I did a couple of leafy tiles in Philadelphia for my aunt, my tiny contribution to an architectural installation. This is the first time I’ve attempted the pattern on paper. I can imagine a pretty big installation of them, because the texture’s great. Maybe as fine art, mounted and hung on the wall. Just as easily, and maybe moreso – used as tile. It’s something that clay likes to do. Contact me if you’re interested.

Inspired by last week’s allergy-induced misery, I think I may do a series of vessels upon which I inscribe images of common allergens. Grass, dust, mold, pollens. These things are pretty cool looking on a microscopic level, but man do they wreak havoc on me.

Studio time’s been scarce of late, so I’ve decided to start sketching out my ideas, so I have something more concrete to work toward once I can get my hands on some clay. It’s quick and easy to snap photos with a webcam. If you’ve ever wondered what my drawing looks like, this is it. I draw like an architect. When it matters how something’s put together, I’ll draw little elevations and sections, with notes.

My obsession of late has been with containers. It began with containers for whiskey cups, and may spread to other things. How nice it would be to have a set of things, that are stored together in a matching ceramic box! It would make my day. It’s not just for cups, though. My pile of mail, a zillion magazines. Piles are too unruly; I really like having containers.

My biggest inspiration in the last months is, what do I need or want to have at home? So I’ve developed some plates, made a bunch of whiskey cups. Another project underway is for pinch bowls – a pinch of this or that, but around here, for the ketchup to dip my grilled cheese in, and for soy sauce with sushi. So these are some ideas on forms.

Plus a new development in tumblers. I articulated the joints a bit when I first made them, a couple of years ago then started blending them in, and now want to do some tumblers that are all about the details, as some of my whiskey cups have been. They’ll be more cylindrical, and I’m not sure whether they’ll recieve the ergonomic slashes of previous ones.

With both new ideas, since I have a few styles of work, different choices in detailing and material selections will head more toward one group or another. Someday I may have four discreet lines of dinnerware!

Further thoughts, and photos, are to follow. (I hope!) There are quite a few posts in my queue, written but awaiting the addition of photos. Until then, here’s an update:

Last weekend was the wood+salt firing. Wood firing is a ritual for the patient faithful. It takes both those, and then some, to fire a kiln to 2300+ degrees, starting from campfire embers shoveled onto a pile of kindling.

The Bucktown Arts Fest was two weekends ago, now, and I’ve been busy. This was my first outdoor show. Crates and boxes of work, along with shelves and table, got packed into my little Saturn. Setup was quick and easy (yay for good planning) and I sold some work!

Former gallery/shop owner Roadside Scholar picked my work for her best of post. How exciting!