Raided Again!

Four artists drove out from Vancouver this morning for our first Raid in quite a while. We were Renée van Halm, Monique Fouquet, Karen Henry and Cathy Busby. Sadly Eric isn’t steady enough these days to make the trip out. We missed him, and I’m putting this blog together quite  quickly so that Karen can show him photos of our work day. He started this whole tradition of Raids, many years ago.

After coffee and catch-up we finally settled down for a productive, creative day. I think each person came prepared with a plan for her plate. There were bisqued and bone dry white clay plates for them to choose from, and I had made a few red earthenware plates for me.

getting started
lunch time!

As usual the potluck contributions made for a fine, balanced lunch. We started with a hearty vegetarian soup made by Cathy. Monique had once again baked a flaky pastry quiche with artichokes and Karen’s tasty salad complemented it. We enjoyed Renée’s home-baked carrot cake with our tea later on.

Alan captured us hard at work
our happy place
now they'll dry before the bisque firing

By late afternoon we were done. After we’d cleared up and had a cuppa, my four guests left for the darkening drive home. Once these plates have all been fired twice I’ll post pics of them and we’ll see how the underglaze layers work out. My piece is darker because I used slips and the red clay. 

Even though Alan and I are considering moving to a townhouse reasonably soon the Raiders agreed that we must certainly find one with a studio for me, and a table big enough to continue to welcome Raiders. Wish us luck with that!

Today's plates, plus three that were painted at Eric's home, by him and Karen.

Gillian McMillan

Gillian writes blogs about ceramics in and around Vancouver and sometimes talks about other Art, her garden, travels and family.

This Post Has 6 Comments

  1. Lesley

    Is that a pool table you work on?

  2. Gillian McMillan

    Yes it is, Lesley! with a pingpong table on top. I’m going to have to manage without that vast table but it sure has been useful.

  3. Liz Rhodes

    Good luck with your move and, while I’m here, Happy Christmas!! Hope you and the family have a lovely time together. x

  4. Gillian McMillan

    It’s so good that we can keep in touch like this, Liz. The move won’t happen until next year, and only if we find the right place. Christmas will be quiet this year as the Edmonton crew will stay there for their first Christmas in their new home. We have one son who lives in Vancouver. Happy Christmas to you and yours! X G

  5. Diane

    Always lovely to read your Blog and see who has raided you once again Gillian, all the best with you future move, Diane

  6. Gillian McMillan

    Thanks Diane. Didn’t you move this year?

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