I have noticed a big change in the weather whilst out in the workshop this week, it has been sooo cold! I’m lucky to have a halogen heater which soon heats up the small space, making it feel nice and cosy. I’ve noticed someone watching me from outside while I’m working… he’s small and fat with a red chest – Mr Robin is back! I think he’s waiting for the mealworms, although all the greedy starlings eat them all.
I’ve had a busy couple of days in the workshop and thought I’d take a few photos while its looking tidy(ish). Above is a selection of new vases, sculptural vessels, a pile of coasters and some new Christmas tree decorations in the shapes of stars and trees. I’m glad to be getting ready for Christmas early this year, I hate rushing at the last minute.
Here’s my main workspace where everything gets prepared, with the big Christmas tree right outside the window in the garden. You can see some of my vases in the moulds which were cast earlier today, they will be ready to take out tomorrow.
This is a shot of my wall full of inspirational images and photos, with pieces of work drying ready to be smoothed with finished edges. I do this when the clay is leather-hard (not too soft and not too dry). I’ve made a few trial letter racks, not sure how they will turn out as its a new idea but I hope they look ok.
These sheets of paper pinned on the wall are full of new design ideas that I’m currently working on. I also use them as a noticeboard to jot down ideas when I’m making batches of work. They are also handy for writing down the time when I’ve poured casting slip into my moulds for each item so I know how long they have been in, its sometimes hard to keep track of time when a few things are on the go at once!
I got given loads of unwanted bags of different glazes a few weeks ago. I made test samples for each glaze, and these are my favourites. You can’t quite see in the photo but the top left sample has little cratered bubbles on the surface, and the bottom left has lots of tiny brown specks in it. The glaze on the bottom right is a deep brown with exploded red patches, I think this one will be nice to use on some of the Christmas decorations as its got a warm Christmassy feel about it.
Other new work on the go is a range of smooth pebble shaped keyrings, candle shaders, bowls, wall plaques and lots more mini sculptures as I’ve sold my last batch.
I’m really pleased with my work in progress so far, so I’m off to treat myself with a chocolate eclair now!!
I’ve put together two large collages of images which are displayed on the walls – one full of inspirational images and some of my own photos, and another of other artists and ceramic artists work whose I love.
Theres plenty of storage space under the work benches to keep my glaze materials, oxides, scales, clay, moulds, safety equipment, tools, newspaper, etc. The benches also have shelves on the bottom which is very handy.
