Since I last wrote a blog we've been disconsolately watching the gorgeous yellow and red leaves being blown off the trees, and trying to ignore the pelting rain. The days are getting so much shorter. But at least we don't have to go to work, or anywhere at all for that matter and Al and I have lots to keep us occupied and distracted. …
A few weeks ago I noticed that some of Canada's well-known potters were being challenged to post seven photos of their work for seven days, on facebook. They were asked to nominate another clay artist to join the effort each day. It wound up being a really interesting way to see a little history of each person and admire pieces we may not have seen…
I killed several birds with one stone on Thursday. What a dreadful expression for getting several errands done in one trip! Two potter friends, Barbara Tipton and Faye Oakes joined me for a chance to see the show 'Malleable: Changing Notions of Women' at the Italian Cultural Centre. I missed the opening and now have only just managed to catch the show. But several women potter…
For those who are wondering what salt fired pots look like, here are my sixteen examples. Jackie's kiln and ten pounds of salt have resulted in consistent orange peel all around these pieces. There is a difference between salt and soda firings and I am pleased to have some more salty pieces for my record. Soda firings produce orange peel too but in those firings…
My title sounds a bit like a risqué petticoat, but no, it refers to the special, very liquid slips that are sprayed onto bone dry or bisqued stoneware pieces prior to a soda or salt or wood firing. They react to the surrounding flames and will lend a delicious opaque colour, often red-brown, orange or blue, or will encourage orange peeling. There's so much to…