Bob Briscoe has to be one of the most generous and kind people on the planet. During my four days spent at his home I saw him give and give and give. He is on the go constantly, nothing seems to upset him or get under his skin. He welcomes folks into his home , feeds them, makes them comfortable, offers them a beer, and of course all his pottery is out for sale, so you can take a piece of Bob home with you to remind you of the experience.
As the saying goes, behind every great man is a great woman, and this case is no different. Mary, Bob's wife, worked away in the house all weekend with the rest of the kitchen staff making wonderful food for us all, and for the customers. She is a quiet lady, much like Bob. I found that Mary has a love of colorful aprons and table clothes. I'd find her up early in the mornings making coffee for us all when I came in from the 'bunkhouse'. She never seemed too tired or put out. Mary and Bob were fine examples to me of two people living in harmony with one another and with the other people in the world.
The atmosphere at the Briscoe household during the Pottery Tour is fun and festive. Food is always coming out of the kitchen, the kegs of beer out on the perimeter of the yard are iced down as folks stand around them and talk of Spring, pottery, catching up on things since they've seen one another last. Bob wore shorts and tee shirt all weekend, most of the rest of us were bundled up a little, especially us Southerners. I think it may be some sort of good luck ritual that he puts into play for the sale. It seems to pay off.
Here are a few images of Bob's pots from the Sale. If you'd like to see more you can visit the Akar site
here.
I feel really fortunate that I got to work at the Briscoe site during my first ever MN Potters Tour. Thanks to Bob's extensive selection of Scotch I also had my first drink of that fine beverage. I sure hope I get to go back next year!
I got Sarah to take a shot with me and my new love.
I had to control myself as I was on a strict budget. I did score a fantastic huge oval baker (not pictured here, but it's on it's way home to me). It had a cracked handle and I got a super deal on it! I also bought this basket below. I've wanted one for a long time.
I picked up a few pots for some friends while there too. I got my pal David a nice fat pitcher with a super wide handle. For Brandon from TX I picked out one of the striped plates (there on the left corner of the table) and a cereal bowl.
I did get to chat with Linda some but not as much as I'd liked too. Hopefully I'll make it up again soon for a visit with her and her family.
The atmosphere at the Briscoe household during the Pottery Tour is fun and festive. Food is always coming out of the kitchen, the kegs of beer out on the perimeter of the yard are iced down as folks stand around them and talk of Spring, pottery, catching up on things since they've seen one another last. Bob wore shorts and tee shirt all weekend, most of the rest of us were bundled up a little, especially us Southerners. I think it may be some sort of good luck ritual that he puts into play for the sale. It seems to pay off.
Here are a few images of Bob's pots from the Sale. If you'd like to see more you can visit the Akar site here.
I feel really fortunate that I got to work at the Briscoe site during my first ever MN Potters Tour. Thanks to Bob's extensive selection of Scotch I also had my first drink of that fine beverage. I sure hope I get to go back next year!
Matt's work is porcelain covered in black or brown slip (maybe sig) this is then carved through to revel the clay body beneath, much like cutting a wood block. Then the pots are salt (or soda, not sure which) fired.
My friends Douglass Fitch and Hannah McAndrew will be there so be sure to stop by their booths and pick up a few pots.
These pots really speak for themselves.
Emily's blog was one of the first pottery blogs out in cyberspace. She's been a big inspiration to me.
So you can see I am considering the electric alternative. I'll think it over. I'll also have the chance to talk to some potters this weekend about it all. I do want to carry on with this work. What is the best way for me to do that? I have to continue to make a living. I have to have successful firings. I'll figure it out.
A good group of pots here.
And here too.
This is the top. You can see the dry areas on those jars, and the teapot handle.
I'll get to look at all these for awhile today before I leave. I will take a few along to share and show and tell. I'm not discouraged, I'm excited to make the next load of pots.
I brush the glaze on the backsides of my bowls and dishes. I need to make sure to get a good thick even coat. Otherwise the glaze is dull and a bit dry.
Pretty gross. This pot (and a couple more, but not quite as bad) was on the bottom, front shelf on the corner. So it just got too much direct flame I think.
A couple more tomato plants and a pepper plant. I'll have to get all the tomatoes staked up soon. We also have zucchini, squash, cantalope, and some herbs growing. I can't wait for that first tomato sandwich of the year.
This is our patch of wild daisies. It's getting bigger and bigger each year. 
So I unloaded, glazed and reloaded this evening. I'll get the gas on around midnight so I can finish up early tomorrow. I have to teach tomorrow evening. I should be able to unload on Wednesday. Everyone cross their fingers.