Masks

I unloaded a couple of masks today in my most recent glaze firing.  They had been sitting around on a shelf for many months due to a lack of inspiration on how to finish them.  Initially I thought I would raku them when I finally got around to building my raku kiln, but that hasn't happened yet.  One of my children has a mask that I made hanging in his room and it has been a family favorite.  It was also glazed with a glossy glaze in an electric kiln, so I figured I would go ahead.  I would like to have a few items that are different than the other functional pieces that I make.  So, here they are. And I feel quite pleased with them.  My children are hoping that they don't sell and I'll put them up in our house.  It's always a tough call.

Glaze Firing

I unloaded the kiln this morning after a glaze firing that I started Tuesday night.  I always feel like a child waiting for Christmas morning.  You never know what you are going to get when you open the lid of the kiln.  The wait is excruciating.  I keep checking the temperature to see if it is cool enough to open.  When the moment finally comes, there is always a mixture of excitement, satisfaction, and disappointment.  This firing wasn't without its casualties.  The glaze ran on three pieces, one of which was a carved piece that my husband put a great deal of effort into.  It will live on top of my kiva fireplace with the flaw to the back.  I'm almost glad that it happened, because now I have a reason to keep it.  The cup that ran will sit on a low shelf where my small children can access it.  The lidded jar that ran and sealed itself will go out to the pottery graveyard which graces the garden off of my portal.  The rest will be packed up for the Dixon Studio Art Tour.

Studio Tour

I am currently preparing for the annual Dixon Studio Arts Tour.  This will be my first year to participate in an event that will attract hundreds of people to our tiny village.  My studio happens to be located on a rather rough dirt road that rambles in and out of an arroyo, so I won't be showing my work in my own studio.  I will have a booth at the Embudo Mission located right in the center of town.  This is the 30th year of our fall tradition and we are hoping for a great turnout.  I have been working hard the past month to have a broad inventory to show.  I have new glazes sitting in my buckets, just waiting to be applied.  I have greenware drying on the shelves hoping to make it into a bisque firing before the end of the week.  A friend just commissioned some children's mugs that need to be made in order to get into this firing.  It has been a little hectic, but exhilarating at the same time.