When I got back from England, having delivered seven jugbirds to Primavera, I found that YVR Crafthouse, Circle Craft and the Gallery of BC Ceramics were all asking for more birds right away. It’s really nice to be needed, and I seem never to learn to make lots ahead of time, but here was work to be done, now! Luckily Alan was busy getting a publication together so while he spent long hours at his computer I made these thirteen jugbirds.
I just managed to get them all finished, dried and fired, along with all the ‘Raiders” work in time to give the plates to the group just a week ago, when they were here for Eric’s birthday.
The very next day Al and I took off for Victoria and Ucluelet to try to grab a holiday in this endless summer and heat before Fall comes.
Hah! This weekend saw Vancouver experiencing the worst wind and rain since the big blow-down some years ago. But we were very lucky.
In Victoria where we stayed in our friends’ house on ‘The Gorge’ we enjoyed several lovely walks in sunshine. One took us down to Witty’s Lagoon and Metchosin.. so that’ll be a blog for another day.
In Ucluelet this weekend we just decided to enjoy storm-watching as the fearful rain was forecast. But again we dodged the rain! It only happened while we were having a meal or during the night. We hiked the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet and along Long Beach, and yesterday, yes, we drove home in torrential rain.
Here all seems well, although our power would seem to have been out for a while and there are twigs and leaves all over the lawn. BUT, the dead grass is greening and the plants are delighted to have a drink.
Here then, are the latest jugbirds, now on display around the lower mainland.
First, the newest creation is a House Finch, with its cheerful red head and chest.
The others have all been made before. I’ve reserved the Rainbow Lorikeet for a Primavera group. Now I need to get started right away on some orders and other special ones for Cambridge. Those poor Raiders are going to have to wait for me to fill the kiln again before they see their work completed.
I’d love to know which jugbirds you like best!
My next blog will show the splendid work the Raiders took home last week. They all seemed very happy and are already planning the next Raid.
love them all, but the pileated woodpecker, puffin and seagull are my favourites. Perhaps my half-collared Eurasian Dove might be considered? Have you seen my photos on FB? If not I can message them to you……not wanting to add work to your very pleasant sounding life but they are new to BC only since 2005 so maybe the newest bird visitor we have.
So glad you like them, Susan. Yes, I’ve seen your half-collared Eurasian Dove and considered making a jugbird one. Maybe. I was surprised to read that they make no sounds. I love hearing doves when I’m in England – must be a different kind. I’m thinking of making a Mynah Bird too. They used to live in Vancouver but don’t any more.
A collector of my work, Bette Copeland, was inspired to pen the following verses after seeing the blog above:
thirteen jugbirds fired and drier-ed!
don’t you think that she’d get tired??
avis here and avis there…all unique in colours rare.
true to form…perfect and neat…from birdy beaks to birdy feet.
don’t need doggerel to advertise…
form and function; they re soo wise
we use them cause they re table dutiful 0;)
but most of all BECAUSE THEY’RE BEAUTIFUL!!
……………………….fly on little creatures
without you
and the bees
and butterflies
the world would be a sadder poorer place!!
may you come to live in homes grateful for your presence…
cause we re delighted to be giving them as presents !!
regards to you both who are the wind underneath each others wings
…let alone strength unto the next generations!!
Thanks Bette, that’s fun!