Every child is an artist. The problem is staying an artist when you grow up."- Pablo Picasso

"The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless." - Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Monday 6 April 2015

Life goes on....

Well.... I'm not blogging as much as I would like to.  Lots going on and priorities shifted. As we all know about life... Sometimes things don't go as planned.   I've had my share.  One thing about getting older.... you learn that what makes you happy when you wake up in the morning, and keeps you smiling throughout the day, becomes more important.  It's funny (or ironic), since if one thinks about it, making pottery is like life.  You start with that ball of clay and start making something that you think you have total control of.  Sometimes it turns out as planned, sometimes we all know it ends up to be something completely different... or worse yet... in your slop pail waiting for the next attempt.  That's what makes pottery exciting, you really don't know how the end will be, until the final firing in the kiln.  Although we all like to think we know what that end result will be.... we all know that at any time, something could go wrong.  But... we do savour those glorious moments.... when the end result is exactly or even better than anticipated.  Those are the moments we embrace....

On a lighter note... it is spring... although up here in Northern Ontario, there doesn't seem to be an end to seeing snow on the ground.  But... I did see a robin yesterday!   So there is definitely hope.  (I'm sure he's wishing he didn't fly north so soon!)

I have been playing in the mud, because that's what makes me happy!  Tried a new spring green, which I thought was a good choice for this time of year.  Nothing like a splash of colour to brighten your day!   I have a couple of pics to share, sorry about the quality.  
Until next time... and remember... keep smiling! :)

Friday 17 October 2014

Has it been that long?!

I can't believe how time is flying by! It doesn't seem that long ago that I posted my last blog... But it has been a very long time.  Summer just came and went, and soon, old man winter will be upon us. Crazy!
I did manage to complete a load before the summer.  But once that warm weather comes, that's it for me! I'm all about being out at the lake, and soaking up as much heat as possible..... Because in these neck of the woods... The warm season doesn't last very long. :(
So, aside from the busy aspects of life, I have been enjoying some playing in the mud! I had another successful show in September.  This was my third year participating in the juried show.  It was once again an awesome experience.  People are actually starting to come to see me.... That in itself, is more rewarding than the sales at the end of the day. A great feeling as an artist. 
I'm in one other big show in November, which is always great for those Christmas shoppers.  I still continue to have pieces at the Art Gallery Gift Shop. This also has been a great experience. 
All this aside, I just unloaded a bisque.  I have another load of greenware almost ready. I'll post a couple of pics to show some of my recent work.  

Three vases I was happy with.  Left one was my favourite. :)



I've been having fun with Mayco washes.  Works great on burlap impressions!  Also tried a couple of new combinations.  New Satin Black glaze, which I really like.




This is it for now.  Will give another update once I finish a glaze load.  Until then... happy potting!

Sunday 19 January 2014

The Start of a New Year....


Well...we are definitely having quite the winter up here in Northern Ontario.  I haven't seen this much snow since I was a young girl.  It just won't stop... the minute there's a break, it starts again.  But, it is quite beautiful....

For those who don't get to see it, this picture was taken  yesturday out at our cabin that is situated on 200 acres. It's on an island about an hour east of where I live.   It's my husbands hunting cabin, but it's also our little piece of peaceful paradise.  These trees are Hemlocks, and our property is full of them.  Love the way they hold the weight of the snow. 





As for pottery....We are now in the New Year and production has started! Although my definition of production is not quite the same as other potters! I have been doing my best to get a nice stalk of what I have come to see as the bigger sellers.  So I have been making double attached bowls, garlic graters, chip n dip bowls, and berry bowls.  Once I get going on my slab roller, I'll be making more rectangular platters and decrative square plates, and most definitely Christmas ornaments!   I do have some requests for mugs, so I'll be doing those as well.  I do need to make some pieces for myself! That's something I don't do enough of.  My husband always asks me, "why aren't we eating off your dishes!?"  He is right!  I can't argue with that!  So I will be making myself a few "good" pieces.  

 Here are those mugs in progress...














