Back in Charlotte

I'm in DC as I write, currently at a conference that is exciting and full of learning, beyond words.

Just talked with my parents. I must say that I miss my family in Bolivia lots, especially when I hear stories from my parents about my abuelos (grandparents). Thankfully, God is with them when I am not.

My grandfather here in PA is not doing well too. I'm amazed that while in my 30's, all of my grandparents are still living. That is a gift and too, that I've gotten to know all of them, with two being on another continent. So, because of my grandfather's health, I'll travel to PA (life is short) within the next month. It will be good to hear stories from him; as he has had a rich and full life.

Back in Charlotte on Sunday, it was so fun to be at the studio the night before I left for DC. First, great news... Becky won an Emmy.... see her post for more info. So, of course at Clayworks, we find any reason to celebrate and this is a BIG one!

Thanks, Elaine for the red wine. :) Julie took the pic and Susan, Angela, Elaine and I are giving a celebratory toast to Becky (second from the right). And I know Becky! I'm so happy for her.

I managed to get some clay stuff done too. I put slip (a clay and water mixture) on several pieces and put them on the bisque shelf while there too. Finished adding slip on my first set of cereal bowls.

Meanwhile, Susan was adding clay feet to her bowl. Literally, in a sense. In clay terms, the foot is the part of the piece at the bottom.. Susan took that literally- I can't wait to see how this turns out! She's so creative. We're all intrigued... as you can see. So, I also decided on Sunday that for now, this spiral design is my most favorite (is that a correct way to say it?) slip design. I put slip on four bowls and a larger, salad-size bowl. Can't wait to use these too.

The second pic is a side view of the same bowls. Not much slip on the side; it is harder to put slip on the sides because of the angle too. On the one with the stripes, I poured the slip on it to make that design.

Gosh, how I love this clay thing. This is just so fun! Miracles happen; just a few weeks ago, I was saying how hard it was to make bowls.

A Set

For awhile now, one of my goals has been to make a set of bowls, tumblers or plates. Above is my first real try at this today.

Today, even amidst all that is going on in life, this worked. Hopefully, a sign that better is ahead.
Four bowls in all. This is all quite encouraging, I must say. Part of me is still amazed that I made these. They are about the same size; and I think I'll make the slipware work on them different; complete uniformity isn't needed, instead, I'll try to think of a design on all four that complements the others. The design part is the hard work! This seemed easy.

Also made my first tumbler out of the Earthen Red clay today. This clay is just so forgiving, easy, and gentle. How needed those things are in our world today.

I've also discovered that reading other pottery blogs is one the highlights of my day. It's really exciting- I've even added some new blogs to my blog list. So much to learn!

Pottery, Pachamama, and Potatoes

Pottery.

Every night, I make a decision.

Which piece of pottery to use to drink a glass of red wine.

As I get better at pottery, the choice becomes more difficult.

Tonight it was this one. A good choice I must say.

Pachamama (front and then back view)

I have this Pachamama sitting in a prominent place in my home.
It's straight from Bolivia.
My abuela (grandmother), an Aymara Indian, has told me stories about Pachamama.
She cannot read or write; yet she is an amazing storyteller.
Pachamama is an Aymara word meaning goddess, (Mother Earth) worshipped by Bolivians and other indigenous people in the Andes Mts.
She presides over planting and harvesting. It's always good on certain days to travel to a high place where one lives (the top of a mountain, for example) and give gifts to Pachamama in hopes of a good harvest, which at times meant life or death for those in the village.
I bought this Pachamama in Cochabamba, Bolivia in one of the downtown outdoor markets after hearing stories from my abuela.
Abuela laughed and laughed when I showed it to her. She was so proud.
Three is a divine number; even Pachamama has three separate Persons. There's also a turtle for good luck and a serpent. (Serpent is on the second pic on the bottom right; a bit hard to see).
I miss my abuela's stories and love her wildly. I hope everyone has grandparents such as she and my abuelo.
And this is a sign that God is watching over me.

