September 14, 2016

• Looking Crushed

  The new session for ceramics has begun. I was disappointed to see the devastation on my shelf when I lifted the plastic cover. The guinea pig that I had left to dry (and had hoped wouldn't crack) was in pieces. Green ware is the most fragile state of clay. It looked like someone had attempted to pick up the pig and stuck their thumb and fingers through the body. There was a big hole on the underside and a dent and fracture on the back - just the size of a hand. Grr. I had such high hopes. Every time I make a new one I think, "Wow this looks great. I'll never be able to do another one as good." Then I end up having to do it over again. I'm guessing by the time I get one in the kiln it will be fabulous!

  The new session is being taught by an instructor I've never met before. There are 7 people in the class - 5 newbies and 2 of us experienced students. So far I'm not impressed with this teacher. She had the students start on the wheel instead of giving them a feel for the clay and the limits of the medium. Just my bias. I spent a goodly portion of the time assisting them with wedging, weighing clay, and locating tools. The sad part is that while the instructor is flitting about assisting one student after another the rest are on their own.

  I did get one piece back from the bisque kiln. I glazed it. According to the memo the kiln will be fired on Thursdays every week providing there are enough pieces to fill the kiln. I put my orb back on the shelf and judging from the other pieces waiting, its going to be couple weeks before the next firing. I'm wondering if the bisque kiln will be run weekly as well...

  • 6:47 am
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