Bottle 1

From the kiln for PMA Craft Show

some images from the kiln...
taken quickly as there is much to do
perhaps just a distraction from it all
and some thought that I'm close...
tomorrow they'll be packed and loaded...
more to follow

Firebox door

this firebox door is over 15 years old now...
not even a memory of it's well crafted younger self...
it carries the memories, with it's partner on the other side,
of every slab and sliver of wood I have fired wood pots with...

it's been black, repeatedly red with heat and slathered with post firing slip to seal it from air intrusion...

 it is so warped and misshapen it doesn't close anymore with anything resembling evenness...

yet, still, I want it's memories to bless the new pots
with it's thoughts of older ones...

so I accommodate it...
I continue to use it, to benefit from it's memory and it's energy...

there are many types of craftsmanship

it takes many forms...

coals

long day and night and day...
coals with rain drops...

the RAIN...

nothing like the smell of preheating smoke in the morning... in the rain...
it's been raining for days, just raining
through the entire loading process...
everything wet... everything!!!
including the wood so carefully covered with tarps and thought to be safe...
I have been wet through to my underwear for 3 days...
87 steps with each piece from studio door to kiln door and back...
wadding and kilnwash wet for 3 days means a slower preheat...
tired in ways sleep won't help...
but... the deadline comes, the firing must be done and excitement will build...
after a little rest...

the big show!

body work on the truck has delayed the loading
it needs to be inspected...
funny how these things slip by when there's more time...
tomorrow... tomorrow... hearing the song in the distance
the PMA Craft Show will be here soon
come out to see all the amazing craftspeople and their fine work...
and new pots from the coming firing...

red sky...

red sky in morning... sailors take warning
seems rain is coming...
not fun for the loading or preheating
another well laid plan ...........slowly evaporating
late schedule probably delayed as the pressure mounts
the stomach churning, I have worked so hard to remove from life,
has returned with a vengeance...
the sky is beautiful... the fire warm
and tea feels wonderful warming my insides...

craft show firing

PMA Craft Show coming soon...
preparing to begin loading the kiln tomorrow...
lots to do, many doors to move through
each firing always an adventure
this one perhaps more than most
"don't know, we'll see"...

company for the sign...

'tis the season!
thanks Judy...

morning windows...

condensation patterns on my summer bedroom window...
I stay out on the sunporch as long as possible
waiting for the cold to be a bit too much
each morning the windows are decorated with  different patterns
until, of course, I wake to frost covering them...
that's when I think of moving back in...
just think about it...

Preparing

whiskey cups and small bowls
drying after pre glaze washing
glazing began yesterday
another group to replace these tomorrow...
moving along slowly...