LeeU

Well,  hot diggity dog--I have received an invite from the Ceramics Art Network's magazine, Ceramics Monthly, to write a short article w/pics for the Quick Tip series. It will be about my simple "works for me" inventory/storage system.

I like the "banner" up top--the graphic affect & pallet is kinda "soothing" and intriguing simultaneously-nice vibe.

Lee is feeling rejuvenated----freakin' about time!! When the art center w/the anagama kiln suddenly closed, it  threw me for a loop--didn't see quite how much until I realized I was doing much of nothing!  

Very jazzed!! I just received  an invitation to participate in a raku firing this spring. I am going to focus  on  vase-like forms (not for water-dry only).   

Got an invite to have a booth at a "handmade only" craft fair--may do it, since it is small and local.

Yay---my slab roller handle was not functioning and I was stymied on how to fix it. It was getting me down, really! A friend came by and within 3 minutes had it working again.  Something about using the Allen wrench in the right place! 

Congrats on the new studio build--looks so exciting..and BIG!!!  Looks like Dog approves, as well. 

Happy Joyous and Free, and celebrating Independence Day! I put some pics in the LeeU Anagama Fire album in the gallery.

This potter is not active on the forums anymore, but maybe if you message a moderator maybe they can put you in touch. She went by "The Guinea Potter" but I think her name is Sarah. Try contacting Pres. 

Just a thank you to whoever mentioned American Science &  Surplus as a source for many cool & useful gizmos for ceramics--maybe Pres?--anyway,  got this great little manual spinner whisk to bring my glazes & wax back to life!!  Finds like this really make my day. ..no excuse now to not keep glazing the current batch! 

What's on my workbench? Nothing...becasue it's all in the kiln!! (Finally). Yee Haw. 

Man in checkered shirt looking at one of MY bowls (shelf right) at the reception for the NHPG Once Upon the Earth exhibit. The photo is manipulated for a retro look. I was glad I went-I usually don't...just not my thing, but it was fun to watch people cruising my stuff.  

I posted an announcement for the NH Potters Guild exhibition for March in the Events of Interest forum.  I have two pieces on display.  Both bowls are pushing 2 lbs and are roughly in the 7" x 2" range.  Stoneware (stamped) and porcelain (incised). 

The challenge to Self these days is my old nemesis--lack of patience. So, to push myself into either a state of growing frustration or a state of growing acceptance, I am making myself replay old scenes in the hidden objects game June's Journey. That is a game that requires mega patience, on steroids. Why? you ask. Because I let myself actually run out of clay--all three of my main types. I ordered some, and they are out of the one I need the most and need the fastest! Go figure.   Another lesson in patience, coming right up. (Yeah, they are getting in it and shipping it soon.)

Happy with my shift in direction-or attitude- take your pick. I'm  becoming more process oriented (re:  formation of clay objects) in a primal kind of way.

Oh well...I submitted two of my "Hidden Masks" (that reference domestic violence and suicide)  for a juried exhibit,  but got notice I was not accepted. Phooey. ..maybe shoulda gone with the bowls! 

Finished my 2019 detail budget and I can retain my helper who keeps me current with inventory/spreadsheets/photos. Yay me! (Of course I haven't been to a movie in 2 years, don't have TV and almost never buy clothes, but, hey, well worth it! ) Now I'm setting up my 'to do' calendar-hope I can stick to it this year.

Happy happy. Got the last of my backlogged stock inventoried and properly stored (means I can find it easily).  Only 6 months past my intended time frame-oh well, forward movement is forward movement and I'm not in a race, so I'll take it and just say thank you.   

Got half a kiln load. "Time to make the  donuts!" (I wonder how many members are too young to remember that fun commercial?)

Hi-I can't lift & carry much over 20 lbs. myself. When 50 lbs+ of clay shows up at my front door, I have to get it from the ground up the steps, up over a deep door lip, into the house, through the house, down steps, down another door drop of 3-4", and onto a back porch.  I bought a wheeled dolly-type gizmo called an UpCart---it smoothly goes up and down STAIRS! Rolls on specially configured  wheels--worth every penny, and it folds down flat and short.

Aarrgghhh...we only got a few weeks notice that the guild I belong to is doing a raku demo 10/28.  I just emptied my kiln and I do not have anything low fire to fill it with,  so I could bisque (required) a few raku pieces for the event.  I'm going to try to crank out a lot of ^5 and bisque that along with the raku clay. I don't want to pass up the opportunity.  

I am thrilled that I will have a worker bee coming next week to assist me with bringing my backlogged inventory current. I have forced myself stop making anything more until I get this done and all my remaining smalls are coded  for the web & stored in labeled drawers for easy access. Then I can get on with making some samples for a local shop keeper who is interested in a particular line.  

Phooey...I went to pay for my shelf area for the anagama firing in October and it's full!! Next is spring or summer, but I'll probably cave and do the pieces in my L&L. 

I'm into the last round of making pieces for the anagama firing in the fall. (I get in through public access to the Community Education Program, providing space available. This is the gorgeous large kiln that John Baymore built w/ NHIA students..it is such a rush to see it in action! )

I put a few items from my recent fire in the Gallery. Happy happy.