T12:02:00.000-05:00

Powerful!

A Few More Bowls

2008-11-04T09:40:00.002-05:00

I had a small load come out of the kiln this morning. Mostly some cups, jars and more serving bowls. I stained the incised lines of this bowl and covered it with a thin coat of glaze. I really quite like this and will probably start incorporating the stain on more pots.

I also like the tall foot on these. It gives it some distinction.

Vote

2008-11-04T09:03:00.002-05:00

hamada
Originally uploaded by ronpots2

Go Vote!

Show this Saturday.

2008-11-03T19:07:00.004-05:00

hamada_thinking
Originally uploaded by ronpots2

I'll be at the Carolina Pottery Festival on Saturday from 10 am till 4pm.

Come on out, maybe H. will be there too.

Dishes

2008-11-03T10:13:00.003-05:00

Okay so this first pot may be a little too cutesy for me. But anyhow it's not a bad pot.

I'm throwing these with 8 lbs of clay and then throwing a foot on them later. So really it's a nice sized serving dish with a substantial foot. I've started decorating in the footring too which is fun and a little surprise for those who take time to look. (and they're signed, very rare). Ha.

Sunday's Walk

2008-11-03T10:09:00.001-05:00

Karma and I went for a little stroll around some of the fields near the house yesterday. It was nice and clear and warm enough for shorts.

Nine Toes Pottery Blog

2008-11-03T08:11:00.002-05:00

Hey, my pal Ronan Peterson has started blogging. I hope you'll visit him often to see what he's up to and take in his great pots.
Here's the LINK

The kiln is going again this morning loaded with some serving bowls and jars that didn't make it into the last load.

I'll get a few more pics up today.
Happy Monday

Birthday Girl

2008-11-02T12:35:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Hannah!

( I had to make due with what I had on hand)
love, Ron

Side Handle

2008-11-02T12:16:00.004-05:00

I haven't made any side handle teapots in years. I made this one just for myself. It has no glaze on the outside except for that green pour. I want to see how the bare slip and clay will patina with use and age.

I'll put more pics later.

Pots

2008-11-02T12:10:00.002-05:00

I am pleased with the pots that came out this morning. I'm finally getting a glaze that will behave. (I prob. just jinxed it). I am really thankful for this glaze! (Just want to get that across to the pottery gods)

These two yunomis were experimental in that I brushed a black stain into the incising and wiped it away before adding a very thin layer of clear glaze. I quite like these. I may add some dots to this idea later.Cups. I'm liking the brushed slip. It adds some dimension to the pot. The poured slip is a bit too dense. I could counter that with some roughing of the surface or ? something. Also tinting the glaze may help add depth. That will be tried next go round.

I'm feeling good about these wacky pots. I tell ya, I just have to learn to accept myself.

Jar

2008-11-02T11:57:00.003-05:00

This jar came out this morning. It's the first one like this I've made with the added feet.
Karma barked, "Cut" when she thought I should stop the filming.

Halloween Glazing

2008-10-31T19:49:00.002-04:00

Boo.
Today was pretty much taken up by unloading the bisque, waxing, and getting everything glazed. I managed all that and got the kiln loaded around 5pm this afternoon. So it's going now and I should have some pics of new pots up on Sunday.

No big Halloween plans for us. Just maybe a movie at home.

Thanks for all the comments on my quiche. I don't think that baker is as deep as you all think it is. Anyhow I'll get the recipe up over the weekend.

Real Men....

2008-10-30T15:22:00.003-04:00

Hey, I just made my first quiche! Not bad. I was inspired by Jen (a Domestic Goddess).

I'm off to teach again tonight at Clayworks. I'm filling in for Julie who's going to see New Kids On The Block (I'm not going to comment on that one).

I thought Sarah would be happy to find supper ready when she got home so I whipped this baby up.

The bisque kiln should shut off in about 30 min. so tomorrow I'll be glazing and reloading. New pots by Monday! I'm getting ready for the Carolina Pottery Festival which is Nov. 8th.

