I spent October just using stoneware clay. It is a mixture of Plainsman H550 and H570 which I found suited my needs best when I was working at Medalta. The smoothness of the 570 (almost a porcelain) and the iron-bearing 550 combine to give me the best colour in a salt firing. I've made some tumblers and goblets because two Granville Island customers asked if I…
Alan and I have just returned from ten days in Guatemala. It was a fascinating tour, with a hike around Tikal Mayan temples, admiring textiles in Antigua and a boat ride on Lake Atitlan amongst the volcanoes. But in the back of my mind was the fact that I had to miss the opening of the kiln we'd fired just before we left. Herman, Dave,…
There was a fierce wind blowing between the mountains when we were firing the salt kiln on Friday. It made for a beautiful day but the kiln area had to be closed off from any gusts that could interfere with the burners. It also was a warning that the weather was changing. Sure enough, snow started on Saturday night so it was no…
I do enjoy the drive out to Matsqui Prairie for these occasional salt firings at Herman Venema's country studio. The mountains you see to the North as you drive over the Pitt River bridge, reflected in the river, are spectacular. And further on, near Ruskin, there's Mount Baker, seemingly just across the Fraser River. When I arrived Herman and Dave were ready to start work,…
It was still snowing yesterday as I unloaded my bisque kiln. Three days non-stop is rather unusual for Vancouver. But we could hear the dripping last night and this morning we woke to dry streets and lots of fog and now we have brilliant sunshine. But the lack of winter tyres was enough reason not to drive in to Vancouver last night so I missed…