Yesterday was the day we finally hosted another ‘Raid’. Vancouver artists used to ‘raid’ my studio several times a year, before Covid, but last year we had just one gathering in September. Now we decided that Eric’s 82nd birthday would be a perfect day to get together again. The weather forecast was for a slightly cooler day, so we felt that if we worked with the studio door open and had our lunch outside, it would be good.
The visiting artists were Eric Metcalfe, Karen Henry, Monique Fouquet and Renée Van Halm. Renée noted that she had been a ‘raider’ ten years ago!
It was such a pleasure to have a group of plate-painting friends here once more, to catch up on our lives and sort out the world, while they concentrated on their painstaking work.
As usual the pot-luck lunch was perfect. Monique had prepared a Tortilla Española and Renée had made a dish of roasted vegetables. Cheese, cold cuts and baguette slices rounded out the menu.
By mid-afternoon the group decided they’d finished and it was time to have the obligatory tea, and enjoy the exotic chai and spice bundt cake Karen had baked for Eric’s birthday. He was pleased.
I am pleased to now have more pieces to justify loading a bisque firing. My work is dry so as soon as I get the bases of all the jugbirds etc. coated with terra sigillata I shall give the Raiders’ plates a second bisquing with them (Renée’s large round platter was bone dry). Below are the five plates that were painted with underglazes yesterday. I’ll post photos of them when glazed, as usual. Eric took one home to the Western Front to work on later.
Me, I was happy to attend to my guests, unsticking all the underglaze jars and arranging refreshments. Next Raid I’ll get painting too, but probably with slips.
To other previous Raiders, we discussed having Raids again soon so we’ll get in touch when it seems suitable, Covid-wise. Small groups are a good idea for now.
I love your posts
I vicariously enjoyed what sounds like a wonderful day of friends and art and food. Thank you.
Happy birthday, Eric!
Nice that the Raiders are back.
I’m glad. It’s fun that friends from Art School are still in touch.
I’ll pass on your greetings Claudia. Yes, it’s so nice to have artists here again.
Thanks Karen. It was wonderful.