Potatoes

Last weekend, my father gave me these potatoes before I left. The more I think about it, the more I'm mindful that this is what Bolivian people do.
When you gather with loved ones, you bring something to the gathering. When you leave you often leave with something they give you for the journey back.
Potatoes are the perfect gift. :)
These are a Peruvian kind, homegrown by my father, which make them even more delicious.
Maybe I like potatoes so much because I'm Bolivian...
Any ideas for potato recipes?

Slipware and Brushes

It was fun last night to gather with friends at Clayworks and catch up a bit. The company was great. I trimmed some bowls and then added slip to a bunch of bowls.

I've discovered that making things the same size is much easier said than done. I have lots of improving to do in that area.

Here's a side view of the bowls: 2 views... these are made out of earthen red clay and will be bisqued at cone 5, I think.
I'm busy trying out different slipware techniques and working on applying it. Lots to consider. As a child, I liked helping my mom in the kitchen (she's an incredible cook) and at times she made and decorated wedding cakes for some extra income. So, I got to try to the cake decorating tools and putting slipware on has some parallels to that whole process.

These are very helpful in applying slip. I've also been reading Ceramics Monthly magazines recently. I found this tea ceremony bowl that I really like. The texture of the white slip and how it was applied is what first caught my eye. It's Japanese, made by Shimaoka.

John and Joe were making 'big' things too. Somehow, they are conspicuously gone during this pic... John's work is on the left; Joe's on the left. Eclectic music was in the background.
Towards the end of the evening, after Greg's class was over, I noticed the assortment of brushes that he had. Gosh....what a bunch! Then he explained... from hose hair, dog, (yes, dog), ox, (I think) and various other animals which I've forgotten. I wish I had taken notes. Here's a close-up of them as his class will be making them next week. Dad, what about Jake contributing some hair? (Jake is a chocolate brown lab). Handmade of course. A great night in all. How I love being with my pottery friends and playing in the clay... Now I just need to work on developing my own personal style of design on pots.... Hmmm

First Slipware

It is so good to be back in town and into clay. So good, also that I have two posts in a day too! Last night, I went back into the studio briefly. Decided to put slipware on some of my first earthen red pieces. I put white slip (clay and water mixture) on these five. Here is the first one I put the slip on.... I really like the design; it just seemed natural.

I really like doing slipware, much more than I thought I would. The hardest part is controlling the thick/thin of the slip as you add it. This class is really stretching me to think in new directions; I usually don't focus much on the glaze/slip/design of the piece. This spiral shape came easily. I learned quickly in doing these that slipware takes so much thought as to the angle at which one applies the slip, the thickness of the slip, the spacing of the design, how fast to spin the wheel that the piece is on, and just how far the needle of the syringe with the slip is from the piece. Lots to consider. Still, this clay and this technique holds lots of promise. :)

Finally, here's a side view of the five pieces. Oh, and more later about last weekend...

History Made Today... and I Was There (on Saturday)!

I've never really said that I'm proud to be an American, but on this day, it's true. It was so exciting to be on the Mall too, this past Saturday.

The reflective pool was frozen, but the birds were still faithfully out. It was about 20 degrees out. They were playing on the speaker what the announcer will say in just a short while. The MSNBC bubble (or whatever this is called) was already broadcasting on the Mall. The reporters were talking and broadcasting as this was shot. :) Lots of pictures everywhere.

I didn't realize it then, but I was wearing patriotic colors. I usually don't consider myself patriotic, but on a day like this in such a time as this, I'm glad I was wearing red, white, and blue.
On this day, I have a new renewed hope for America. Obama's calm, uniting presence in itself provides much hope. As one who is biracial (Caucasian and Latino), I am especially encouraged as we need more equality than ever in the United States. It is embarassing, sad, and horrific how we have treated another in the past due to the color of skin. What a historic day! It is also fun to flip between channels to see all of the footage.
The Charlotte WBTV coverage had already found a place just outside the Mall for the big day.
Vendors were selling everything Obama or with 44th president on it. Scarves, buttons, sweatshirts, signs... all sorts of things.
And in this visit, I had this sense that better is ahead. How our contry and world needs it! I'm so encouraged.

