Today I glazed and loaded my last kiln load. It was packed to the rafters, and even then I couldn't fit two bowls in. I think I repacked the last two shelves three times before I gave in to the spacial reality!
These photos are of my work in various stages of development. They show my (very dodgy) moulds, the pieces drying and waiting to be trimmed, cleaned up then glazed.
I can only use each mould once a day so it takes me a number of days to produce a kiln load even though I have many moulds.The work is stored on shelves and tables around my already crowded studio (I have my clay class student's work as well as tiles from the Ardross mural all making claims on the space). When I am ready to load the kiln I start glazing. Or when I run out of space I start loading the kiln.
I get all methodical and production line in my work habits; sorting the bowls into sizes, making sure I glazed every bowl properly and cleaning up the external surface of each bowl.
This photo of the loaded kiln was from last week; you can see the vase for the CAAWA selective exhibition at the back.
It gets quite repetitive and so I like to listen to the radio while I work. I go through phases as to what I listen to. At the moment it is Triple J. The last couple of months it was Classical ABC (a little odd for me, but it created a nice space to concentrate in).
This last photo is of my latest experiment. I am planning on designing new moulds to create pieces I can decorate with my handmade tissue transfers. This bowl is unfired, so the test will be when I open my kiln on Saturday afternoon. Hopefully I will have a whole new line of work for the Christmas markets.
The market is at the Perth Town Hall this Sunday 10an - 4pm. I am up-stairs, so pop up and say hi :)
It looks really nice. Can't wait to see the finished piece photographed. Elaine
ReplyDeleteWow, what alot of work! Looks great Mel. Ill see you on Sunday at the market.
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