Forget the Water

Hi everyone,

These are the perfect decoration for the non gardeners amongst us, never need watering last forever. They are handmade in white clay, coloured with underglaze then a clear glaze and fired to 1100o then attached to perspex rods. They can be done in a range of colours to suit any decor. They were made specifically for an exhibition the "Dining Table", artists made something that would be found on a range of tables from picnic to fine dining.

Until next time

Wendy

Sculpture Workshop

What a wonderful weekend spent attending a Janna Pameijer workshop. Spent time with friends learning heaps about our common thread. I had been looking forward to the workshop for months though only made up my mind what I was going to attempt on Sat morning. Sat afternoon I was regretting my ambitious decision big time and overnight decided I was never going to sculpt again. By Sunday afternoon with lots of help and encouragement I think I will have another attempt, though by myself the result may be alot different. Can't wait until it is finished to show you, imagine him with manganese oxide wash. I will post another photo when he is complete providing there are no kiln disasters.

Until next time

Wendy

Kids Workshops

Last year I held some workshops for kids, they seemed to have a great time I know I had alot of fun. I have 3 different 6 week programs and hope to be running more workshops this year. So far my students have been kids being homeschooled as this is an activity that would not be practical at home for most parents. The kids get to take home one of their creations most weeks after glazing and firing. Here are the pig money boxes that we made.

till next time

Wendy

Just for fun a Picnic Basket

Things have finally quietened down, though I am suspecting it is only because xmas is fast approaching. There is also the fact that a shoulder op will have me out of action for about 4 weeks. I will be doing lot of planning in my head and some sketching, as much as I hate it, and making myself stay out of the studio. Starting to organize my head for some new work for next year. Along with more experimentation with 1190o Crystalline glazes, being able to combine that with some Mid Fire Quartz pieces to kill to birds with one stone. Maximizing kiln use to save some electricity and time also.

Busy October

I have been part of two group exhibitions this month and so September and October have been pretty busy to say the least. Both exhibitions went well with lots of great feedback and I think quality was up on last year at our Noosa Arts and Crafts Pottery group exh "Clay Fiesta". We also had our first exh at the Pomona Railway Gallery again successful and great as it was up for a whole month. So I am relieved that Oct is just about done, hopefully a little quiet time running up to Xmas, though probably not. I would like to get a few projects that have been on the back burner underway. I have been trialing some 1190o crystalline glazes with enough success to continue with this temprature. Maybe it is the way to go use a bit less electricity better for the environment and the pocket. Guess the run up to Xmas has just been planned.

Till next time

Wendy

Nature's Simpicity

Even though I am really slack at adding to my blog I have been doing lots of work in the studio. Things are coming along nicely with the development of my new range, again something different for me using impressed tiles for wall work. Using native plants is very satisfying and as I live on property I have an abundance of things to work with. I have had some really good feedback regarding the new work. I am still working on my crystalline glazes with some success have even ventured into some lower temperature glazes which has been interesting with enough nice results to continue along this line.

Until next time

Wendy

My Mentor Don Jones

Recently at tafe we were asked to write a piece on someone who had inspired us. They were to be considered for publication in a magazine while mine was not selected I thought this a good oportuntity to share some of my story with you.

I met Don Jones in early 2003. I was immediately take by his love and knowledge of pottery. Within a short time he had me with clay in hand (for the first time) on the wheel. While not a natural I was hooked from the start with Don guiding the way I slowly got the hang of centering and pulling up walls. Then of course I wanted to make something. Alas, "100 decent cylinders" was the reply from Don. While always encourageing me he wanted perfection.

After a career in the Air Force, Don went into production pottery for over 30years. Perfection was the key and of course if it wasn't round it wasn't pottery. Don is now 87 and fading with time, he does enjoy seeing my new work. His passion for wheel work inspired me to work hard on my forms. Don and his partner Judith Gledhill had their own studio in Trinity Gardens SA in the 70's and 80's making a living from their work.

He was awarded a Fellowship to the SA Arts Association in 1974 and has exhibited widely. A quote of his in the Guild Potter's of SA booklet is "I don't want to be organized - I just want to be left alone to make pots". I can hear the words coming out of his mouth.

I (not eveyone) always found Don willing to share his knowledge with me once he decided I was serious about pottery. Unfortunately just as I was becoming confident in my ability to take full advantage of his knowlede he retired. He passed on his love for the ceramic world and gave me fantastic grounding in wheel work, kiln loading, glaze making and techinques on which to base my ceramic practice, for which I am eternally grateful. Who knows where it may take me in life's journey.

Till next time

Wendy