Progress

I have been working on pottery again. I finished 16 pieces, got them fired and glazed all but one of them and turned them in to be fired again. I have noticed when I am working in my studio everything seems more pleasant and happy. It is work and it is quite exhausting to do it for too long, but it has become my happy place.

I've also been putting together photos to make some compilations to print, matte and frame. Matting and framing is really quite expensive, especially when you need multiple windows cut out. I found a cheaper alternative at a local craft center, but their turn around is so slow that you really have to plan in advance to get anything done.

Random bits of pottery

I finally managed to get back into my studio after a long break for depression. I made some bowls using hand building techniques, slump molds and/or carving on my banding wheel. I love my banding wheel, but it would be so nice to have an actual electric wheel. Unfortunately that is long out of my price range. Anyway, I just felt like sharing.

Slump mold III

I did manage to get a meager amount of work done with some clay today. The second attempt at the slump mold was again a failure, but at least I think I discovered the problem this time. I couldn't get the plate off leather hard, so I decided to let it dry farther. It cracked in several places because as it dries, clay shrinks. Which is something I completely was aware of, but apparently needed a reminder. My third attempt used WD40 in order to keep it from sticking, so I should be able to remove it when the clay is leather hard.

I had never used WD40 before, but I had seen others use it. It apparently works wonders as a release agent. The clay wouldn't stick to the plate even wet, that is a big wow. I was going to try powder, but I am glad I tried this instead. I hope it finally works out. I am going to try a bowl next.

Clay date

My friend the potter came over and we had a "clay date" as she calls it. We played around with clay and hung out. It was nice. I borrowed her stamps and made copies for myself. I need to investigate and find some more of my own to make.

She was excited to see I wanted to do medium fire and talked about setting up her kiln. I can't wait. I am excited. I hope I can make a lot of nice things and sell them.

My bowl slump mold was also a failure as I expected, but my friend suggested using paper, as it will burn off in the kiln, so I am going to give it a try at some point.

Slump mold II

I made another test run on the plate slump piece I am wanting to work. This time, I made the clay a tad bit thicker and wrapped it in plastic so it would dry much, much more slowly. I didn't use release agent as I still can't find it and can't bring myself to buy more on the principle of knowing I have plenty somewhere already. I also made a test piece on a ribbed bowl. I am 75% sure it will not work at all and need to be trashed, but a test was in order. After all, clay is the most forgiving medium I can think of. I also made a name stamp for myself. I had a rubber stamp already, but I don't want to ruin it constantly using it in clay, so I made a clay one. I will need to make another in order to get the same thing, since it is a reverse impression.

I also managed to go to Nashville to the ceramic supply store. I got some new glazes, clay, tools and a shimpo banding wheel, which is basically a very high quality, very smooth turning lazy susan made of cast iron with heavy duty paint coating. It is extremely nice and it was a very nice treat for myself.

I got some stoneware clay and cone 6 glazes. They are gorgeous and I cannot wait to try them. I am super, duper anxious, but I do not have access to a kiln for medium fire. The place I have access to is low fire only. I do have a friend with a kiln, but it is not currently set up or ready to fire anything. I am really feeling like an artist lately now that I have time and a place to do some work. Soon, I will have merchandise to sell and everything.

Slump mold

I checked on the plate slump mold today, it didn't work out. It dried too fast and cracked, which can be remedied, but it also stuck to the plate. I have two options, let it go to bone dry and try to remove it or try a release agent.

Studio II

My motivation is still high. I am so excited to have the room to work! I went to get a lazy susan to help do some carving on the tankard I made. It helped a lot. I am thinking of getting one of those kiddy pottery wheels to do some slow wheel work.

I started a slump mold plate today as an experiment. I found a nifty set of plastic disposable plates in the wedding section today and picked them up. I am not sure how well it will work, but I am giving it a test run. I have to wait for the clay to firm up before I can try and take it off. I think I am getting motivated enough to make an etsy page, but I want to wait until I have some finished items to put on there.