Let the Beauty of what you Love be what you Do...
~Rumi

Friday, May 27, 2011

Just a few pots from the end of the semester~ and in case you were wondering Potsplosions do happen!


Just showing a couple of finished pots from the end of the semester in my Micaceous Clay class~

Bean Pot

Large Salad Bowl

Salad Bowl~ Aerial View :)

Casserole Dish- Bisqued, but not Smoke Fired yet~ kinda funky handle!



And last but not least- just to show that Potsplosions do happen! And yes, that just happens to be my pot!  Now, I've seen pots crack... but I've never seen anything like this where the pot literally pulverizes... have you?!? I do have some theories (air bubble, clay not completely dry on the inside) but still I've never seen something quite like this. It made for some serious kiln vacuuming! All in all though, I've had a really good semester. There were a few issues with the commercial clay I was using (some trouble with the slip bubbling & popping off with testing the final pots on the stovetop, and some issues w/ fragility.) But the commercial clay company had switched the source & recipe... though I have heard they are switching back to the previous clay which I have used before without difficulty. Another remedy for next semester (YES! I am taking this class again!) is that I will try to use only natural clay, hand dug in the mountains of Northern New Mexico. It's a lot more pricey $100 per 50 pounds vs $16 for the commercial, but I think the pay off will be worth it! I do have one more project I was working on when the semester ended ( a larger wolf pup sculpture) but I didn't get a chance to fire it, though I am hoping to do so when the summer semester starts~ even though I won't be able to take classes this summer. Wish me luck & hope for no explosions~ I have had it sitting in my living room for the past week & have grown quite attached to it! Now that the semester has ended, I am back to working like crazy &  my family is visiting soon, so I'll be quite busy, but I'll post & visit when I can! Happy Summer, Everyone, & thanks for stopping by!
:)

18 comments:

Lisa said...

Becky your work is so beautiful.
I love the color and size.
Sorry to see one of your pieces do that. I hope you dont have an explosions .
Have a wonderful summer.

Kathleen said...

Stunning work, Becky! I can't wait to see the wolf pup!

Gail said...

Something I have always wanted to learn. Sadly, living in the middle of nowhere does have its disadvantages, too.

Beautiful work!

Linda Starr said...

I love that casserole and the handle. I was just reading on someone else's blog about limestone causing explosions, wonder if there was some in that piece?

Anonymous said...

These are beautiful. That must have been some air bubble!

I am looking forward to next semester's work.

Daliana Pacuraru said...

Well, good luck to you!
I am in love with your work but you are so far away!
I wish you all my best!

Barb said...

Isn't that little bean pot cute? I'll keep my fingers crossed for the wolf sculpture. Meanwhile, have fun with your family and enjoy some spring hikes. (PS I spent the night in Eureka!)

Kate said...

BECKY, I love stopping by to see your progress and your objects of art. Enjoy the summer with family and friends; fall semester will be great.!

Annie said...

Becky, these pots are BEAUTIFUL!!!
So sorry about the potsplosion!Great made up word by the way :-).
Have a wonderful time with your family.xoxo

Rick said...

What a great semester you've had Becky, and you've told it well with your photos, and humor ! That bean pot looks great - I really like the light you captured the shot with, and the casserole dish really is kinda funky ! And it wouldn't have been a real learning experience if you hadn't had a 'potsplosion' (LOL !). Enjoy your company, and the summer - looking forward to your next series.

Oh - love that new header too !

Tanya Gwen Minnick said...

enjoy your blog :) thanks for coming by mine. I would love to hear that you have opened your Etsy shop! and you should..no not should..you will have your own special magic creative spot to show all your great works!! :) peace :)

Randy said...

I just love that bean pot. I really do love your Micaceous pieces. I just got back and it was a long drive home. So very happy to be home.

Randy said...

We must have been traveling through there around the same time. The winds were very strong blowing large walls of dust. We almost got run off the run a few times. Glad they made it ok.

marianne said...

becky the pots are beautiful! i love your creative handles. be interesting to see how much difference you notice between the clays when you use the hand dug one. happy summer to you too- enjoy your visitors!

Unknown said...

Your pots are gorgeous. I love the brown and black! Good luck firing your wolf sculpture.

snowwhite said...

I love delicate luster and patterns in your pot and bowls!
Very sorry for the broken flower-like bowl. I pray for successful firing of your wolf pup sculpture!!

I hope you spend relaxing and recharging time with your family.

Becky, Have a nice week!

Ms. Becky said...

I love your Micaceous clay pots here, and I'm glad you're taking the class again because I'll get to see more of the process and pots. I also really love your new head photo. have a great time with your family.

Dee said...

Becky you have a wonderful style of your own. I really like seeing your work from beginning to end. :) makes me want to learn this art.