Mugs

I am always jumping around trying to find new interesting but functional mug shapes that people like.  This is a shape that I always seem to come back to.  People like how comfortable the mug is in their hands.  Either when holding it by the handle or wrapping both hands around the base of the mug.  So with a little encouragement from some friends I threw a bunch of them.

New Large Slab Vases

I have been working on some new large slab vases while waiting for my kiln parts.  I cut the slabs out using tar paper templates.  Once the clay is the correct firmness I assemble them using foam and card board supports.  After they are together I make a lot of different markings on the clay using various tools.  It is a totally random free flowing process.  The finish on the outside of the pieces will be done with stains which is something new for me.  The inside will be glazed with a satin white glaze.

Kiln Problems

I had a short in with one of the wires in my kiln which caused some of the wiring to melt.  Not a good odor to smell when you go to check on the kiln.  Finally received from Aim Kilns a new wiring harness and power chord after waiting a couple weeks.  Aim has always been very helpful and timely in the past so this one time waiting was a little frustrating while pieces were ready to be fired.  Electrical work is always a learning experience for me but I got it wired properly....I think?  We will see when I refire the load that is in the kiln from when it shut done early.

Modern Tea Bowl Set

I recently made this tea bowl set that people now want me to make in different colors.  They like the set because of the size of the bowls,  its versatility and the serving tray that comes with it.

Popular Modern Vessels

These contemporary wavy vessels have been well received and popular with people so I made another set that came out nicely.  These are currently on display and available for purchase at the Lake House in Cedar Glen.

Contemporary Hamada White Vase Set

This is a vase set that I took out of the kiln the other day.  I have been experimenting adding flat angled pieces of slab to curved pieces.  The lines in modern architecture were my inspiration.  The texture on the vases is done with slip that I put on at the green stage with a brush, putty knife, and various other tools.  The glaze is a Hamada type glaze that I mixed up based on one of his recipes.  These vases can be seen and purchased at the Lake House in Cedar Glen.

New Pieces for MAN Gallery

Here are a few of the pieces that came out of the kiln today that I will be putting on the new display that I built for the Mountain Arts Network Gallery.  I glazed most of the pieces in my new favorite glaze combination.