Thursday, May 17, 2012

England Clay Tour: Road Trip to Goldmark

While Doug and I were under the gun to get pots made, slipped, dried, bisqued, glazed, and fired, we still managed to take some time away from the studio for some fun.  I'm a big fan of Goldmark Gallery for the potters and pottery they represent as well as the beautiful films they make of the potters in their studios and homes, talking about their work.  You could imagine my excitement when I learned that Doug had arranged for us to drive the 4.5 hours from Devon to Goldmark for Anna Mette Hjorshoj's opening, and to top it off, we caught a ride up with Lisa Hammond and her studio assistant (and all around good guy) Darren Ellis.  The gallery and opening was beautiful and judging by the character of the good folks at Goldmark, it is no surprise that they do such an amazing job of representing their artists.  As if it wasn't impressive enough, we were invited to dinner with the Goldmark family and stayed the night in their beautiful home!

Almost there!




Morning stroll in the English countryside.

A proper English breakfast with the whole crew at the Goldmark's.



Tuesday, May 1, 2012

England Clay Tour: The First Two Weeks

I am finally (mostly) over my jet lag after returning home from a month-long trip to England last Thursday.  The first two weeks of my time in England were spent inside a shack in the Devon countryside of Southwest England with Doug Fitch.  Doug was kind enough to share his studio space with me and we worked together to fill and fire his wood kiln.  He even arranged for me to have my own digs in the form of a camper caravan parked studio side!  Working with Doug's low fire earthenware clay, slip, and glaze was a new and exciting experience for me (yeah, cheap thrills for this clay nerd :D  ).  It was really great to spend time with Doug in his space, a rare opportunity to be immersed in the ways of another potter and studio.  I have put together a YouTube playlist of Doug's videos from my time at his studio here.  Thanks Doug!

ps, what do you think of the new face of my blog?

Onggi meets English Slipware.




Doug in his element.  photo: Claire Borlase




Home sweet home!




New Friend.




Carving + dark slip + light slip + finger wipes.




Doug's jugs.



Doug pulling a handle.




Portrait by Doug's friend Claire Borlase