Spinning Madly On

I finally logged onto my blog today and was shocked to see it has been 7 weeks since my last post.  I knew it had been a while . . . I have a lot to get caught up on.   In the weeks Ive been away, I planted flowers in many pots and baskets on our deck . . . strawberries. . . and a vegetable garden below.  And, soccer is finally over.  We hosted the Never Ending Soccer Season Year End Party at our house last night.  We estimate half our games this Spring were rained out and rescheduled extending the season beyond our imaginations.  Tryouts for “next season”  begin in a week.  Lacrosse also ended in a glorious tournament Mothers Day Weekend. . . football is beginning.  All Star Cheerleading just goes on forever.  My children are now out of school for the summer.    My husband has been traveling weekly. . . leaves for China tomorrow.  And,  I had a birthday. . . .   a birthday party . . . . and started shopping for shorts examining the the length wondering if they were appropriate for “my age.”   Hmmmmm. . . . .  

Anyway. . . on a brighter note, I participated in the Clay West Show last weekend.  Traffic was steady and sales were pretty good. I entered a large faceted soup tureen with ladle and set of bowls for the juried portion of the show and was very honored to have my work selected by  Rick Berman  for an Honorable Mention.   I was the only potter to have received a nod with the other awards going to a two sculptors and a hand builder.   My favorite part of the juried show is the comments left to each artist who submits work.  I really appreciate the feedback and the time taken to offer it.

I also was lucky enough to snag  a wonderful pair of cups by Debra Fritts and I then when I got home, I found myself stashing them in a different cabinet . . . away from the “other cups” . . . .  and so I’m wondering . . .  have you ever felt “selfish” with a new acquisition???

Last month, I had the chance to watch Jennifer McCurdy demonstrate her process at Spruill Center for the Arts here in Atlanta.    Her delicate forms are inspired by nature and her process to achieve them is very interesting.

Jennifer wedges her clay the night before with “100 strokes” to align the clay particles.  Then she lets the balls of clay set up overnight under plastic.  She uses water only in the very beginning of her throwing process to center the clay and make the first few pulls.  After she has a tall, thick walled cylinder, she shifts to dry throwing using two oval shaped aluminium ribs.  Using a smaller rib on the inside and a larger rib on the outside, she slowly bellies the form, her hands working in unison.  

Jennifer explained the success of this process comes from the lack of water (which could weaken the clay wall) combined with  the compression achieved from working the ribs together.  She prefers using metal ribs for their flexibility as she manuevers to pull up the belly, and pull “down the shoulder.  They also offer the most surface tension for the least amount of  surface “drag.”  I was amazed as she proved this point by shaping one porcelain demo pot for 45 minutes!  I had always thought that I had to to achieve a porcelain form  very quickly or lose the shape to some variety of slumping!  

Another benefit of working so dry is that Jennifer was able to begin altering her form nearly right off the wheel.   Within 30-45 minutes, the bottle had lost its “tacky” surface and she was able to begin lobing it.  Some discussion ensued regarding the popular use of heat guns or blow torches to “speed up” the readiness for alteration.  Jennifer explained that she does not use that technique because it creates a dynamic where the outer “skin” of the pot is dryer than the inside .  . and sooner or later the two moisture levels fight against each other and the stress causes cracking.  She likes for the moisture level to be as even as possible which is critically important for how extensively she alters and cuts away her forms.

I learned so much by watching Jennifer’s process and gained a real appreciation for the success of her methods.   I hope this summary has helped you as well.

 . . . and so is little Georgie (short for Georgia).

I met my new favorite friend on Naples Beach today.  She was especially excited about what we were making and offered her help. Georgie is a very articulate 3 year old who charmed me no end with excesses of personality.   

As those of us who play with clay know, compression is a big deal if your work is to succeed. . . .  but it may be an even bigger thing in sand. (except you achieve “sand compression” with the Arch Enemy of Clay . . . Water).   The secret to building big on the beach is making the basic form from really wet sand. . . . mixing it as you go, even.  We started with the big pile of wrecked sandcastle from yesterday – filling the hole and spreading many buckets of water over it.  More sand, more water, more sand . .  more water. And so it went until we had the general lump of the turtle formed.  Then,  it is pretty easy going to just carve away . . . sculpting the shape with whatever tools you’ve got.  

Later, when my biological help had faded off to ride the surf . . . and check out boys at the Pier . . . Georgie wandered over and offered her talent.  She found seashells and put them on the turtle’s legs.  But the most exciting moment was witnessing the miracle of compression when Georgie sat her little 30 lb body on his head . . (to ride the turtle) . .  .and it actually held!  

Then, she chopped off his tail. . . . I hope I get the pleasure of seeing more of Georgie this week.

Why you no update your blog???

