A reader of my blogs had wondered if the 'Raids' are workshops. No, they aren't. I trained as a teacher oh-so-many years ago, in London, but actually only taught in elementary schools for four years and then some time substitute teaching, but I have supplemented my pottery income by teaching wheel-throwing for decades. Then, when I became enamoured of painting with brightly coloured slips on red…
This week's glaze firing contained 48 glaze tests. I am looking for a reliable clear glaze which will be suitable for both my favourite D'arcy's Redart and a white earthenware. So I had made 12 testers in each of: D'arcy's, Plainsman F100, SPS LF06 and Georgie's Wonder White. Of each 12 I left 4 plain, painted 4 with underglazes and 4 with slips and then glazed…
After a rather long gap, due mainly to my having a lingering viral throat something-or-other, we finally had three 'Raiders' here on Thursday. It was so good to spend the day catching up with artist friends. Mina Totino had three square plates to work on, Philippe Raphanel requested some large platters and new guest, Mina's friend Michelle Normoyle chose to paint some oval plates and…
On a wintry day at the end of January intrepid Rick Ross brought his old friend Eric out here for the day. Just the three of us painted plates so I felt comfortable working alongside them. Normally I'm a bit shy to paint - potting with others watching is OK but painting requires concentration. Those pieces were finally fired when I filled the kiln with last…
What a great day! The last day of January and there wasn't a cloud in the sky so of course it was chilly. But with a small space heater in the studio it was perfect for three of us to paint plates all day. Just Eric and his old friend Rick Ross were here this time. Rick hasn't joined us for, as it turned…