I haven't been using my blog lately, but have been busy. Here are some kiln fire characters I have been working with.

A litle camera abstract

Took these today of a moon flower as it has closed at the end of its bloom time.

I took a series of photos of this dry hosta leaf and it turned out quite inspirational (to me anyway.)

Have not posted in awhile. Here is a new bowl fired and a newer bowl ready for bisk.  Both are using 3 clays, and burnished smooth, no glaze.

My new working/gallery

I am working with a great group of mostly potters,  called "Pottery 51" where we each have small studios and shelf space with a large commons area for large table work, wheels, slab roller, etc. I have set up a small corner sales gallery for my ceramics work with a few photos and clay "paintings." This work is continuously changing as new work is finished for those visitors who may walk in or for special events like "Discover Mint Hill" last weekend.

Firing from yesterday, new bowls and cups

This is the glaze firing with the glaze for the forms of my last blog.  I was very pleased with the results. Nice dark rich color without glazes, just three clay bodies and burnished.

Some bisque fire and some glaze fired

Bisque fired bowl waiting for cone 6 fire,  but I will fire without glazes.

and a tray with new texture, note the layers in the edge.  My process of layering 3 clays and mallet hammering and folding approx. 12 plus layers in the final 1/8" slab. Fired with oxides at cone 6.

Some work in Progress

I've been continuing on my multi-clay venture with several cups and a nice thin bowl to be fired this week.

3 clays in the mix then oxides after bisk fire. No outside glazes, but burnished at soft leather hard stage.

and waiting to be bisk  fired...

dead flowers

Being past their prime does not mean there is no interest or beauty.  This is a white camellia that has suffered in the freeze of last week.

Latest sale

This set was delivered last night to a great family who have bought some of my best work. They commissioned me to make 6 cups for Scotch spirits, ea about 3-4 oz. I threw in the tray.
Lots of TLC here. All hand built slab construction with heavy grog home clay mixtures and the outside slab a special textured root and home clay terra sig, burnished and bisk fired then layers of iron and copper oxides outside and rubbed mostly off. White glaze inside and on the lip. I just can not get that outside finish with glazes.

A real honor

I was asked by my pastor if I would consider making a Baptismal bowl/shell for my Church. I took the task as an artistic and symbolic effort to tell a story. The results I think turned out nicely.