Window ceramics

When I was in Dunedin I took a ceramics class and to my surprise I learned to love clay. Beginner students often experiment to see how thin they can make clay and I was no exception. These pots were made by rolling the clay with a rolling pin and imprinting them with figures.






The paper protrusions were inspired by my teacher Jim Cooper's work. Now the pots  are sitting on my bathroom window sill. The curtain is a piece I crocheted in Germany during a crochet splurge many years ago. However did I find the time for that?

Bravo Jim Cooper

Jim Cooper has just won the Portage Prize, the premier ceramics prize in New Zealand. Congratulations Jim!

Jim Cooper (photo from the Otago Daily Times)

I thought clay was boring until I had Jim Cooper as a teacher. He is not only a wonderful ceramic artist, he is an 'original';  a man who does things his way, who is more generous than anyone I have ever met and who taught me a lot about art while I was messing with clay. I learned to look at art differently in Jim's class. I realised that art can be whatever you want it to be.

Peace and quiet in the clay room

I have been spending time in the 2nd year work room which has been quiet and empty during the holidays. Winter sun shines in through the big north facing windows as I knead clay. It is a lovely spot and I can sit there for hours on end in the silence. I have been making violins. They take shape under my hands and seem to morph by themselves. Below is a photo of one set to dry on the shelf.

Kiln products

A terracotta bowl with black music (Tristan and Isolde!)
This flat plate is made of white stoneware clay. The face is made of slip, which is the sloppy mess you have when you mix clay with water.