Its been a month, too long, I know . . .so I thought I would check in, give a little update.   First off, I am enjoying this week with my family in beautiful Naples, Florida . . . and the break is giving me a good chance to catch up reading my favorite blogs and finally update my own with a few posts about what Ive been doing.

In the last month, I’ve been working in wet clay some, trying to work out some new forms.    Ive been experimenting altering some work on the wheel, fresh off the wheel, and at soft leather hard . .. trying to get to know the limits of my clay body.  (and I have found many)   I’ve come to an understanding that I want  my clay to be MUCH softer for wheel work than what comes out of the bag.   Ive been using either Standard #104 (grog) or Standard #103 (no grog) depending on what Im making.    But my best results have come if I slice the bag of clay up, wrap it in damp towels for a day or two, and re-wedge. .. . does anyone else do this to get the right consistency?  Or do you have another suggestion?

I’ve also heard that if you get your own claybody mixed, it is softer . . . true or not true?  I’ve got a few earthenware bodies I could try and a friend who might split a minimium order with me. . .  but I would love some thoughts about this if anyone has an opinion.

Next thing Ive been up to is mixing slips and some new batches of terra sig.  This time I made a small batch using Red Art, for a red based sig, and  then my usual one using XX Sagger.  AJ (at Art Center West) mentioned to me that he thought OM-4 ball clay would produce a tighter surface, since it is a true ball clay and XX Sagger can be considered a fire clay.  I thought about this . . but since I glaze over the terra sig, I really do not want a tighter surface.    Does anyone have any thoughts about using one ball clay over another for terra sig?

It seems the whole country got a March blast of winter last weekend . . . including us in Atlanta.  I did not get any photos . . . too busy playing in it myself!   Anyway, it was beautiful here Sunday afternoon, with big flakes falling from the sky, accumulated  2 or 3 inches, just enough for snow balls and a few runs with a sled (yes we have one “just in case” – kids have been able to use it twice in 5 years).  My good friend Judy captured a few nice winter shots from her house on Sunday.  School was even closed for a “snow day” on Monday (even though most of it had melted).    

 This is a curry chicken soup that is great on a cold day and even my pickiest eater likes it.  The vegetables and rice absorb the curry flavor and the apple adds a touch of sweetness .

Ingredients:  

2 TBSP olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1 granny smith apple, peeled, cored and chopped

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped

1/2 cup flour

2-3 teaspoons curry powder

5 cups chicken broth

1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained

salt and pepper to taste

2 cups hot cooked rice

Directions:

1.  Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.  

2.  Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, green pepper, apple, and chicken, and saute for about 15 minutes.  Turn the heat to low.

3.  In a small bowl, mix together the flour and curry powder.

4.  Add the mixture to the pot, then stir and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.

5.  Add the chicken broth and tomatoes.

6.  Partially cover the pot and simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

7.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

8.  To serve, place about 1/4 cup rice in the bowl and ladle the soup over the rice .

Makes about 8 cups.

Last weekend I was able to attend a workshop at Art Center West given by Ben Carter and  Patrick Coughlin.  These two guys are studio mates working on their MFAs at University of Florida studying under ceramic masters Matt Long and Linda Arbuckle.  Together, they put on a most entertaining and informative day.  

Ben demo’d some of his altered forms, including an altered cup as well as shared his slip and stencil techniques.   He had some interesting thoughts about handles that I captured on video . . . and he demo’d what he termed his “Matt Long Handle”

But first, let me apologize in advance for my really bumpy camera!  It is quite distracting at times . . . I admit I was watching him, not my camera and it shows . . . but I hope you find Ben’s thoughts worth enduring my poor skills. . .

I am working on some plates where the customer wants a different foot than what I usually do so she can hang it on the wall if she decides.   I experimented last week and wound up messing them all up . . . I either tried to do the foot too soon and could not keep the plate flat . . .  or waited too long and then could not make a good attachment.  

We have decided to go with a small flattened ball on the bottom  with holes in each so that it could be strung with a wire at some point.

I make my plates from a bisque mold that I threw on the wheel.  The mold is the shape of the negative space that exists under the rim.  I like this method because it allows me to repeat the same size plate with the exact same rim rise . . .  and I like the variance I get with a hand cut rim.   I learned this method from Kari Radasch . . . really cool potter.

So I roll out a slab and lay it over top  of this mold (which is sitting on a banding wheel).  Last week I was rolling the slabs 1/4 inch thick but  had trouble keeping the plate flat after I put the foot on . . . even after they had set up.  This week I increased the thickness to 3/8″ inch and it seems to have made the world of difference.  So then I use a square of felt (filled with rice and tied off) . . .  to gently impress the clay down into the mold.  I really like the texture left on the clay by the felt fabric. . . .it is very subtle.  Then I cut the outside rim with an exacto knife, imprint the edge with one of my stamps . . . and let it set up, loosely covered, on a piece of sheetrock.  But HOW LONG????   That is the question that has been making me crazy . . . last week it was either not long enough or my plates were too thin for this type of foot because when I tried to apply a soft ball of clay, I ruined them.

