More dragon work

 A meeting of dragons was held at the philodendron place on the table. Lighting was better, but still tinted a bit green. However, dragons don't mind that at all.

Needed some better shots of Little Miss Dragon Number One. She has a nest full of dragon eggs.

And today she wants to introduce to you, her brother (or sister, we're not sure actually) Dragon Number Two.

Today's quote:

Since there is nothing but just this moment, the time-being is all the time there is.

DŌGEN

Number One Dragon 2024

 

Number One Dragon of 2024 - finished and waiting to fire.

The test was for my fingers mainly, as to being able to hold tools, and make small details with minor shakes. I may test strength later on the wheel. But for now I've only had a couple of times when a cramp started and I was able to stop and shake it out effectively.

Glazed Number One Dragon - Sorry iPhone enlarges his head when I try to get close!

Number One Dragon, glazed with matt black and matt bronze green.

Some pieces that go into making a dragon.

Today's quote:

At least one way of measuring the freedom of any society is the amount of comedy that is permitted, and clearly a healthy society permits more satirical comment than a repressive, so that if comedy is to function in some way as a safety release then it must obviously deal with these taboo areas. This is part of the responsibility we accord our licensed jesters, that nothing be excused the searching light of comedy. If anything can survive the probe of humour it is clearly of value, and conversely all groups who claim immunity from laughter are claiming special privileges which should not be granted. 

-Eric Idle, comedian, actor, and author (b. 29 Mar 1943)

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Well, there goes all the PC things that have been removed from humor in our society!

As a blond, I remember howling at blond jokes!

Second dragon

 

The reason it has shiny places is that I brushed some liquid was there to retard drying. That way the thinner pieces will dry slowly as the more bulky parts dry...and hopefully they won't shrink apart. Sometimes it works.

Today's quote:

It is through our connection to our light that we know things beyond what the visible world can tell us.

Playing with dragons again

 There are many potters working in the studio to hone their talents in order to make a special something.

I'm just there for the pleasure of exploring what I can do. It's the process not the product that I'm interested in.

Here's my first try at dragon making. Many many problems with it, so it shall be tossed soon. I am curious if it will even stay together during a bisque firing.

As always I get carried away with the heads.

Number two is in process now.

And while I was at it I made a little ruin of a castle tower. No dragon. Just playing around.

We learned in  counseling that the "process" was the important part of talking with clients...not a goal. Unfortunately all insurance and medical files insist on setting goals and measuring progress toward them. That's why I gladly went over to being an Activity Director. Many happy times shared with many people. But do you know what I remember most? The bad things that happened.

With clay I don't. I just toss things away when they fail. The "thing" isn't as important as what I've learned from it.

I always used to say with pottery "everything is sacred (thus the act of creation flowing through a potter's hands) but nothing is sacred (thus it is not to be cherished as an item of worship!)

Today's quote:

It is easy to laugh when we feel good, but it is when the world appears dim that we most need laughter in our lives

In celebration of the Year of the Dragon -3

 

Another one finished, no wings.

Beginning stages of dragon girl

Finished dragon girl which then was destroyed, due to that cracking along the side of the dragon. That sometimes happens with pottery!

Dragon girl with bird.

I think this one sold.

Today's quote:

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. —Jack Layton

In celebration of the Year of the Dragon -2

 

The back side of a winged dragon with a horsey face

Front side of dragon with horsey face. As you can see, I was working at home on this one, which was always a transportation headache to get it to the studio to be fired in one piece.

A tiny dragon

The hungry dragon-like bird, or bird-like dragon!

I did another version of this strange critter with 3 little ones...but didn't get a photo of it!

Today's quote:

The foundation of the quality of your life resides in how you engage with the present moment each day.

SHANNON ABLES

Chapter 6 clay work of 2019

And that's about all...except I could look through all this year's blogs.  Nah.  These are what I thought would be worth showing you.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great holiday!

Chapter 5 - more 2019 clay-creations

I've actually copied these photos and created these memory blogs ahead of time, so I could go visit family over the holidays! So I am pre-posting till the end of the year!

Not yet framed...one of two mountain mandala puzzles I created.

The last of the poppy bowls and mugs...some of which sold at the Red House Gallery

Thi is how the other Mountain Mandala Puzzle looks framed.

My display in Marion

I sold the two large dragon/dinosaur sculptures, and a few medium size things, and a few small things. Made my expenses! But it was not a good sales day for me.

My display before the customers arrived. The last of my poppy painted bowls and plates will probably go into my kitchen. I love to use bright things for eating. Since my finger muscles keep me from painting that glaze detail any more, I'll not be making any more.

There are only a few people who come to this market in the afternoon to shop...most of the real connoisseurs of pottery want to get there early and get the best deals.

And on a more modern note...

Again, since I'm back from vacation, I am still going to share some wonderful ancient pots, but for today, let me catch up with more that I've made.  Not to be compared with the ancients' however!

 This rather female dragon was my first "fat dragon." There may well be more in her family!

 A rather simple little guy, who doesn't even have wings...

 Ms. "Fat-dragon" bids you a good-day!

You won'd believe how that unicorn long necked critter was glazed...more to come!