March 4th, Chapter 5

The opening history timeline allows me to think that Dr Seuss partly was nurtured by the presence of Surrealism. I have nothing to prove this aside from a long held belief that nothing exists in a vacuum.

I am still thinking about my weekend visit with Salado Glassworks and Ro Shaw Clay. I continue to be impressed with how much work it takes to build an inventory, demonstrate processes, be the sales person and make new work. So for our extra question briefly describe the shop /store you would have for your work and how you would do the above mentioned tasks. I know a few of you talked about being teachers when I asked you to talk about yourself. If you choose to have a store focused on children's art that is OK, just answer the questions.

Remember that at least 2 of our responses to other student's post need be more than "I agree'...pretend you are in an actual class and we are having a discussion.

Example for Gail on so called juicy-ness.

Tea bowl.
Soda-fired Stoneware.
2014

An example of  a piece with a juicy glaze quality.

Family of Cups.
Soda-fired Stoneware with under glaze.
2015

Here is an example of the same firing process, same kiln, and same clay-body without juicy surface.

The glaze on the top piece has a higher silica content than the slip on the outside of the bottom set. The piece on top also was lucky enough to be located in a space inside the kiln that was in the path of the flame and soda vapor during the firing process, thus producing a higher glass build up.

The sodium vapor, usually a mix of water and soda ash and sodium bi-carbonate, acts as a flux and combines with the silica ( the glass former) and alumina ( refractory ) within the clay body and the glaze.

This produces a sodium-alumino-silicate glaze, which has somewhat unpredictable affects largely determined by surface texture and placement of wadding / orientation of the piece within the kiln. All of which can produce wet or juicy visual aesthetics.

It's essentially painting with fire, and I absolutely love it.

Feb.27th, Chapter 4

What a great chapter, Art Deco mixed in with Native American and Appalachian work. A totally different view of the 1920's that is presented in history books.

When you have time, and this is not an assignment just shared information, check out American Craft Magazine (americancraftmag.org) if you live near a large town you should be able to find it in your favorite book store. This is the magazine I keep by my bed to read before I fall asleep. And Spoonflower.com, which is a wonderful site that allows you take your paintings and turn them into cloth, that can be sold by the yard. If  you go to the site look up the work of Helen Klebesadle.....her watercolors are amazing.

Now for the extra question this week. What is the story you want told about you? In 3-5 sentences write a short description of you and your work. Imagine you are in this book...how would you want to be represented?

My favorite Rocking chair

Feb 20, Chapter 3

As we continue to learn about the history of craft I encourage you to pick up and read an issue of American Craft Magazine. The reviews and illustrations are in many ways the end product  of this book. Again, I love how the opening brief history lessons helps to set the stage for each movement. It is hard at times to see past our current everyday lives to consider what factors have contributed to the present situation of each medium. Much let know what is ahead.

A reminder to answer the three main questions for each chapter. In addition I have an extra question for you this week: describe your favorite chair.

Feb 13, Chapter 2

As you read this chapter pay attention to the history lesson at the beginning of the chapter. Try to go back into time and sense what it was like in the early 1900's. It is easiest for me to read the chapter slowly, allowing my imagination meander, making short notes (on the edge of the page or on a 3x5 card), then I go back and re-read to fill in what I have lingering questions about.

Of special note for me is the work of the Saturday Evening Pottery girls. My former mother in law collected this work because as a high school adviser she loved the idea of using art as a means to keep young women "off the streets".

Again, you have till the 13th to respond to the writings from the first chapter. I know most of you have responded already but in case someone is still catching up, I will check both sites.

Enjoy!