Today, I had more success.  The plate seemed a true leather hard. . .. but the clay used for the feet was very soft.  I was able to level the plate and it seemed to hold.  We shall see now, as it dries.  I feel like that is when my mistakes come back to haunt me . . . . 

So what do your feet look like?  Do you have any tips for this?  What about wheel thrown plates . . . how do you keep the rim rise consistent . . . or do you not care about that?

My attention shifted back to family last week as I prepared for our oldest daughter’s 15th birthday on Friday.  I have a tradition with my kids where I take them out to lunch on their birthday . .. . the restaurant of their choosing.  This year, Kayla chose Pastis . . . a French bistro near our home.  They have this great second floor balcony/porch that you can eat out on . . .live music . .  wonderful place to share a bottle of wine when it is warm out.  This is her taste!  We enjoyed a very nice lunch out on the balcony  . . .  it is fun to consider my kids’birthday  restaurant choices . . . my son wants Burger King . .. and my middle daughter likes off the beaten path “holes in the wall” . . . 

We also got to “enjoy” the DMV experience on Friday  as she attempted to get her learners permit!  We arrived with an hour before closing (website said we had to be there 30 minutes before for her to take the exam).  We waited in line for 25 minutes in order to take a number . . . . while we were waiting, we chatted with another family who explained that after we wait in this line (for the number) , we will then wait in another line to have her documents checked (birth certificate, school attendance form, etc.) . . . then another line to have her vision tested . . .  another line for the written exam . . . . wait some more for the results of the exam . . . and then we wait in another line in another area to have her photo taken for the permit . . . and then we wait for it to be ready.  It took them 3 hours a year ago.   When we finally got to the man giving out numbers . . . he told us it was too late!  We had waited so long for the number that she was not even allowed to get into any of the other lines . . . even though we were still within the window that the website had noted.   So, we wasted a Friday afternoon . . .  they were closed on Saturday for Valentines Day (not Presidents Day . . . the website actually said Valentines Day!!!!) . . . so we will try again today.  This time, I am taking her out of school early . .  missing two classes, just to have three hours to get her learners permit.  (update:  took 4 hours to get it on Tuesday)

On a brighter note . . . I took my son to buy a kayak yesterday.  He has had this dream since seeing some whitewater kayakers plunging down an embankment into a fast moving creek up in the Smoky Mountains a year or two ago. . . . thought it looked like the most fun ever.  He has been saving his money and was finally ready.  We are fortunate to have a fantastic shop  Go With the Flow just a mile from our house. With the Chattahoochee River just a couple of miles away and the North Georgia Mountains beginning just an hour away,  we have a lot of kayaking in our area. . . the store is owned by two brothers, David and Barrett Schubert . . . who have an incredible  passion for this sport. They fixed my son up with a very lightweight boat that he can carry himself – no skirt until he feels totally comfortable getting in and out .  They sized him with a whitewater paddle which is shorter so he can manage it better (and it will serve him when he is ready for some rapids). . . .  a vest with some pockets for his cargo (maybe a walkie talkie . . . his ipod, whatever). No helmet until he learns to roll – I wonder how much time I have before that? (I think we will need the skirt before then). Anyway, they were pretty excited to sell this boat to him –   at age 10, they said he is their youngest customer!   I never saw a happier boy than the one on our lake yesterday . . . and . . .

 the view from my studio just got a little bit sweeter!

On Monday I threw some straight sided bowls and a bunch of handles to attach on Tuesday.  On Tuesday, my husband had his 5th in (or) out patient surgery in 4 weeks.  It proved too long a day to put the handles on.  But I slept easy . . . they were covered in plastic.  On Wednesday I learned, not quite well enough – they were too dry to attach.  I was reminded that items made at the same time do not dry at the same rate, even with plastic . . .it is all about the volume .  So I dipped the handles  in a water, stuck them in a damp box  . . . believing I could turn back time.  On Thursday, I discovered  improvement. . . sort of, but when I cut them to size,  they were not plastic enough to conform to the curve of the bowl.  

And now the bowls were getting too dry . . . plastic keeps only so much moisture in.  So I dipped the bowls in a bucket of water, put them in a damp box.   I threw new handles.  The second time around is not nearly as fun.  Today I sit at the hospital waiting on the 6th surgery .  . . which is promised to be the last . . . .trying to figure out how I managed to get on this road . . . . it remindes me of this crazy roundabout  in Pittsburgh – if you do not anticipate your exit exactly right, you  just keep going around . . .

No matter what happens tonight . . . I am attaching handles to bowls!

(this time I really did make it back . . . . . )