Two weeks until the Open Studio event on Nov. 16-17. Deadlines are a good thing to keep me moving toward a goal. Had two dear friends spend the night with us recently, and one asked, "How many times do you handle a piece of pottery before it's completed?" "Lots" was my response. Then I thought about the actual steps, most required and a few optional, depending on the piece:
- wedging the clay
- throwing the piece on the wheel
- drying it to leather-hard stage
- trimming
- stamping, carving, or otherwise creating design in the clay
- attaching parts -- handles, spouts, stems, sprigs, etc.
- slip painting
- drying until ready for first firing
- loading into kiln
- bisque firing
- unloading from kiln a couple days later
- washing to remove any clay dust
- adding glaze inlay or embellishing with underglaze or stains
- glazing
- loading into kiln again
- glaze firing
- unloading from kiln a couple days later
- sanding bottoms to be smooth
- pricing
- marketing -- blog, Facebook, galleries and shops, studio display and open house
Yes, the pieces are handled a lot before I say goodbye to them, and there are many opportunities along the way for them to become more or less attractive. Definitely a PROCESS -- and a fun challenge. It's very interesting, in the end, to see what others notice, like, and select. Each piece is unique; what's preferred varies tremendously! Hopefully each piece will find a new home with someone who appreciates its color, shape, purpose, pattern, or something -- maybe its personality! As I wrap a piece in tissue and say goodbye, it's with best wishes!
Having my studio right next door is wonderful -- and now it is time to get over there to move the process along in preparation for the Nov. 16-17 deadline!
Sample pieces completed in the past week include:
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| Snowing plate |
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| French butter dishes |
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| Mug quadruplets |
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| Floral plate |
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| Colander |
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| Mug trio |
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| Yellow flower plate |
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| Pieces unloaded from glaze firing |
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| Pieces yet to be glazed and fired a second time |
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| Yarn bowl |
I'll post more photos before the Open Studio event so you have an even better idea of what to expect.
Hope many of you will try to stop by. Yes, the coffee pot will be on and there will be treats.