First Fall Firing done....

This is an accumulation of work from the summer.  Basically, each piece is carved then dark slip is trailed into the carved lines.  The slip is wiped away leaving only the slip in the line.  From there decorations are painted on in various ways.  All of this is done on a porcelain clay body (or at least I thought it was all porcelain - some obviously isn't since it has a darker tint).  I'm going to include pics of the "in process" work prior to the final firing.

 There will be more of these bowls coming...I like the combination of texture and color.

 Details of big bowl.

I think these are my favorites - simpler pattern.

These are NOT porcelain, but they are growing on me.

 Just some heart shaped bowls.

I like these too! The cross hatches are becoming a favorite design.

Sponsor Award at Art Central

Quilts while they were a work in progress.

This is the beginning of my quilt pieces.  I sold a triptych at Spiva Center for the Arts (Joplin) last year at the Midwest Clay Artists show.  The two comments I received were "They were too inexpensive (an easy fix) and that there should be a larger installation".  So with that in mind, I expanded the three pieces to six.  Then at the last minute I decided to enter those in the membership show at Art Central (Carthage).  I was pleasantly surprised when I won the Sponsor Award.

Quilts as seen at Art Central

And I like the way the director chose to hang them.  I guess that is one of the really cool features in regards to this work.  You can change the look according to how you decide to hang each piece.  Fun and a little different than most work that I do...future exploration?  Probably.  I tend to "revisit" past ideas as my confidence and skill level advances.  So much to do with clay, so little time!

Thanks for visiting!!

Follow up to the 18 Hands post

Just thought that I'd add a bit to the 18 Hands post.  I guess you could say that I sold three pieces from that show...if you count the one that the USPS bought from me.  To make it clear, that means that one piece was broken in transit to Houston.   Oh well, they have already cut me a check for it.  Let me add a side note to those of you who just might be thinking about mailing your work to other locations....ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS get the insurance.  It's not much more to have that peace of mind and I've used it more than once in the last month.

I was happy to know that two other works were purchased out right.  Nice to know that my work is being enjoyed by someone more than likely in Texas.   The sugar bowl and the vase were both sold.  I'm relieved to have that little creamer back.  It's mine.  There is just something about it that I really enjoy.

I'm back in the MSSU studio and glazed the other night, so hopefully in the next couple weeks there will be more pics of finished works.  I feel guilty about not updating my blog and my website, but the only pics I have now are all works in progress.  So please, be patient...more will follow.

Went to a show in Mt. Vernon a couple weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised about the out come.  Good sales plus a orders besides.  This Saturday will be Chanute, KS and it has been good in the past.  Hopefully, I'll feel the need to get more productive after thatn

Look forward to more....

Here is an example of what part of my distractions have been this summer...

Always loved watercolors...have an excellent instructor and been researching the art quite a bit.

Work accepted into the "Dining In VII" exhibit in Houston!

I have pieces accepted into the 18 Hands Gallery in Houston for the show "Dining In: An Artful Experience VII" to be held August 2nd - 31st.

I had all three entries accepted.  Pics attached.

Here is a blurb from the prospectus:

"This exhibit is open to all artists in the US working in clay:  work must have been completed within the past 18 months.  All submitted entries must represent tableware, either functional or decorative.


All accepted entries will compete for "Best of Show" Award.  The winner of the award will receive $200.  "Best of Show" will be announced during the Opening Reception and images of the winning piece will be featured on 18 Hands Gallery website during the month of August.

"Dining In VII" is a juried exhibtion on display through the month of August 2014 with an opening reception to be held during the Houston Heights "White Linen Night" celebration on August 2nd.  The exhibit will feature handmade items for the well-appointed dining table.  This includes plates, chargers, bowls, candle holders, tureens, ladles, centerpiece, etc.  Complete place settings are also welcomed and count as a single entry."

more experiments

Here are some more 2014 firings that aren't in the "blossom" series....experiments with coloration and throwing techniques...

firings for 2014

I can't believe I've not posted anything since Christmas. Well, I'm trying some new things which seem to be finding favorable feedback. Hope you enjoy them too!

Merry Christmas firing!!

Such a blessed time of the year...what a wonderful firing to end the year!  I hope to add to this collection with bowls and plates in the same pattern.  I want to thank all the wonderful people who have made me smile with all the compliments and by buying my work.  It's always nice to hear how one of my pieces has become a favorite in someone's cupboard. 

This has been a rather difficult year becoming a true empty nester, but I've come to realize how truly blessed that I am....again, thank you all!!