We are what we eat off of

These last few months of abundance from the garden were enhanced by the "collection" in my kitchen. This July I visited Mary Fox and purchased one of her peasantware bowls. Yes, food does look and taste better when served in a hand crafted vessel. The colour of the glaze isn't quite right so do take a look at the peasantware link on her portfolio.  I really like how the bare clay feels and I enjoy the sparkling mica on the exterior. Mary said it develops a patina and becomes more lovely over time.

There will be a lot of gatherings coming up where we celebrate with friends, family and food.  Why not make it a tradition to use unique, handmade ceramics? It's like having the artisan join you.

This thought provoking article by Shax Riegler, author of Dish, (I want this book) is well worth reading. There are links to other websites so enjoy the eye candy.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903285704576561151124373060.html?mod=WSJ_LifeStyle_Lifestyle_6

Ellen Mulligan commented: "Handmade ceramics truly can change the temper of a day, and the potter joins us at the table and sets the tone."
Here's a platter I made and soda fired at Medalta.

I found this article useful and hope you do as well.

Cats Walk Alone

by Carolyn Henderson

We can, however, choose to be superb artists, whether or not we are invited into the middle of the circle -- and indeed, the likelihood that we reach our potential as artists increases when we decrease our dependence upon the group, the group's policies, the group's likes and dislikes, the group's approbation or censure. [...]

Read the rest of this article at:
http://fineartviews.com/blog/34972/cats-walk-alone

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Dark Eyes by Cam Neufeld

Wow, Cam and the band do a great job. This is a fun video with music to move to.  Throughout the years I've know Cam he had grown and developed as a musician.  His travels to Turkey and Asia did good things for his music.   http://youtu.be/HDdBbmbe3QI

Check this out and enjoy more good music: http://www.reverbnation.com/camneufeld

Forgetfulness by Billy Collins

animation by Julian Grey.

"Drifted out of a love poem you used to know by heart".  I so enjoy hearing a poet read their work.

I trust I'll never forget how to swim or ride a bike.  I do forget authors names and book titles.
 http://youtu.be/wrEPJh14mcU

another teabowl video

I really like how Dirtkicker makes a very controlled form then loosens up by cutting the rim to undulate it and then carries on having fun decorating.
http://youtu.be/3UcQixHxpVM

Some of the tools such as the cutting wire with green handles and the stick with balls on the ends are from http://www.mudtools.com/ 

I think teabowls are a form that I will need to make 1000 of before I am competent.  So grateful that I'm a potter and can send myself on this quest.

Matcha Chawan Teabowl, Trimming etc. by Cory Lum

This will be a good exercise for me to loosen up my throwing and trimming just in time for a salt fire workshop.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f64J6C48ZSo

Be kind to yourself and watch this.