Virtual Perceptions

My postcards arrived. I ordered them Monday and received them Friday. Quite impressive! However, the color is not true. I've been working very hard to use vibrant colors on a rich chocolate brown clay. I generously slather on layers of porcelain slip to prevent the clay from obscuring the brightness of the colored underglaze and then I pick and choose where to reveal the clay again.

There is clearly a visual barrier when using the internet to make color specific choices. My postcard pot looks like gray stoneware. I was hoping for something a little more intriguing, seductive if you dare. The dish on the left is actually blue. It appears true on my computer. Maybe I should have known better. I once ordered a purple bedspread online and was terribly disappointed how dull the actual color was. I can't fathom buying art online and being satisfied unless I had previous knowledge of the artist's work in person.

Besides color I also wonder how one adapts to sensing the work physically in its pixilated form. Clay is inherently a tactile medium. It requires physical contact to assess craftsmanship. What is the scale and heft of this dish? Aesthetically and functionally, it is my favorite serving dish for steamed broccoli. Holding four ample servings it is the perfect size for my family.

Over the next week I will post more images of my work. For those of you who can visit during the open studio tour please share with me how your virtual perceptions wage in as you see and touch the actual thing. Your comments can be posted directly on location for those folks who haven't met my pottery yet.

Kiln Opening

Abel and I unloaded the top layer of the kiln Friday while Olive was at tap dance. The temperature was nice and toasty. Everything so far has worked out surprisingly well. Ann's cake stand didn't resist well on the chip and dip side but I think she will like it anyway. I was hoping for precise pink polka dots in a sea of boo boo blue. It's shown here in the center of the photograph cake side up. Sized to fit the small carrot cakes at Wegman's for which Ann has a weakness. Maybe she'll test drive it this weekend when she hosts knitting. The wheat vase is a keeper. Inspired by a set of wheat tiles made by my high school clay teacher Greg Brantman. I'm really happy with the way the mottled straw glaze plays over these rich textures. Coming soon... the bottom of the kiln!

Abel in the Studio

It is very rare that I work with my children in the studio. Occasionally, we have to stop by and unload a kiln or check on a drying pot.

Both Olive and Abel are fluent in clay speak and really good about letting me make my work alone. My husband also has a "studio" as the kids call it. He's a college professor and often retreats to his office to write.

I don't know if I would be able to keep a home studio. For now I like the separation.

Next...

Two kids in bed and two hours later I have a site for my first blog. I hope it works since I am about to order business cards. Next is a face book account to hook up my friends. Do I have friends online? I guess we'll see. Order postcards too just in case. Four weeks until the Elmira Open Studio Tour. Mark your calendars or wait for a postcard.