Finished scallops.

First batch of finished scallops. I had a bit of loss, because I rushed them and should have taken more time in the drying. But still, they make for a nice photo. I've already started the next batch. I promise to take my time this go-round!

Scallop-happy.

I went a little overboard. I couldn't seem to stop. Can't wait to see how these turn out. I'm really not a frilly-frilly girly-girl. Really. But you'd never know it from the look of these small dishes.

Grad school?

Sometimes the truth hurts. Which is why I hesitate to go to grad school or even apply. But I think it time. I just missed the deadline, and won't be able to apply again until Jan '09. Which means I wouldn't start school until Fall '09. Which feels really far away.

Soda-firing.

I have been taking a class at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center for the last 2 months. The focus was on throwing and firing the soda kiln. I won't go into the class...just not what I had been expecting when I signed up. But we did unload the last firing last night, and I FINALLY got some good results.
The picture above is the ceramics director at Callanwolde, Glenn Dair, unloading the kiln. A soda kiln is much different then an electric kiln (which is what I use.) It is fired with gas and creates a different atmosphere within the kiln. At the right temperature, a baking soda/water/soda ash mixture is sprayed into the kiln. The soda then vaporizes and travels through the kiln. The resulting alkaline atmosphere creates some great glaze variation. Check out my favorite teabowl:

Cards?

That's right. Cards. Available at VeganDish. The inspiration for these cards are many. Here is a list in order to break it down for you.

1. I love print-making techniques of all kinds but really haven't done any in years and years. Ever since I joined etsy, I've admired the work of Sonia Romero (sheridesthelion.etsy.com. So I finally splurged on some supplies and got to cutting some lino.

2. The critter challenge for the etsy mud team is this month. I couldn't decide on a critter. Spent lots of time looking at animal books and thinking about animals. I still haven't made anything for the challenge but I had to make SOMETHING animal-related. (Stay tuned for the critter challenge...from the previews I've seen its going to be very, very cute.)

3. These guys.

4. I've been wanting to make a line, where the proceeds specifically go to charity. The sale of these cards will allow me to donate to various non-profit organizations that need support. Hopefully, I will be able to rotate the charities every few months and spread the love.

5. Every now and then you've got to change it up! Try something new! Expand your horizons!

Anyway, I hope you like them! I've got more critters to print! Hedgehogs and squirrels and birds and maybe an armadillo?

In Portland? Get to Herbivore!

VeganDish is now available at Herbivore. While you are there be sure to check out the rest of the vegan mini-mall. I'm so jealous. People in Portland don't know how good they got it.

PURPLE!

I'm having a love affair with this new glaze color. So fresh and springy.

Fusion ceramics.

I got a request for some "vegan" bowls that incorporated my other (wonky) style. At first I was a little hesitant because I thought it would just be too much. But they turned out sweet. So be on the look out for more fusion work...