Week after TWO :)

Whew!  Almost forgot to post a blog for this past week.  Would have been bad J 

Anyhow, this past week was quite eventful.  We have finally hit the ground running on building the new train kiln.  As you will see from the photos-it is hard work, but it will definitely be worth it! Not to mention, being able to be a part of this-I am also learning valuable knowledge that will also help me in some of my plans for my home.  Laying a good foundation is paramount in anything one does! (Thank you Steph for the photos included in this blog)

I also got more opportunity to research the necessities of my solo show for this semester.  For instance, I don’t need to make as many pieces as I first thought because it would cause too much clutter in the Spacelab.  Seeing that my show is about a form of simplicity-clutter is bad (thank you Brian!).  Even though I do not have to make as many pieces, I am not content to lessen the challenge on myself.  I am going to try to make this a show to remember (at least for me and those who will attendJ).   I have included a few more photos of a few of the pieces in progress for your viewing pleasure.

I am also excited to say that I will also be experimenting with engobes this semester!  I have discovered some older recipes and a well-equipped glaze room that will help me on this endeavor.  Not to mention, an amazingly open-minded professor that is supportive of my experimenting endeavors!

Lastly, I have begun my experimentation of working with slabs to create unique cups and other functional ware.  I have included a photo of my very first slab cup.

Until next week-“rollin, rollin, rollin keep dem slabs-a-rollin, CLAY HIGH!!”

Week TWO

And it has begun…sculpting, building, throwing, glazing and firing has now ensuedJ  Oh, how I have missed being in the studio!  I got approval to begin my endeavor of creating my first solo show this semester.  Along with my solo show, I also got approval to move forward with the train kiln project and the components that will go within.

I am quite excited with my plans for these projects!  I am planning on making some really unique slab tumblers for the train kiln (I can’t wait to see how they fire!).  Besides, wood fire throwing has been done so many times-let’s spice it up a bit J  However, I have begun throwing some on my kick wheel.  By the end of the semester, my legs should be like iron!

I have also begun the pieces for my solo show this week.  I am really looking forward to doing these pieces and hosting a show.  I just hope that my nerves can handle it!  Hey, keep it simple right?  I have included a beginning picture of one of the pieces that will be in the show.

This week alone, I have researched a new clay body recipe, a new glaze recipe and have made glaze patties and glaze tiles.  Busy, busy, busy.  I will be making the new clay body next week along with glazing those tiles and some very patient pieces.  Not to mention, I will be running the slabs for the train kiln pieces and building more pieces for my show.

Here is a few snapshots for your viewing pleasureJ (and don’t forget to feed the fishies!)

WOO HOO!!! I'M BACK!!!

It is Spring 2012, and I am so glad to be back in the ceramics studio!  After a horrible six month medical detention from the studio-I can’t tell you just how good it feels to have my hands back in clay! 

My kiln is up and running too!  As I write this blog, it is cooling from its first bisque and I can’t wait to see the results.  I had to overcome a couple of minor obstacles to get the kiln going (finding the electrical wire rated for its draw and installing a bigger breaker) but nonetheless, I am rolling now!

This week, I got to begin making tiles (cylinders) to begin our class component of experimental glaze techniques.  I am very interested to see how this experiment turns out.  I will also be making my own tiles for glaze experimentation in my home studio.  I want to do this “double-duty” because I want to see the results for cone 6 glaze techniques as well as cone 10. Also, because cone 6 will be the main cone I fire to in my home kiln.  My kiln can go to cone 10, but I am not ready to wear out the elements just yet J 

I have also begun my sketch plans for the items I will be firing in the train kiln we will be building this semester.  I am so anxious to get the experience of building a kiln under my belt!  It will be great!!  Right now, this IS definitely a once in a lifetime experience!  Really, how many times will I get the chance to say that I helped build a kiln?  Hopefully, I will get more opportunities, but to keep on the safe-side, this is the only one I know of for the nearest futureJ

I have also done some sketches for a solo show I would like to pursue for this semester.  I am quite nervous about doing my own show, but I am ready to take it on in all its glory!  I can’t wait to get feedback from my professor so I can get going on the pieces J

Below, are a few photos from this week.  Included is a photo of the first set of glaze tubes,  a visiting artist snapshot, and a couple from my first bisque firing process in my home studio.

Until next week!