Time to start school again...

     Just got my classroom ready for the students, and the district pushed back the start date by two weeks.  So I have plenty of time to slake down that clay that needs recycled, and throw as many pieces as I can in the next two weeks!  It looks like they funded the class this year, but still don't know how much they are going to give us.  The government is in the middle of downsizing as much as they can, and as many people as they can afford to.  At least I still have permission to build the wood kiln this year.  I need to find out if the local cement and block company makes bricks suitable for a kiln.  If not... I may have to just use whatever I can get and line it with fiber blanket.  Next - to see if I can get donations for it!
     I just got back (three weeks ago) from an eight week vacation to the States.  It was great to see family again, especially my father.  While visiting with him in Sierra Vista, Arizona, I was able to go use the local community center's open studio.  ( facebook.com/groups/potterystudiosierravista/ )
They have an excellent deal, with 8 hours of studio time, with materials, for only $22.  So I made 3 bowls and got them glazed before I left.  I gave the studio 2 of them for their "empty bowls" project in Oct. (I think), and my sister picked up the other to give to my Dad.  At least I got to get my hands muddy during the trip!

Bowl 1 had a nice set of cut feet.  White glaze over a cobalt blue glaze.

Bowl 2 had an invisible foot ring cut in the bottom.  Also white over cobalt blue.

A little better view of the insides.

While in the States, I also picked up some dremel tool bits to do a little carving on some hardwood flooring blocks that I got at the fair there.  I want to do a couple of "island style" designs in the wood blocks, for stamping on my wares.

     I have been following a blog called "Karatsu Pots"for quite a while.  It seems they are having a one week workshop in May of 2012, on the Tea Bowl.  So I have signed up to go, and have now got permission from my school principal to go (even though it happens during the school year).  I can't wait to spend a week in Japan, studying under a number of Japanese Masters!  If you are interested, here is the website to go to so you can check it out:  Workshop!  I would sure like to see some of the people I blog with there.  Hope you can make it.  

      I also wanted to put out the call for potters who would be willing again this year to let students interview you by email or facebook, and do a report on you and your work.  Please drop me a line at TropiClay@gmail.com if you can help out.  Finally, stay tuned for more student work!

Happy Mudding Y'all!