Testing glazes

My collection of Maco Stroke N Coat and Designer Liner...I keep the little jars upside down because chemicals accumulate on the bottom with gravity, so now when I shake them up, whatever is closest to the top is actually the most potent part of the glaze, (and if I've let them sit for about a month without using, they still can dry out, but are responsive to reconstituting with water.)    I also have the whole bunch in a carrying bag because sometimes I work at home, sometimes at the Black Mountain Center of the Arts community clay studio.

These are waiting for glazing.  The first test I did came out pretty awful.  Yes, 2 of these vases went directly into trash.  I'm glad I waited the week it takes for a turn around of the glaze kiln.  Now the others will have a better chance.  There are a lot of students in classes, as well independent studies students (like myself) who have several pieces in each kiln that is fired, so we all wait our turn.

Community studios have their pluses and minuses.  I keep being  patient with the things that aren't the pluses.

Today's quote (which reminds me of the recent kitchen gatherings prior to the feast of Thanksgiving.  Not to mention those wonderful courageous women who took part in the Women's March last January!)

There was a time where women stood together in a bond of sisterhood, women supporting women.

 

Dec. 1, 5-9 pm ONLY in Black Mountain NC

It's Holly Jolly in Black Mountain NC...where stores are open late, and many offer refreshments.  Music and caroling is heard along the streets.

Sepia Saturday gives this marketplace view...

Friday evening the pottery students are selling their work at very reasonable prices in a sales area, contributing to the Black Mountain Center for the Arts.

Waiting for the customers to arrive,  playing with a mirror!

Here's a video with children and other musical contributions from Black Mountain Holly Jolly 2016.

There's always a music program on the first floor of the Center for the Arts, but the Gallery and sales room on the second floor are what I'd recommend. Yes, I'll be there, and I hope that this year is very successful!

The Gallery has beautiful work by the students and teachers on display from Dec 1, 2017 through Feb. 1, 208. The following are some of the work that was displayed last year.

Today's quote:

For many years, at great cost, I traveled through many countries, saw the high mountains, the oceans. The only things I did not see were the sparkling dewdrops in the grass just outside my door.

Rabindranath Tagore

 

Appalachian Potter's Market this Saturday!

Yes, a gymnasium of pottery!
And a cafeteria through a doorway with more booths!  All inside where it's warm and dry!!!
Saturday Dec 2, 2017, from 10-4 pm!

At times the McDowell High School is more crowded, but if you come later to beat the crowd, you may miss some of the best buys!  Admission is just $5.

Some of my pottery last year, in the booth I shared with Cathy Babula!

A sampling of Cathy's work!

Cathy on left, myself on right at, last year's Appalachian Potter's Market.

This year we have more beautiful work to offer all who are looking to have gorgeous hand-crafted pottery to share and use in their own, or their loved ones' lives!

It is sponsored by the McDowell Arts Council. Here's an article about the 30th Annual market in 2016!

Today's Quote:

There’s nothing “ordinary” about decency, courage under fire, compassion, tenacity, lion-heartedness, and that is what is being called forth in a moment – a deeply mythic moment – like this.

Dr. Martin Shaw