During the last few weeks, while Alan has continued to edit his book collection and I try to sort and get rid of magazines and unused household things, I made time to bisque, glaze and fire those plates which were painted by TriCity Potters. I think the group will be pleased to see how bright the underglazes are when fired to earthenware temperatures. You might enjoy their varied decorations below.
You’ll see that most people chose to paint their bone-dry plates with underglazes, but some then went on to try some sgraffito, producing white drawing lines. Jade carefully drew a peacock. Her toddler Jet had a go.
Gay experimented with marbling the underglazes.
While my potter friends were happily painting I chose to coat my slightly dampened plate with a teal slip. Then I simply enjoyed myself ‘doodling’ shapes and my favourite parallel lines. I find that slips give a more opaque finish. This may be the last piece I finish while working in my current studio.
I mustn’t finish without reminding you about the interesting day I’ve planned for March 1st. Much of my collection of pieces by other potters will be displayed in my studio, waiting for reasonable offers on these second-hand pots to have a further life in your home! Some of my own pots will be for sale too.
In the mean time I look forward to a final Raid on Thursday, when a small group of Vancouver artists will decide on images for some bisqued plates I have here.
Wow, what a variety.
Hi Gillian,
I am reflecting on the blog posts of yours re the underglazed plates and so many of the other initiatives that you have offered to various communities in support of ceramic education, celebration, technical sharing and conceptual inspiration. You continue to shape our Community’s culture through all of these efforts and complimented through the additional reviews of shows about town that so effectively recreate the artist’s intention of exemplary exhibitions……..when do you sleep ? Your enthusiasm for your own ceramic pieces parallel the support and acknowledgement of clay manifestos that other artists produce as well ! As you continue on with the process of rehoming your studio affects, I wish all and only the best of continued successes as you step forward into the next chapter of your clay life. And Allan life, And family life . and perhaps more travel life ?
Thank you for all of it, Gillian.
You remain a spark among humans.
Warm hugs,
Susan
You’re very kind, Susan. Thank you for writing. I like being thought of as ‘a spark’.