On a pottery note, I also visited the Freer Gallery. In my next post, I'll share pics from that visit. Before that, here's a closer picture of where the 44th President, Barack H. Obama will be inaugurated.

So Thankful

I learned this afternoon that my beloved abuelo (grandfather) has been found. He is safe. I am so relieved. I was ready to jump on a plane and travel to Bolivia. Thank you God!

Lost... Lost... Lost

I heard this morning that my beloved grandfather in Bolivia, is missing. Although never diagnosed (Bolivia is a Third World country; health care is not good), I believe he has some form of dementia. He went to the downtown market yesterday and never returned.
Felipe (abuelo to me) is one of my favorite people in the whole world. I have no digital pictures of him yet I have vivid memories of time with him. It has been three years since I have seen him.
Please pray for him and especially for his wife, Tomasa and my father, Nicolas, his son. I'll keep you posted once he's found. At least God is with him; at least it is summertime in Bolivia these days.

Waiting and Dinner...

Somedays, waiting seems like my middle name. Today was just a day... I did make it to the studio today and although I wasn't into doing alot, I did trim a couple of the earthenware pieces that I posted in the last blog. Trimming takes so much time; I like how they look, for the most part. Forgot to take pics until the end as I wrapped all of the pieces up to wait for me when I return on Monday. Not the best pic; sorry! These are all ready for slip so I'll spend part of this weekend sketching some designs.

I have a big weekend ahead; that is probably why I just wanted to take it easy at my home. Not really interested in traveling these days, as I just returned from another trip. It will be good to land in D.C. though and check out some of the inauguration festivities. Both of my flight times are way early in the morning. Ugh! Even so.... I go.

Too cold to run. :( So, I came home and read a few pottery blogs. Decided to use Ron's idea and show what I'm eating for dinner.

Soon, oh soon all of my eating ware will be handmade pottery. I can hardly wait! The plate isn't though; but the handmade eggplant parmigiana from Mike and Christine (two incredible cooks in my world) makes up for it. My goal next week si to make a set of small plate... then bowls. :) This is attainable. Red wine in one of my favorite cups; a yunomi one from John. This is a delicious meal! Thanks Mike and Christine!
How I'll miss being in the studio this weekend. Hard to go for more than a few days without playing with clay.

Bowls and Dishes

After a trip to the dentist where I was given expensive news, plus paying quarterly taxes today (which is always sad; not to forget that I'm out of work) I've been reminded that pottery is the best part of my life these days. My slipware class started Tuesday. Ron is an incredible teacher; I am learning volumes.

On Tuesday I also made a great pottery discovery. Earthenware clay! At first, I didn't like the color, but the malleability and softness of it quickly won me over. Made my FIRST plate and an incredible bowl in just a short amount of time. I'm so pleased and a bit proud. Once again, I'm amazed that I made these (pictured above; all are patiently drying a bit before they can be trimmed. :)

I'm so thankful to be a potter. I definitely need to work on creating designs. This is a whole new chapter and dimension in pottery for me. First about the class. Earthenware clay fires at cone 5, I think. Only clear or amber glaze. Black or white slip.

Ron brought in some of his pots to show us different techniques.... the sgraffitto, dipping, and the tool are all different for me. He makes it look so easy. Some slip trailing (I think that's what it's called). Still learning the vocabulary.

A different technique for applying slip. First make rings of the slip close to each other and then drag your tool down them towards the center. (Hard to describe). Neat effect.
This shows just how to dip the pots into the bucket filled with slip. Twisting your hand helps. Once again, Ron makes it look so easy.

Using your finger to etch designs also helps too to create texture.

Or a fork. :)

A blurry picture, but this is all done with finger etching or a fork.

After Ron's demo, I decided to try the new clay. THIS, this is a soup-bowl. I'm so amazed.
And my first plate, ever! :) Now, my goal of making a whole set of plates and bowls seems more achievable.
A bigger bowl. :) I think this clay likes me. I certainly like it.

All in all, I'm still hoping for a wonderful 2009.

