Gallery exhibit of Clay work by students and teachers

Black Mountain center for the Arts, Gallery show through end of January.

Geoff Bird, instructor

"Journey" Barbara Nuerenz-Kelly, student 

"Japanese Dream" Barbara Neurenz-Kelly, student

Sally Smith

"Lost" by Sally Smith

Mathilda Tanner, instructor

"Rumination" by Dori English, independent student

"Chateau in blue #2"  by Dori English

"Studies in Shape" by Teresa Arpin, student

Carved bowl on pedestal, Geoff Bird, Instructor

More tomorrow!

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.

 

Chapter two - While they are closed

Another lovely teapot by a young adult clay student.

I keep saying adult students from the Clay Studio. because even at my age, I think of children when I hear the word student.  Many of these students have occupations (including attorneys, doctors, nurses, teachers etc.) and many are retired.

 Independent Student status means that some of us have enough knowledge to create on our own, without taking a scheduled class.  However, clay work is an ongoing learning experience, as any potter will acknowledge.

I'll share a few more pictures this week.  Don't forget to come see these beauties in person when the Black Mountain Center for the Arts opens again on Jan 3, 2017.
Got to practice typing 2017! 2017...

Today's quote:

I swear I will not dishonor my soul with hatred, but offer myself humbly as a guardian of nature, as a healer of misery, as a messenger of wonder, as an architect of peace. - Diane Ackerman

Studio for clay

Yes, there's the Clay Studio of BMCA (Black Mountain Center for the Arts) There are classes at all levels, by 3 different teachers, and open studio for at least 2 hours every day of the week.

A lovely mural (it's great looking at night with the spots shining on it)

The downstairs entrance to the Center for the Arts, which has just utility space and one classroom, so go up by elevator or stairs to the working parts of the Center.

There are 2 levels of parking outside the Clay Studio...and at one end is a little pump house.  The Black Mountain Beautification Committee does a great job of landscaping this area.

I wonder what this ornamental vine is climbing that pole...

My lovely favorite Black Eyed Susans just have their black eyes left now.

Some Rosemary for remembrance!

Soon I'll show you some store owners who landscaped their window boxes!

Just a bulletin board

Outside the Black Mountain Center for the Arts CLAY STUDIO, hangs a bulletin board.
It now has been updated, thanks to yours truly.

So 18 of the students (those willing to have their picture taken while involved in some clay activities) have volunteered to let the public know some of what transpired inside the studio.

And the schedule of classes and Open Studios is now available, as well as information for private classes.

And the piece' de resistance is having a photo of all three of our current teachers!

Taking a bow, I am.

Sculpture packing

Another life change is coming round the bend this week.  I'll be changing my physical residence.  No longer will I have a studio space at home.  I'll be working at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts CLAY STUDIO entirely.

New apartment has lots of built-in shelves for pottery display!

After packing all the pots I've made in the last 8 years, (less those that sold of course!) I am really overstocked with various things...mainly my sculptures.  What on earth does someone who's more serious about their art in clay do with all the productions?  I guess they have more crates and tubs packed and maybe rent a storage facility.

Sculptural pieces waiting to be packed gently into bigger boxes

I've downsized several times in my life, so it's not that scary.  Perhaps the only ones worried are my garbage collection team who have to lug all those boxes and boards off.  This week it will be the old mattress and box springs.

Did you ever wonder where the mattresses go?  In the dump with everything else?  Wait wait, why don't they have all those beds put in a special area, and afford a soft place to sleep for the homeless?  Except when it rains, and except of course any bedbugs.  Well, one good idea that has already passed.

PS, I'm moving this week, so it may take longer than usual for your comments to be posted!

Thought for today:

Are the stars too distant, pick up the pebble that lies at thy feet, and from it learn the all.

Margaret Fuller