Am excited about 2012, namely that I'll be creating a studio in my home after I purchase these two pieces of equipment- first, a Skutt KM- 1027. And, then a Brent wheel too- a C one. (splash pan included). These are two big plans of mine for 2012.
My parents will soon visit and help with the creation of my studio-- making a wedging table and a few other things. Yes, 2012 will hold much good. I'm thankful.
The rest of 2011 has flown by. My hopes for 2012 include getting a skutt electric kiln and a brent wheel. I'll do it. Just a matter of time and saving up some more money. I must admit that it has been quite difficult to be away from the wheel since mid-September. In a sense, I had forgotten how much being a potter had become and still is a part of me. I can hardly wait to get back to it. 
Well, it's almost December and I haven't been at the wheel since early September. It's sad admitting such, yet there has been so much going on and I'm nowhere near a studio where I can walk into and sit down at the pottery wheel without getting in trouble. Moving has taken longer than I wanted, yet I must say the wait has been worth it. I closed on a house finally last week and am just beginning to unpack. These pictures reflect one of the best things I've done amidst the transition- an overnight trip to Asheville in mid-October. Even went on a hike with these two yunomis and shot some pics. First picture is from the Blue Ridge Parkway close to time of the sunset. 
These pictures only begin to reflect the beauty of all I saw. It was beautiful beyond words. Loved time away. A day retreat for me, which was SO needed. Amidst all the change, I loved being in familiar places and not having to look at my gps or ask questions to find my way. Heavenly!
On the way back from Asheville to Southern Pines (my new home), I picked up my last batch of gas kiln fired pottery at Clayworks in Charlotte. Pleased with some and not so with others. Tried some new things.... a few pieces warped, but then again, I'm quite picky about it all. These were some of the best ones. It has been hard to part with any of these, as at least for now, these are the last gas kiln fired pieces I'll be making in awhile. I'll soon purchase a skutt electric kiln- so the glazing will be different--- and well, it will all be just different. I will so miss the mystery of the gas kiln fired pieces, yet I hear there is mystery too in the electric fired pottery. Much to learn! Any insight? I have lots of reading to do and I haven't read many pottery blogs lately- b/c I've been so busy, and a bit homesick from pottery. (p.s.- also just bought a Mac and not sure how to undo this underlining and blue type! (ugh)...
This lake is in Black Mountain, NC. The leaves were not quite at peak.... and the weather was so warm. I just loved it there.
Made some plates and this big bowl with the high-water craggy crunch clay. This will be a new mixing bowl that will stay in my home for a good while. I've already given some of the other bowls to those who helped me move everything from storage to my new home. In the next couple weeks, I hope to place an order for a kiln and a wheel. Will share about what kind I'm getting of both soon... too tired to write now. That will have to wait and well, I must admit that I've thought of turning waiting into my middle name. I've waited so much lately- and while at times it's become second nature, at other times, it is still so hard. One of my mantras. Some things are worth waiting for. 