First Days of 2009

This was the view from the boat dock just outside the place where I vacationed over Christmas and New Year's. Yes, I did take this picture! More below...

Here are some pics from New Year's Day.

Lots of snow on New Year's Eve. We had about 12 inches or so and this was my view when I woke up on January 1. :)
I helped decorate gingerbread cookies.

I made another trip to the labyrinth to bring in the New Year.

I went snowshoeing during a blizzard, which was great except very cold. I quickly found out that my hair was turning white/grey, from the condensation and the cold air, I guess. I thought it might break off; thankfully, it didn't. Here's me in the village when I returned.
On the same day, I went on another snowshoeing route with my new friend Laura. It was snowing hard; we went out in the middle of a blizzard; we got about 15 inches that night. :) We took a picture of ourselves. A great workout!

Here are the tumblers I made while at Holden Village. 16 in all. Didn't have time to bisque fire or glaze them. Above is the first signed '2009'. They're all made from a clay called 'Bob's Clay' purchased from Seattle. It has a bit more grog than the zella stone Highwater Clay that I'm used to and some porcelain too. Tough on your hands when you center it because of the grog. The village has low electricity (electricity comes from the hydroelectric plant), so I think these will have to wait awhile before their time in the kiln. They'll sell these in the bookstore. In the summer, 300 plus people come to visit each week at Holden. Tumblers are quite popular and go fast then. The air was so dry; the pots dried fast! When I left the village, there were avalanche warnings all around it due to the foot plus of snow the night before. Holden has a bunch of trails that became snowshoe routes. The green 'HV' in the center is the village, which is hard to see, but right above the green and the arrow.

Oh, I almost forgot; The Christmas tree for the 70 plus so people in the village, and additional guests, held warm things that will be donated to a shelter soon. It's beautiful!
The people there are filled with fun. There was a group coming from st. olaf college for a J-term class and they wanted to pull a fun prank on them. So, they pretended that the youngest one in the village was being adopted by the village, needing a home, so they created this, which gave the impression that the baby needed families to take care of her: They made this sign. It does take a village!
Two people that I reconnected with while on vacation were Anne and Stephan. Anne is a writer and poet; Stephan is a traveler (amidst other things) and slept outside in the snow four nights while there. Yes, it's true.. and the weather was 20 degrees outside. He wanted to connect with nature. :)

You can see the view down at the boat dock in the first pic of this post. Holden Village can only be accessed by boat. This is a National Geographic kinda pic.
I decided to get on the boat for the short roundtrip to Stehekin rather than wait in the cold for it to return. Here's a pic of the dock from the boat, as we approach the dock again.
After a two plus hour boat ride, it is another 4 hour drive by car to Seattle. I was riding with someone who wanted to stop at Leavenworth, so we did. It's a Bavarian style town that is very popular in the winter, (ski season).

Even a Kris Kringle store.

It must have been under 20 degrees, but in the freezing cold it was even beautiful. Thankfully, I had snowpants and snowboots on. Some of these pics are blurry, because it was so cold! Leavenworth was still celebrating Christmas on January 5. :) The whole town was lit. It was icy even walking around!

The next day, I had almost a whole day that was free before flying the red eye flight back to Charlotte. I went to Bainbridge Island, one of my favorite places. It's small and walker friendly. You get there via ferry and then you can walk around the enitre island!
When I visit Seattle, I try to go to Elliott Bay Book Co. which has both new and used books. This visit, I managed to leave without a purchase. (Almost a miracle!).

It's packed with books. A booklover's heaven!
When I was in Seattle, I also stopped by Pike's Place Market and bought smoked salmon for friends (and me too!).

The first pic is where they usually throw fish and attract a crowd, however across the street there is Jack's Fish which has just as good (or better) smoked salmon which is cheaper!

And finally, one of the things I like about Seattle is this; Nancy's Yogurt. This was my breakfast. It's from Eugene, Oregon and is yummy! A great trip; I was exhausted when I got back home, though. Lots of pictures.... . I recommend that everyone travel to Seattle at least once... Gosh this was a long post! A belated Happy New Year!