Before I went to England I made up a batch of slab plates and bisque-fired them after I returned. I knew the Raiders would like to raid my Port Moody studio at least once more this year but November was filled with that soda firing and attending the MOA show. But yesterday was a good day for another Raid. Kate Metten organised the date and drove Eric Metcalfe, Tamara Mills and Mitch Kenworthy here. It was a rainy day but at least not frosty so the studio was cozy.

Eric has been painting a new Rhyton I’d made for him and brought it along to be included in the next glaze firing. He had made a drawing of one with a horn-like handle. He also showed us some of his other recent drawings .. metamorphosing male/female shoes. Those leopard spots keep reappearing!

Tamara had tales to tell of her exciting recent months in Europe, especially time in Berlin. Kate was particularly interested as she is heading to Denmark for a couple of months for a ceramic residency and then will travel in other parts of Europe too.

Mitch tells me that he works at the Emily Carr U gallery when he’s not painting in his studio.

For a Winter lunch Eric chose to make up a warm meatball spaghetti sauce, so I cooked pasta. Kate and Mitch produced a baguette, olives, cheese and a winter squash and pomegranate salad and, as she usually does, Tamara baked a tasty loaf for tea time.

While the other four painted two or three plates each I was pleased to relax and throw with my stoneware clays for a last time before I clean the wheel and get back to earthenware. It’s a good idea to have some pieces on hand in case Shadbolt or anyone else with a soda or salt kiln invites me to join a group any time.

I shall do a glaze firing very soon but today’s job is to list pots to take in to Circle Craft on Granville Island tomorrow.