My last posting was a year ago and I wasn't consistent even before that. Now that I am not gainfully employed and am able to devote more time to my passion for ceramics, I am hopeful that I will be better at journaling. We'll see!
So what's been going on for the last year in my studio? I glazed my sculpture and am pleased with the way it came out. I posted a photo to compare with the before and after glazing. I also sold (actually donated) a dozen pieces pieces in a fund raising event at my church. It was exciting to see others enjoy my work and to know these favorites of mine are now being enjoyed and used by others.
Also since last May, I switched from a high cone 10 clay body to a cone 5/6 clay body. I did this because I needed access to quality, consistent glazes with better firing results. Because I don't have my own kiln and rely on another studio for glazes and firings, I had to use what was available. I wasn't getting the desired results. Switching to cone 5 gave me more commercially prepared glazing options and I now use only glazes I've purchased or slips I've made myself. I haven't branched out into making my own glazes yet because until I increase my work volume, I'm not ready to invest in purchasing all the different chemicals and ingredients needed to make a glaze.
I'm also still developing my own personal style. My pieces are all over the place and I keep trying different techniques not wanting to settle for one. I like throwing and hand building equally well and when I see a particular shape, whether in nature or elsewhere, I want to see if I can duplicate it.
Anyway, now that I am not working full-time I have more than tripled my time in my home studio. I hope for the first time this fall, I will actually be able to participate in at least one local craft show and sell some pieces.
I heard someone say recently that it takes a long time just to learn how to work with the clay; before you can ever get really good at making something. There is so much to learn first, so much trial and error. If you want to work with clay, you have to love the process. If you want instant gratification, clay is not the medium for you. I love working in clay and the anticipation of waiting to see if my next project will work. I've learned more from my failures than from my successes.
My goal this summer is to spend more time in the studio, branch out in my decorating and glazing techniques, perhaps make a couple glaze recipes from scratch and keep my blog more current. Oh yes... get my own kiln.
