I finished it!

It began with a few boards and a drill.

Which became a box. 

That turned into a slab roller.

I can't wait to take it for a test drive with some clay!

New project

All of the attempts at rolling out consistent slabs by hand has left me sore and fruitless. So I have begun a new project:  building a slab rolling table. I found a great design on Youtube. Last weekend I raided Dad's for scrap lumber. Then on the way home I picked up some perfect pieces from my neighbor's roadside pile. Yesterday, I cut everything to length. Today I will be assembling. I am proud to say at this time, I have retained all of my digits. Picts to come.

Peach Painting

Melanie Magee is a local painter who visits Helena's market days regularly. She recently purchased one of my bowls and used it in a painting. Check it out here.

The Plate

I have been working on a large plate for my SIL to go on top of her entertainment center. Her living room is two stories and she wanted a very large plate to go in the space. My first attempts were disastrous. Rolling out such a large piece of clay with a rolling pin proved fatal as the plate ended up in pieces as it cracked while air drying.

I made a bat. I had to remove the splash pan and stand to throw. It was HARD to do. I had no leverage as I usually use my hip to anchor my elbow while centering. But after lots of diligence and a sprained finger, I made it.

I added some texture using bits of hardware like screw heads

and sheet rock sand paper.

Hopefully it will make it through the bisque firing. I am worried about air bubbles.

I don't believe I will throw anything this large again. However, I have all kinds of ideas for textured plates. I am now on the search for an object to make a mold from. Something with a smooth bottom and a lip of an inch at least with a diameter of around 26 inches would be the optimum thing. Any ideas?

Focusing

After being around other creative people or in a creative atmosphere, I get the itch to be productive artistically. The trip to Wildflower Wax was just what I needed. The store reflects its owners. Looking around my home and my pottery, I just don't see an intimate reflection of Michael and myself. I have made a conscious decision to make our house and my work put forth a correct image of our hands.

These are some of the new pieces I have been working on this week. I have several pedestals to make. Here is one at the beginning stage.



A few small platters.......

A finished pedestal and large platters.......

Here's to a renewed focus and determination.