Back at it

I feel like I'm finding my stride in the studio.  It's taken me a while since being back from my Penland class.  I think I've just had so much on my mind that I've not known exactly what to do.

Getting a bunch of pots made has been the best thing for me.  That has always been my mantra, 'Make pots'.  I can sit around for days and have things go through my mind and my sketchbook but it's not until I get on the wheel and make some pots that things start coming together for me.  I guess it's the physicallity of it all.

Using the red tempra paint for layout has been a lifesaver for me.  I can mess something up in the blink of an eye because I haven't thought it out well enough.  And once it's scratched in there...well it's there.

I've got a bisque full of plates and bowls going tonight; I made cups, more plates, and decorated serving bowls and a couple teapots this afternoon.  A good day.  I can't wait to get some of this work thorough the glaze kiln.  Hopefully by the end of the weekend.

Thanks for checking in.

Comments

[gary]

My teacher in college said the same thing every week--"I like what you'e doing here and here, MAKE MORE". Solution to everything!

[jim]

handsome teapot... i'm like you with the sketchbook, there's something romantic about sketching ideas but i never get them from the page to the pot

[Michael Hamlin-Smith]

I'm glad to know you're in the same boat I am in, Ron. I'm just now getting back into a stride with work. Coming home from Penland was a real culture shot for me. I'm just now getting back into a serious routine.
I'm with you on the sketchbook. I try to sketch out my ideas with color pencil before putting color onto my plates. It just isn't the same as using a brush on the plate. It's important for me to do so I have an idea but the actual brushwork on the form is what seems to drive me.

[Michael Hamlin-Smith]

I recommend red food dye instead of tempera paint. It's much cheaper, goes farther and you don't need to water it down. I use it on my work.

[Gay Judson]

Ohhhhhhhh, I reaaaaaly like that teapot!

[Big Al]

Awesome teapot. I love the spout bowl! Put a handle for 2 fingers on the other side and voila! I can never get fried rice to work! I know I'm doing something wrong but can't figure it out. Want to share what you do?

[judy Shreve]

love the teapot form & the design. With the tempura paints or food coloring -- how do you correct your drawing mistakes or change what you want to do? Does the paint/food coloring wash off the slip? This is on unfired slipped bisque-ware, right?

[Hannah]

I felt sure I had left a comment here that said I use ink or food colouring but then I look back and find I obviously didn't. So hey Ron I use ink or food colouring, they work fine too.
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[ron]

Judy, this is on green ware so I can't wash it or wipe it with out damaging the slip. so I just draw with the paint till I get it like I want it. Hopefully in the first try or two, and then I look carefully when I do the incising.

Thanks Hannah.

Hey Al, I cook my rice ahead of time in the rice cooker and cool it in the fridge for the day. I usually cook my eggs with some garlic and remove them from the wok. Then I stir fry my veggies, brocc., carrots, peas, scallions etc. Then break up the cold rice into the wok with them and season with soy. I chop up my eggs, add them in and give it all a good stir. We usually grill or broil some tofu to go on top. Yummy.

[cynthia]

Great idea painting the imagery first before carving!

I wanted to tell you I have started catching up with blogs after coming back from vacation and appreciated your discussion on pricing. I read every single comment but too many things going through my mind to comment.

Love fried rice too - I sometimes make a batch of rice in the am and let it sit till dinner time till I'm ready to use it. Adding a little sesame oil near finish is also good.