All for now.

Birds. Planning.

2008-10-29T19:02:00.004-04:00

This is a fan shaped dish with a bridge handle from the early 17th century Japan. Mino ware.

I've got it up here to show where I got the idea for my birds from originally.

Mine are different, but I guess you can see the similarities.
Planning.
I am trying to approach the decorating process with some structure but still have it be spontaneous and quick. Today for instance I had a board of cups to draw on. I sat down and tried to get my mind quiet and be in the moment. (That meant getting Karma out of the shop for awhile). I picked up the cups and looked at them. I studied the slip pours and the marks on the cup. I thought, "what would work on here?" Then I'd quickly do a little sketch of my subject in my journal. I might have to do 3 or 4. I wasn't drawing the cup. Just the bird or fish or dog or whatever. Once I had that, I did a little rough in with pencil on the cup, and then worked over that with my incising tool. I try not to think too much and to let the tool have it's say in the mark making. I like to get it done quickly too.

My hope is that this will lead to more confidence in the drawing and less fear about screwing up. It will also probably eliminate me from putting things in weird places on the pot or just generally sabotaging myself. Better composition will result. I hope.

I didn't take any pics of those cups and they are already in the kiln, but I'll get some images of the process up later on. I just wanted to share what I'm doing and that it's helping.

In Search of....

2008-10-28T08:35:00.004-04:00

This is the last hat I had that I really liked. I bought it in Durango, CO. some years ago.

I also like this little hat of Shawn's. My favorite part is that little red/orange ball on top.

So I guess I'm in the market for some kind of knit something or another. Having a top element seems important. Color would be good. (I'm tired of brown and gray). If it cost less than $40 would be nice too.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions on the Monday. Later. post.

Wreck It

2008-10-28T08:08:00.002-04:00

Remember the post I did a while back on Keri Smith's Wreck This Journal? Well, to really wreck a journal all I have to do is leave it out where Karma can get it, turn my back for 3 minutes and there you have it....
It was in pieces all over the yard when I found it. Good thing I was at the end of it and just bought this new journal.

I'm going to play around with all those pieces and paste the whole thing back together in some way. Maybe adding new elements as I go. Should be fun.

For more about Keri click HERE. She's amazing, I feel like she just lives and breathes creativity.

Monday. Later.

2008-10-27T18:38:00.003-04:00

Sarah came in this afternoon and caught me decorating. Nice head wear huh? See where Karma tried to destroy it earlier? I've got to get a new hat for winter. My best one is worn out so I dug up this old toboggan. If you know of some cool winter hats let me know. I bought the last cool one in Colorado five or six years ago. I'm due a new hat. I don't want anything crocheted!

Okay on to serious business. Steven put a post up recently and in it he said, "I decided awhile ago that I can’t be creative and critical at the same time. When I attempt the two simultaneously neither the analysis or the subject of that analysis prove terribly valuable."

I had that on my mind today as I made pots but even more so when I sat down to decorate this afternoon. This whole deco. thing is really new to me and I am trying not to just give up and go back to making my old pots. It's very intimidating and there are LOTS of people out there who are exceptional at it. Okay, that's me being 'critical' before I even get going right? So what I figure is that Steven is right, I can't stand there and analyze everything before it even happens. I have to let go, work, make, decorate, whatever. Just let go, try to possibly be in the moment maybe. If I stop too long or take too long to start...well it just looks forced, too thought out, stiff, no good.
At some point after that I can come back and ask questions, "What is good about this?", "what do I like?", "what can I do differently?"and so on. I can do that all along the way, making, slipping, decorating, glazing and after the firing. I think that sort of analysis can be very beneficial to me.

As I write this I am aware that I have to remember that I am making these pots first and foremost for myself. So I don't need to compare these pots with anyone else's. I have learned (and unlearned, and forgotten and remembered at times) that comparing is never productive for me. Not unless I can leave that annoying self centered judgmental voice somewhere in a sound proof room.