I now have selected pieces at one place for sale.  Makes it easier form me to keep track of things, and it's great exposure.  (If someone has a good inventory system they use for their ware, I would love to hear about it!)   I decided to limit my commissioned sales to our local Art Gallery Gift Shop.  So, I keep a limited amount there.  I will be boxing the majorty of my pieces for the fall shows.  
These are pretty much my goals as of now. I do need to throw in some creative pieces in the mix... That's where I have my most fun of course!  
Happy throwing!!!  

Sunday 22 December 2013

Winter,Christmas, & Last Kiln Load!

We have been getting quite a bit of snow up here! I really don't mind the snow, just hate when it's too cold to enjoy the snow. Snow brightens up the day, and always puts a smile on my face when I look out into my backyard and see that winter wonderland. We are surrounded by one of the most naturally beautiful areas in Ontario. I'm lucky to live on two acres of land, and have a five minute drive to work, and a 35 minute drive to our summer cottage on Lake Superior. I wouldn't trade it for the world! I do have an appreciation for our four seasons, and I have learned that one needs to enjoy each one in some way or form. Just need to embrace the uncontrolable!... Look how much fun he's having?! ;)
















I was finally able to do one last firing before Christmas. It is definitely cutting it close for those few Christmas gifts in there! It was a decent firing, with pretty much what I was hoping for. Here is a couple of pics of some pieces. I tested out a new satin black, with a dip of creme on the tip, I see some potential with that combo. Looking forward to trying it with some other glazes. When time permits I'll post a YouTube video of my last two loads with better photos.







































I would like to take the time in wishing 
everyone near and far a very 
Merry Christmas and all the best in 2014!!!

Monday 18 November 2013

The Struggle with $$$$$!


This was something I came across a couple of years ago when I was surfing the web for some advise on pricing pottery.   This is an on going battle for me, and I believe when starting off, it is something that everyone struggles with.  I'm finally getting a grasp on it, but on occasion I still have my doubts.  I thought I'd share some words of wisdom from someone who has experience in the life of being a potter.  I believe she makes some valid points and has helped me understand, hopefully it will shed some light on others who are struggling. Enjoy!

random thoughts on pricing and making a living
Ellen Currans on thu 29 jul 10

Just my opinion and it applies only to functional pottery I know very little about ceramic art or sculpture. Pricing is local. The same mug by the same potter can be sold for more money in some places than it can in others: big, more sophisticated cities versus small towns; college connected, long running craft fairs versus Saturday markets; in a highly regarded gallery versus your own back yard sale. Work by a well known potter will sell for more than very similar work by new potters. It takes time to be known and for your work to have a following. Mugs sell themselves once you have learned  how to make a good one that people love and simply must have for every cup of coffee, even when it is in the dishwasher. Selling well has a lot to do with making pots people want to buy.  (Just think about that for awhile.) In tough times they have to REALLY want to buy, and usually they want something they need or can really use, or that lifts their spirits in some undefinable way.
You are not obligated to price your work to support the prices other potters may be asking. If you are a beginner your work probably isn't worth the higher price anyway. Perhaps their $40 mugs aren't worth $40 either. Be a bit humble in pricing at the beginning and raise your prices as your work justifies it. It is really hard to lower prices on the same work when the public has become accustomed to certain price points. Earlier purchasers will feel cheated, and others will wonder why you are underselling your own work. 
Making lots of (well thought out) pots and selling them is the key to making better and better pots. There is nothing wrong with selling beginning work to people who want to buy it. We do not live in a society that supports us while we break up everything we make for years and years. Keep working on your skills so that you become the potter who can easily make many pots efficiently and quickly..., rather than just the few we all hover over as beginners. Very few potters make big money or become famous, but many have managed to make a good life. Expect to live carefully and frugally. Appreciate spouses, partners, friends and family who support what you are doing. Learn as much as you can from those with skills to teach you because the more you can do for yourself the less money you will need to pay out for services.
Older potters are not looking down on beginners when they give advice about making your own clay and glazes, or learning to weld. They are sharing with you hard won information that has made it possible for them to succeed. We are all free to go about our clay life as we wish. Make our own or buy glazes, stop for a $3.50 latte every morning or make leaf tea, dig our own clay or never recycle ready made. It is our choice. We get to choose the parts we like and ignore the rest, and perhaps we succeed...... or not.
Potting part time does not mean you are not a serious or good potter. Starting late in life does not mean you are not a serious or good potter. Using low fire glazes in an electric kiln does not mean you are not a serious or good potter. The size and beauty of your studio (closet, garagio, where ever you work) does not mean you are a good or poor potter--we all start where we can.  Firing in the more esoteric kilns or having your work in the magazines does not necessarily mean you are a serious or good potter, nor do the degrees behind your name. Eventually, the work speaks for itself.  Most of us have missed some part of the necessary education for being a potter. Hopefully, not as badly as the art teacher Logan
has been asked to help. It is up to us to learn what we need to know to succeed. I am appalled at how many potters do not bother to read books or magazines and keep them around to refer back to.
The wealth of information available to us is mind boggling. All the glazes and techniques and firing schedules and tools to make are available in abundance. Skip a few high priced workshops and buy books. The more you know about the craft the better able you will be to survive tough times. Many good potters who were setting the rules for show or guild entries some years back, are now doing something else because they could not adapt their way of working or selling to make enough money to live on.

