Sunday, November 7, 2010

Well, I am still here. I come here to read all your posts, and check on everybody, but I seldom find enough time to actually post anything.

I started taking a couple of classes at the college last winter; Ceramics I quickly turned into Summer Ceramics, and then Ceramics II. I have been seduced by the clay, captured into the bondage of needing to do that every day! I have become a pottery junkie.
This is the first big coil pot I made. Big is great in pottery!
Bobby is an enabler, too. He has donated a nice portion of his shop to set up a studio for me. We have purchased a kiln, have a couple of pottery wheels, and he is busy building a slab roller and an extruder for me, AND a Raku kiln. He is really fascinated with that Raku firing. I have so many tools already, and he is busy making more, making more. Talk about obsessive compulsive!
I call this the 'Fox Pot', but have been accused of making a 'rat pot', an 'armadillo pot' and the latest, a 'chupacabra pot'. No, that is a fox, in my mind, LOL.
His tail is a spout, but what such a big pot needs a spout for is beyond me. My inspiration for this pot was a picture of a pre-Columbian pot, c. 100-500 BC. It turns out the the pot in the picture was a little tea pot, and only 5" tall! My 'Fox Pot' is about 20" tall. He has been pit fired since these pictures were taken, and is black and terracotta now. He is also being exhibited in an Art Show right now, along with my porcelain bird's nest.
I am also taking a Spanish language class, and I really enjoy that. I always wanted to learn to speak Spanish, but couldn't seem to grasp what was going on with it. Now I have a Spanish friend who helps me, and I get to speak the language daily.

Of course, my garden has suffered terribly. We have just finished getting the winter garden planted, so I feel a bit better about it, but my flower beds need an army of gardener's attention. I would hire someone to help me, but right this minute, I don't have time to do it myself. I am looking forward to Christmas vacation, to have some time to catch up on stuff.
AND....I have been watching what I eat, and have lost 25 lbs. so far! I am thrilled, thrilled! Still some to go, but I have it in my head now, and I can do anything once I get my head on straight.
Thank you so much for thinking of me. You made my day!

16 comments:

Jim Groble said...

Great ceramics. It is good to hear from you and that all is well. jim

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

I love your ceramics too, and think you are doing some great stuff with all this creativity and your DH helping out with creating tools, and donating work space.

Congrats on the weight loss too.

Your post inspired me to do more creative projects.

Have a great week ~ FlowerLady

ancient one said...

WOW... I'm so proud of you! Spanish and pots... wonderful !!

Unknown said...

I have always wanted to learn how to do ceramic art. It is absolutely wonderful to be able to share it with Bobby. Looking forward to seeing more pieces especially the Raku.

David - Pinewood Cottage said...

been missing you - i taught art for 13 years - i know what you mean about clay and pottery. its that connection with "earth" feeling, there is something natural about it. its kind of like digging in the soil.

Kathy said...

I absolutely LOVE your fox pot! How great that you can make your own pots for your garden - and other gardens, too! Look forward to seeing more of your pottery. Our friend at St. Lawrence Pottery has built a wood fire kiln - it is something to see. Would love to see pictures of your studio and kiln! Congratulations on your new found passion and new you. I am so inspired now - thank you.

Wendy said...

the pot is so adorable! Really beautiful whimsy.

debsgarden said...

Congratulations on your great new hobby! I love pots; you are very creative and I like the ones in your photos, though I confess I thought your fox was an anteater!

Anonymous said...

Janie, It's nice to hear what you've been up to. I think that green pot is gorgeous! I, too, am feeling a bit overwhelmed by school responsibilities (in my case, teaching). Tonight, I found an hour to log onto Google reader and try to catch up with blog reading, only to find almost 300 posts waiting! This is a lot even for an obsessive compulsive to figure out how to organize. Enjoy your ceramics. -Jean

Barbara said...

My goodness, the energy you have to take on potting AND Spanish (plus gardening). Your first results look great.

D said...

Janie, good for you. I've thought about you on occasion and figured you were mighty busy like the rest of us. The pot is beautiful! All I can say is "you go girl". ;)

Lona said...

Hi Janie. Well look at you girl! Your pottery is wonderful. I love your fox pot. Have fun with it.

Diana Studer said...

Janie - how exciting! Your pots are patently worthy of exhibiting. And learning Spanish on the side ;>) Come back and show us more of your work. Can we see the fired fox?

PS I know you were at my blog, because 'someone' came from yours.

C. Dianne Zweig said...

Your work is amazing....Happy Holidays,

come by and say hello,

Dianne
Kitsch n Stuff

joene said...

What a great hobby. I used to ... a very long time ago ... build clay pots and I loved it. Totally understand your need to do it every day. Love your work. Keep it up.

Lorilee said...

Wow. I love the fox pot! I can't wait to see more of your creativity.
Blessings,
Lorilee