FINAL Preparations

How sad that it is almost the last week of this semester L  Never fear though!  I have big plans for my ceramic work this summer!  I plan on getting quite a few of the projects that have been back logging in my head completed.  From making a new set of dinnerware and beverage ware for my home, beginning my Honors Project endeavor, making long awaited gifts and plenty of experimentation are to be had. 

This past week was mandatory clean up in the school studio.  It went fairly well-however, I am not used to not cleaning up the whole area-guess Ian’s class gets to have fun with that partJ  I just hope they can do as good a job as we usually can.  No worries.  We did get to clean up our caged area, the annex and most of the kiln room. 

We also discussed the criteria for Finals and I must say it is going to be really sad to have to say goodbye to “Big Eddie.”  I did make a couple of homage sculptures to light up for the farewell ceremony (pictures below).  It would be nice if all the advanced students could get to keep a piece of “Big Eddie” for remembrance purposes in our own home studios J  Either way, it will be good to know that he will live on within other kilns in the college studio J

I also took the time to take some quick captures of my home studio so everyone could know where I spend a great deal of my time J  Be warned though-the pictures show that I really get into my artwork!  So messy!  However, the mess will be cleaned very soon to make way for my summer projects in there J

Until next week’s FINAL post-GET DIRTY and CREATE ART!!

Open House & Wood Fire

The past week was not as nice as I would have liked it to be.  However, the days roll by. 

The train kiln was unloaded on Tuesday and I must say that, at first, I was not too terribly impressed.  Then I looked again and seen some qualities that are appealing.  I am hoping that by learning from this first run-I will be able to better prep my pieces for full benefit firing.  That is-IF- we get to fire again.  I had heard that the first firing of a wood kiln are not as nice because the kiln needs to be seasoned.  I can see where this is true.  Either way, I am still loving the experience.

The Fine Arts Open House went as well as could be expected.  I know that the attendance was definitely down from previous years and I can only wonder if it is because it was held almost two weeks earlier or if the advertising of it was not sufficient enough?  Regardless, I think it went well overall and I heard many compliments for the Fine Arts department and the Dirt Bags J  Unfortunately, due to unexpected, nasty illness-I was not able to help with setup as much as I would have liked to and usually get to do L  No worries-they did an excellent job and I am very proud to be a part of the Dirt Bags!

PS: Only two weeks left of the semester-get dirty!

*Not sure why these didn't load the first time :( But here you go :)

WHEW!!! just WHEW!!!!

Boy, it sure has been a very busy and hectic couple of weeks with a not nearly long enough hiatus in the middle of it!!

First week (3/18-24) was fret with firing and glazing my show pieces.  Thankfully I got them all glazed and fired safely before my much needed hiatus in the mountains.  They patiently waited for my return for their final touches.

 I also had the privilege of attending an amazing workshop and lecture by visiting artist Mark Cole! He is such an amazing and funny artist.  I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I had already discovered some his master techniques on my own within my work, but I was super excited to learn new techniques from him as well!

Second week (3/31-4/8) I dove right into the finishing touches for my show pieces as soon as I returned from the mountainsJ  Doing the finishing touches was just as much fun as making the pieces themselves!!  I really liked how they turned out and I am very proud that I was able to make them 90% or better ceramic!  Setting up for the show proved to take longer than I had expected.  Thank fully, I was able to begin setup a day earlier than planned thanks to Ian J 

As for the show and the critique, I think they both went VERY well!!  So many good suggestions and positive energy during critique followed by a super packed attendance at the show opening!  I think it may have been all the food ;) Which, by the way, there wasn’t any food left by time the opening was over-sweet!

We also got to load and fire the awesome train kiln this weekend J Unfortunately, due to family obligations-I wasn’t able to take as much part in the firing process as I would have liked.  I can only hope that when we do the next fire, I can partake in the process more J  I cannot wait to see how the pieces came out (maybe by Wednesday). Too bad two of my pieces didn’t make it into the fire because of flashing slip issues. No worries though, I will get them in the next fire and make doubly sure the slip is thinner than last time J

Please enjoy the photos and HOPPY EASTER!!!