Pick of the Kiln
A few days ago, I wrote about the process of glazing. Today I have 4 pieces that are my favorites from this firing.
I particularly like how rich the colors of the red bowl looks.
Flowers and foliage really make the vase look complete
The success story for this firing, however, is the 2 jars.
I started making these jars back when we lived in Indiana about 5-6 years ago. I threw these jars as a completely enclosed piece, including the finial. Then I would cut it open to make the lid. I encountered all kinds of problems, from the lid getting fused together during the firing process to the lid and body warping so that the 2 pieces no longer fit together. I was obssessed with these jars and made a whole bunch of them, only to have them not turn out. In frustration, I set them aside.
Over the years of making pottery, I’ve learned that the importance of “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”. With the twist that you dont’ try, try now but later.
Usually, when a new idea doesn’t work, I retreat to my comfort zone to make “comfort pots” – pots that I already know how to make. But the beauty of exploring new ideas is that exploration opens up new thoughts, ideas and solutions that can be applied to the “comfort pots”. Suddenly, the “comfort pots” have changed, which leads to more new ideas, more exploration, and well, you get the picture. The whole time this is happening, the failed ideas sit at the back of my mind, patiently waiting until I’m ready to dust them off and give them another try. This is what happened to these 2 jars. After patiently waiting for 5 or 6 years for me to figure out how to make them, I have finally succeeded.
Parts of the lid are cut out so that it can double as a vase or candle holder
These 4 pieces along with 6 new pieces are available for purchase at my Etsy shop. There are also more images of the 4 featured pieces.
Just came across your shop in the ceramics/pottery showcase and I must say your items are amazing!
The first thought that went through my mind while I was browsing was “Hey, this is like the National Palace Museum” in Taipei (I visited this past December)
Keep up the great work and all the best to you!