Grrrrrrr.

After MANY slow hours, I decided to shut my kiln off at 1647°. I think my elements are kaput. The thermocouples are all working, the relays are all working...it just doesn't seem to have enough juice to get up to cone 10. So......there goes my day. Now I have to wait for the damn thing to cool (which is going to take forever because it's so packed), unload all 50+ pieces, change the elements, reload, re-fire, and then wait for it to cool AGAIN. Grrrrrr. The plan was to unload tomorrow and reload with greenware. Guess that's not happening. I was just finishing up a few more things for that bisque load, including these egg cups....did I mention I've been making a series of egg cups???????I think this came to me, in part, from working on my piece for the small favors show. I had been working on some larger (large for me) animal pieces, some of them don't really have a function...meaning; vase, pitcher, teapot....they are just sculptural. That is fine, of course, but I do like to at least hint at a function. So, I thought I'd work on some small (even smaller than usual) animals....more sculptural and all with the same function. I have been wanting to make egg cups for a while now, but seeing as they are not so popular in the US, I wasn't sure anyone would be interested in them...but I've decided I don't care.

BUT, then my kiln crapped out on me. SOOOOO, if you are waiting on work from me or waiting to see what's new in the studio....I'm sorry to say, you are going to have to wait a little longer. I HATE when this stuff happens....

Small Favors V.

Small Favors V is officially up and showing at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia. It's such a cool show. All the work must fit into a 4" plexi cube. The are a TON of amazing pieces from pots to sculpture and all quite affordable.

This is my piece...The entire show is up on The Clay Studio's website, so check it out. And if you are in Philly, the show is up until May 31.

SALE TIME.

Yes, I'm having a Mother's Day sale. 10% off all vases. AND, I can ship directly to mom. Free gift wrapping and I'll even include a note if you'd like. I'll be adding a few more vases today and tomorrow...that's all I seem to be making these days. I guess it's all those flowers popping up outside. Ah, spring...so, go check it out!

The Art of Spring.

Well, I survived another opening... The Art of Spring, a group show here in Kingston (look at me, FINALLY doing some LOCAL gallery shows), is up from April 10th through May 28th. I think there are around 45 artists in the show...insane! Cornell Street Studios is my new favorite place. Lots of rooms, lots space. I really hope it continues to be more and more successful, Kingston really needs it. Hundreds of people came through during the opening and it was actually pretty great talking to everyone. Lots of good feedback, networking and SALES...can't complain about that. This guy sold right away. :)

Nerman MOCA.

Just wanted to mention that my work can now be found at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. Pretty nice. Maybe someday I'll get to Kansas to see it in person...

AND....I wanted to show off my llama...Isn't he lovely? Made on the wheel in a couple of pieces, altered and put together. I can resist sneaking into the studio to pet him....

Cups.

I've been making a lot of cups lately. Mostly because when I have a huge list of other work that needs to be made, I end up procrastinating and making the pieces that have only lived as drawings upon my studio walls. This giraffe mug is one of those pieces. Thrown and altered and I'm totally in love with it. I'm firing a bisque today and this guy is in there. Along with this cutie...And, I had another lovely lady feature me on her blog. So thank you to Kimberly. You can check it out here. And you can check out her two Etsy shops as well- AvecJasmine and Shoda

Vote.

I was informed this morning that I got nominated for Poppytalk's "The Poppies" award for #1 Ceramics. Cool, huh? A pleasant surprise.

So, please go and vote for me! There is some serious competition from some of my favorite ceramics friends.