Spring 2014

Working on making glazes this semester was cool this semester. I liked learning the science behind the glazes and why they look and act the way they do. I plan to further develop the glaze for my flameware I began working on this semester. And maybe even work on some different color shinos for future wildfired pieces.
I have been working on developing my throwing skills, and this semester really helped me get in more practice time to hone in on specific forms. The projects this semester gave me an opportunity to refine each category of pottery. Thining cylinder walls, creating a decent foot ring, pulling handles, etc. And figure out some placement and aesthetic issues like where the handle should attach and really think about placement of texture. All of the throwing will prove beneficial for the future.
There is always room for improvement. With that said I don't think I will be able to think of everything that needs improvement for this blog. I want to work on cleaning up the bottom of pieces, thinning walls, glazing (creating, mixing, application techniques), making some bigger pieces, applying conseptual reasoning behind why and what I make, and predicting how my flameware will warp.
As an artist I want to continue to make things. Work on refining skills, hopefully sell some pieces, have my own studio and means of firing. I hope to take what I learn through ceramics (time management, problem solving, critical thinking, and social skills) and help others see that they can improve their mental health through art. I hope to do this through art therapy.
My son, my family, my art, my housework and my alarm gets me up in the morning. I come to the studio to center myself and some clay and remind myself that no matter how crazy and off center the world (or my clay) gets, it can be shaped into something beautiful or at the very least useful with a little time, practice, and work.