Pink …

It’s a real problem.  See the picture of the two bowls?  Both were done in the same glaze, in the same firing.  The bottom one is what I expected on all of the pieces I used that glaze on.  I’ve used it before, and it came out with these beautiful grey and purple sort of swirls.  This time?  Barbie pink.  I mean, BARBIE PINK.  Just imagine food in them …

The kiln was full of shino glazed pieces, and heavily reduced.  Maybe that’s why I got the pink.  Could I recreate it?  Probably not (and maybe that’s a good thing).  But, here’s the weird part.  Just like any other addiction, the suspense of the whole thing is what reels me in.  Because sometimes things turn out like this, but maybe there’s a chance that they will be just spectacular.  Unrepeatable in a fabulous way … and I got a couple of those too.

Ready for a glass case …

These too …

Maybe this one too …

See what I mean?  This just doesn’t happen in an electric kiln … you have to get that clay into wood and burn the heck out of it, invest calories in the things (night sweats from actual heat for a change), grind off drips, etc. to get that toasty warmth from the pieces.  Don’t get me wrong, love my electric kiln and how consistent it is, but geez Louise, this is some crazy shit!  Better than drugs … and leaves you just as worn out and exhausted …

So what now?  I’m drying stuff for the next load.  I am so LUCKY to be included in these wood firings.  This time around though it’s teabowls and cannisters.  Making them for myself I think … Did a set a few firings back in blue, and have decided I’d like a set in a good Malcolm Davis carbon trap.  You’d think I was a dirty girl … want these pots to be sort of narly and mysterious.  You’ll never guess they’ve got sugar and flour in them!  I put the symbol of wind on them (or Celtic swirls, whichever has more meaning for you), because I’m hoping they’ll change as the light hits them.  Trying not to get too precise in my vision, ’cause the fire and ash will change all of that for sure!

drying-bowl

Have to have everything ready by next Friday.  That is through it’s first bisque firing and glazed by Friday morning.  So here’s what I’ve done to dry this piece!  Have a look at the video.  It’s mesmerizing!  Drying by fire, and then tested by fire!  What a combination, eh?

In the midst of this, I’m doing the planning for a retreat I’m leading next March.  Yes, next March.  Can you imagine?  Have a look … I’m going to have fun!  http://www.dharmacentre.org/unfolding-through-art.html.  There’s financial assistance if you need it too … http://www.dharmacentre.org/financial-assistance.html (just saying — I’ve had some of my best experiences up there as a server-meditator).  I’ll have to find a pair of blue pajamas …

Anyway, enough for today.  You know me, always lots to say.  Have to go and trim that bowl now and keep the fire stoked.  Nothing dries down here when there’s a chill in the air.

Hope you’re having a great day!

Susan McD