taking shape

Though tonight was not particularly successful in terms of throwing, at least I got a snap of the large bowl I threw Sunday last week. Here it is, awaiting bisque, on an aptly named studio shelf.


greenware, 4.75 lbs., ready for bisque

I threw three and kept one tonight. It's not so bad, really. I can learn how to throw without having to finish pieces--- not only can I save money that way (we only pay for what we fire), I can spend more time throwing if I don't spend time to finish; that way I can learn faster by doing more. Besides, firing fees are pretty high: this bowl ran $10.75, which will include the clay, both firings, and glaze. They do have a good selection of studio glazes, so I think it's a good deal in the end.

Catching up on requests

My brother had long ago honored my request for pottery requests.... and I've yet to fulfill it. He wants two serving bowls, design up to me. This is likely going to become one of them:


~8.5 lbs. cone 10 stoneware; very green

I was able to trim it tonight so it looks much more shapely now in profile.

bowlicious

Two tries, one success today. First attempt was with about 7 pounds of the Craft Center's house #10 stoneware. I had to re-learn a tactic for throwing bowls: don't shape the bowl before completing the vertical throw. Centrifugal force stretched out my first attempt while I was still thinning the upper wall. 2nd try was with about 8.5 pounds of clay; this time I concentrated on going up rather than out. When it came time to shape it, things went more smoothly. That one's drying; perhaps I can trim it tomorrow night.

From last week's class, my first joined two-piece throw:

~5# cone 10 stoneware; greenware, about 9" height

You can see the cone 10 (Laguna) pitcher in the background, glazed and awaiting the next firing.

New success!

Last night, for the first time (successfully, that is), I joined two thrown pieces to create a larger single piece. Woo hoo! Nothing brilliant, but a new technique I can use and refine for my nefarious purposes....

I was also able to complete glazing for my pitcher. I can't wait to see it fired!

No pix yet, as I'm reluctant to take my digicam into the creative mess.

thank god for open studio time!

The Worcester Center for Crafts classes are pricey enough that the access to open studio time makes me feel like I'm getting more value for dollar. Not that the classes aren't worth the price--- the facilities are large and well-stocked, instruction (so far) has been good, firing rates are good (what do I know from firing rates?).

When I learned that the current-session open studio times include 6 hours Saturdays and 4 hours Sundays--- I was very pleased. So I drove down there today and attempted a two-part throw--- lower and upper halves of a "vase", tapering a bit at both ends--- but alas, it was not to be. But I did learn something about it. I also put a coat of glaze on the pitcher (see earlier post): white interior, matte satin blue exterior. That will join the cue for firing in about a week. It will be gratifying to see it finally completed!

Class #2 tomorrow night!

Back at it!

O the joy of mud!

Last night I took the first of a 10-week class in intermediate/self-study wheel throwing! Woo hoo! I've touched the mud again and all is joy and wonder! (No, really!)

This class is offered at the Worcester Crafts Center in (wait for it!).... Worcester, Mass. Seems a well-organized, well-funded outfit. Class is pricey but not outrageous, and there is no materials fee, as you can use the studio's cone 10 stoneware clay and you only pay for what you choose to fire. I threw a large jar last night and tried a lid for it (flopped!) and just returned them both to the bin.

Yea! Back at the wheel again!