A Brush with Greatness

I was given a great opportunity last week. I met with Front Avenue Pottery's master potter, Mary Jo Schmith. She had offered me her time to help me in my process, so I gladly took her up on it. Her wealth of knowledge is tremendous, her pots expertly crafted, and she is friendly and fun to boot.

I headed to her studio with a box of my pots for her to critique. I listened and observed, soaking up all that she was willing to offer. She recommended some tools and demonstrated her approach to decorating. She was patient and kind to me, clarifying the barrage of questions I directed at her. I came home with notes and notes of solid advice and a wish list for my own studio.

Next stop, Continental Clay for some new toys. The most exciting purchase I made was a new Shimpo banding wheel. It will make waxing and decorating go much more smoothly. It's hard to believe I've survived without one all this time. I picked up some new brushes too and more glaze supplies. I feel energized and inspired to try some different techniques. 

This week, I threw some test tiles and whipped up a few experimental glazes. I've been sketching various designs and brush strokes out on paper. Hereupon I'll be firing up the kiln, testing out these ideas on bisqueware, and adding more color to my journey.

Photo Weeks: Seven, Eight & Nine

contemplating beyond

Week seven's theme was "Up Close". It was one of those rare sunny and warm winter days, when you are actually drawn outdoors. The snow was melting and our cats were finding dry patches to sit in. (My kids were not and were dripping with dirty wetness.) The cats were cuter. There is a noble nature to this lady. Some call it indignant. Either way, she patiently allowed me to stick my camera up within two feet of her face without batting a whisker.

diamonds & rust

Week eight's theme was to "pick song lyrics and come up with a picture to represent them". It just so happened that I was in Madison visiting my best friend, the rock star Betty Montana. Singly my wildly off-key voice's heart out along with her amazing one, we sat remembering all our favorite song lyrics from college. We formed a circle around the wood stove with our husbands, a couple of friends and several guitars. We encompassed the beat of the seventies. Rather aptly, I daresay, I chose this picture with these lyrics: "hearing a voice I'd known, a couple of light years ago. . . "

lurking

It is week nine this week and the theme is "something you should get rid of." I have been getting rid of most of those somethings for months now as I've worked to improve the studio. But there are weak spots in my ability to donate everything. And besides, paint is a pain to dispose of properly. Which is why I have neatly stacked, three deep mind you, pails and pails lurking beneath the basement stairs. I should get rid of these, but I probably won't. After all, won't they come in handy one of these days?