Ellen Currans
Working in clay for over 50 years through all the stages of novice, part-time, workshop junkie, wheel in the kitchen corner, lugging pots and kids to fairs for many years, easing my studio into a bigger and better space from time to time, selling comfortably and then selling all I can make, and now trying to scale back my work to adjust to some kind of semi-retirement at 77. But not quitting. There is always something new to learn. 

Monday 11 November 2013

Last Show

This past Saturday I was in a very large arts and crafts show.  It was a first time event at this location, and what a great surprise! I'm sure once the word is out in our small community it will become even larger.   I was able to get some amazing feedback from the community, and as always, it was great exposure. Having only been making pottery for four years now, it was quite intimidating being in a room with very experienced potters. Especially when you walk by their table and see the amount that they have on display. I have to remind myself that this is a hobby for me and most importantly, they are all retired and have the time!   Come to think of it, I'm probably one of the youngest potters in town! That's probably why my Mom (my little helper), is always mistaken as the potter! :) Overall, I think many people appreciated my work and many made a point in expressing their admiration in my style of pottery.  
I make a point in going into shows with very low expectations in sales, especially since there were a few other potters included.  This show surprisingly exceeded my expectations. That of course is always a good thing... Especially when it's time to pack things up at the end of a show!  A sure sign is when you are left with some empty boxes! ;)
I would also like to add that my Christmas ornaments were a big hit!  I've already confirmed a spot for next years show, so I'll be sure to add to my ornament collection! 
Here's a picture of my set up,  it was a small space, but I managed!


Wednesday 6 November 2013

I made it!

Yes I did!   One last kiln firing before my next show! I will have to admit it was a good one!  I think I have found what may be my next favorite!  Like I have said before, I'm loving this buff clay I've been trying out. It gives the glazes a whole new dimension.  It's just... Yummy.  
This is it, Mayco Manganese Wash on the outside, Iron Red on the rim, then Gun Metal Green.  Wow!   Happy, happy!  Love the runs! It's funny because my eyes are drawn to these cups. I have them sitting on the counter and all I want to do is stare at them!   It definitely takes me to a happy place!  



Here are a few more pieces that I would like to share.  I used burlap for texture on the outside of this vase.  


This is another vase using cedar branches for texture. I added my signature piece of driftwood wrapped in place with copper.




These are my Christmas ornaments, I found this idea of the stars on Pinterest.  I joined the two cut out stars at the points and made it look more 3D.  I used Mayco washes on at least one side so that I could place the star directly on the shelf. Didn't want to bother with stilling all of them. I like them! Very country rustic I think. Hopefully they will go well at the sale. I just don't know what to charge!  That is a whole other topic, and something I struggle with!


So the show is this weekend, and I'm hoping I survive. Had to leave town unexpectedly, and won't be back until this Friday.  Although everything is ready to go, it still makes me really nervous! 
Hopefully my next blog, I'll be sharing my wonderful experience from this weekend! 
Until next time...Enjoy, whatever your day may bring you! :)