One of the best lessons I've learned as a potter is to keep working. Make pots. Doing nothing, or thinking about it too much gets me nowhere. Making lots of pots has been my best teacher. I think now I have to apply that to my drawing and be willing to try some new things, new materials, new subject matter, new surroundings whatever. I think using the dip pen on large paper will help me loosen up a good deal. Getting out and drawing my surroundings or things in the house will help too. (Today I drew a garden rake and a set of salt and pepper shakers on a cup. Why? I don't know. They were things that I had seen recently and who cares if they relate anyhow.)

Well that's a pretty long post for today. More tomorrow maybe.

Hey, I mixed clay today too!!!!

Monday Morning

2008-10-27T09:10:00.002-04:00

Off to work.
Have a good day.
More later.
Ron.

Pizza Night

2008-10-24T22:24:00.002-04:00

Sarah's out with a girl friend tonight so Remy and I made pizza at home. Thumbs up. Watched Snatch again, now time for bed. Have a good weekend everyone.

All American. Obamaware Total

2008-10-24T09:20:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I went to the best burger joint in town. If you've been reading this blog long you know I like a good cheeseburger now and then. The Taste-T Drive In has the best burgers in my opinion. You just order at the window or call in. They have a covered outdoor picnic area but I usually eat in the truck and listen to NPR. Juicy!

After having my all American lunch I headed over to the Board of Elections to vote. I had to wait in line about 20 minutes and then it took about 5 to vote. I was number 5731 to vote. If you can vote early you should, it will help out on Election Day.

Here's the final total on the Obamaware fundraiser.
CLICK HERE!

It's totally amazing what people can do when they come together and work as one.

Thanks!!

2008-10-23T09:05:00.003-04:00

The Obamaware auction has ended and it looks like we raised a good amount of money for the Obama/Biden Campaign. I don't have the exact figure yet and don't want to be misleading so I'll wait on getting that out.

Thanks to everyone who bought pots and helped spread the word.

Thanks also to my readers who may not be for Obama. I appreciate you all for being patient with my posts. I tried not to voice my opinions about the election, and since this was a pottery related event I felt like it did belong here on my blog.

Steven Colby

2008-10-23T08:35:00.003-04:00

Back in the 90's I took a class at Arrowmont school in Gatlinburg, TN. It was the first time I'd been to Arrowmont and I was really excited to be there. The energy was great, the clay studio was too. I've been back a few times since then to take classes or attend a conference.

During that first time at Arrowmont there was an event held in the library, maybe an auction, and I saw some work by Steven Colby. The piece I remember most was a small earthenware cup on a plinth. The cup was covered loosely in white slip. As I stood there I overheard Steven talking to someone and he was describing his work. I remember him saying, It's fired to cone 1 and it leaks some, which I like. (maybe that's not it verbadium, but it's what stuck with me).

At the time I thought, How wonderful! Cone 1! What a concept. I hadn't been exposed to clay long at that point and most of it was high fire, I'd often heard wood fired potters bragging about melting cone 13 in a burly, manly voice. Here was someone saying they fired to cone 1, how cool is that? (well a good bit cooler than 13)

Over the years I thought to myself that it would be nice to be doing something other than high fire stoneware and I'd think of Steven saying "I fire to cone 1". Maybe there was something about the number 1. Like the Beatles song. I don't know, but it stuck with me and now here I am making earthenware pots, fired to a low temp., cone 03. And hey, my first earthenware pots leaked like sieves, so I felt a real kinship to the statements I'd heard Steven say. I'd made it!

Well I've reconnected with Steven in a way. He's in Colorado now, still making earthenware pots. He has a website and a blog and I hope you'll check it out. I got his number a few months ago from potter Peg Malloy with the intention of calling him up. Until then, hopefully, we'll be connecting here in cyberspace.

Thanks Steven, you totally made an impact on my pottery life with out knowing it. I've been wanting to tell this story ever since I started in earthenware this year.

