I really hate to throw things away. Like lots of other potters I find many of my tools are repurposed wood, plastic and metal found objects. We lurk in hardware stores, 2nd hand stores and thrift shops to find a gizmo that will do a pottery related job better than the commercially made offerings. Recently I found some excellent knife blades which I'd typically saved - for…
This must be the hottest day of the year, at 35C, and I am SO glad my kiln isn't in our house! A glaze firing for three pieces has just ended and it's 6pm. What electrical extravagence, but the Gallery of BC Ceramics staff have invited me to bring in some work for the upcoming members' show, titled 'Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3..' which opens next…
Later this morning another full kiln will finish firing. Some time on Friday I'll be able to check the results of two fun painting days here, and eleven new jugbirds and some plates of my own. The anticipation is always exciting. As some of you will have gathered, our summer is rather low-key as my husband patiently waits for a date for open…
When my dear brother Bill was spending his last days in the hospice last October, his wife, my sister-in-law Lottie, sent me a poem and a photo. She had dreamed of birds flying away to warmer climes after the summer and wondered if the dream had been inspired by the old-fashioned bird design on the hospice room curtains. As I awoke this morning, I dreamt of…
I have been home from England for just about two weeks now and life is returning to normal. My nine days over there were memorable and important for me. We gave Bill a fine Church of England send-off with thoughtful eulogies and sermon, moving hymns and music. I now have a greater appreciation of what a kind and learned man he was. When I first arrived over there…