Hey!

2008-10-22T18:53:00.004-04:00

Boy, today was a wash.

I did hear an interview with this band which I am liking. ....crazy, jump around, flailing arms, spinning about.

I've got to get some work done tomorrow. Yes.

I did drink a lot of tea out of my new rat cup.

New Jar

2008-10-21T09:30:00.003-04:00

Yea!!!!

2008-10-21T09:14:00.004-04:00

Just unloaded the kiln this morning. Pretty good results all around considering I was working with some new materials and techniques. First up, some cups. You can tell a big difference between the slip that I brushed on and the poured slip. I rather like the thick/thin quality of the brushed slip. Sometimes it's too thin though, maybe, not sure, I'll have to live with it for a few more days. I do think it's got potential. All 7 of these cups have a new clear glaze and guess what?.....no crawling, no crazing !!!!!!! So far, it could craze later, let's hope not.

I got a little carried away with the green on that middle cup.

This bowl has the brushed slip, see I think it could have been a little thicker. Keep trying...
Thank goodness all these came out. This finishes up a commission of dinnerware for a good customer. This is my old glaze that tends to crawl unexpectedly. No crawling!!!!! Yea! Boy, I must be living right.
Now this....this is not what I want. The new glaze made my copper slip turn this really (to me) terrible color of turquoise (?). So that's out. Lesson learned not to put the new glaze over the green slip. Yikes.
Gotta go.

Not too much...

2008-10-20T17:27:00.001-04:00

Not much to report from today. Finished off a bunch of pots that have been under plastic all weekend. So it was handles and feet and slipping. Tomorrow decoration and kiln unloading. New pots! Yea. Until then....

Obamaware Auction

2008-10-20T14:27:00.002-04:00

Click here to go to the Obamaware Auction.

Monday Morning

2008-10-20T08:48:00.003-04:00

There's a pretty good frost out this morning. The kiln has about another 2 hrs to go before being finished. New pots out tomorrow, so check back for those.

Last night an ambulance went up the highway with it's siren on and set off a group of coyotes howling just up the creek from my house. It was the first time I'd heard them. Neighbors have told me they have heard them recently. It was a great sound. It sounded like 6 or more of them. Maybe some young. I know most people don't like coyotes, including most of my neighbors and they may end up shot (the coyotes, not the neighbors). I hope not.

Coyotes are new around here. I saw a couple a few years back. I guess they are increasing in numbers. Being pushed here from somewhere else.

Week before last a deer walked into a shop in downtown Shelby. Right off the street in the middle of the day. It did some damage and lost an antler before the shop clerk got the back door open for it to get out.

I'm sure the coyotes are doing their part on keeping the rabbit and small rodent population under control, I've not heard of any livestock being killed. I did hear of one person who said his dog was attacked, but I don't know if it was a coyote who did the damage or just another dog. It was a Jack Russell and probably ran down the wrong hole. Who knows.

Okay gotta go have breakfast and then off to the workshop.

Check back later.

Messing Around

2008-10-18T15:22:00.000-04:00

Friday

2008-10-17T15:57:00.003-04:00

Rainy day today. I took it pretty easy in the studio, it is Friday after all. Made these few pots and finished up some 8 lb bowls. The bisque is all loaded and will fire off tomorrow.

I am having a good time coming up with some new deco. I need to get into my drawing journal a little more seriously each day. Well not really seriously,but you know do some drawing.

I've liked brushing the slip on pots versus pouring or dipping the pot in the slip. I can get this nice 'dry brush' thing happening and can get thick and thin areas of slip on the surface. I can also impart a sense of movement.

Brushing perpendicular to any previously incised line will leave the line exposed.

None of these pots have been glazed and fired yet so I'm excited to see what they will look like finished. My plan has been to try and create a more layered look on the surface; more depth. Of course I can work with that during the glazing process too.
Hopefully I'll have a load of finished pots by Tuesday.