Getting busy

As the weather finally starts to warm up, so the shows begin. Two weekends ago was the Ceramics in Charnwood event. 40 Potters and ceramic artists from across the East Midlands showing their work in Loughborough town centre. A great event, with the sun shining and plenty of people coming to see all the varied work on display.

I also recently received and advanced copy of the book that I've been writing for the Bloomsbury 'New Ceramics', series. It's great to see it finally finished and all my thanks go to those potters and Ceramic artists that contributed images and information. It goes on sale July 3rd.

On the publication front, I also had a short article published in The Log Book this month, documenting the building and firing of the new Anagama kiln at Loughborough University School of the Arts.

Now it's time to start sorting out my stand and selecting work for Earth and fire at the end of June, followed by Art in clay two weeks later. I'll also be getting a firing load of wood down to the kiln at Wysing Arts Centre in preparation for a firing in the Autumn at some point. Then it's off to the International Ceramic Research Center, Guldagergaard, Skaelskor, Denmark at the end of August for the 2nd European wood Fire Conference where I'll be talking about wood firing in education. All in all it's shaping up to be a busy and exciting summer. Oh, and I'll also be starting to make new work for the Autumn firing. And breath :-)

Successful firing completed

It's been just over a week since the kiln was unpacked. Really pleased with the work which came out of it. I'm still in the process of documenting it. Some images were taken quickly as the work had to go off to a show at the Beetroot tree gallery in Derbyshire. Here is a taster.

I have also put together a short(ish) film which follows the firing through from packing to unpacking, which can be viewed below.

Here we go!

After three days of packing, the kiln is now ready for firing. The grate is fitted and the wicket bricked up. Hopefully I've managed to keep the wood dry! As tomorrow is forecast to be the driest day, I'm intending to try and get most of the wood cut while the kiln is relatively slow. I will attempt to update this blog through the firing, but will also be filming it to upload after the event.

Happy New Year!

Well, a little late I know but momentum is now building for my next firing which will be from 13th - 16th February. Clay has been mixed, work constructed and thrown and the on going battle with the elements to keep the wood stacks dry cautiously being won; so all systems are go. 
Below is a sneak  image of some of the pieces which will go into the firing along with beakers, shots and more thrown pieces, and a few re-fires from previous firings.

 The darker clay body pieces will be glazed, with an opacified ash glaze. The paler pieces are my course body with pink granite and cordierite which will have no glaze applied.

Other projects which are nearing completion include an article for the Log Book on the building of the new kiln which hopefully will be published in May. Also my book "Firing Kilns", is nearly completed and (Shameless plug!), can be pre-ordered from Amazon now with the publication date in July.

So far this year: I have a show at the Beetroot tree gallery, Derbyshire 1st March - 12th April. I'll also be showing at "Ceramics in Charnwood" on Sunday 18th May, Earth and Fire at Rufford Country Park 20th - 21st - 22nd June, and Art in Clay at Hatfield house 4th - 5th - 6th July. 

As the firing gets closer I will update the blog more frequently. I'll be packing the kiln on the 6th and 7th Feb with the help of Steve Parry who will as always, be helping with the firing.

Autumn gold

It's been far too long since I've posted. The beautiful summer has faded to a distant memory replaced by stunning colours and an ever increasing urgency to batten down the hatches for the impending winter. Needless to say things have been busy here, with the new undergraduate and postgrad. cohorts bedding in well. Work is progressing towards my next firing. I now have a wood shed brimming with split Oak and Ash, and 16 pallets of pine slab wood covered and weatherproofed. Work is well underway on pieces for the  firing which is notionally set for January again, although I've not fixed a firm date yet as I want to have time to make enough work to fill the kiln tight. I'm also test firing some new glazes in our gas kiln, part of the body of work for this firing will be fully glazed. Below is a sneaky glimpse of some of the pieces.

As well as new pieces, mugs and bowls etc. I'll be re-firing some older box pieces to build up another layer of ash and flame markings, so all in all it's lining up to be an exciting firing. Applications are being prepared for next years shows and work wrapped and dispatched for pr-Christmas orders. I'll post up a few more work images soon. Cheers.

Preparations have started

It may still be a long way off until I fire next, but far away from that winter date; on a beautiful hot summer's day, I've just had the soft wood for the firing delivered and have stacked it close to the kiln. It's a good feeling, knowing that the kiln is all ready to go. :-))

Back from Hatfield

Last weekend I was down exhibiting at Art in Clay at Hatfield house. Excellent event and great to catch up with folk and spend some chilled evenings with friends.The weather was fantastic which made the whole event even better.

 The Stand at Art in Clay

Sunset over the campsite and show on Saturday night.

I'm off down to Stratford-Upon-Avon this Sunday to demonstrate as part of Warwickshire open studios with Claire Brierley http://www.claire-brierley.co.uk/. The weather looks fine and warm so should be a great day. Yesterday was spent collecting another van load of seasoned split ash for the next firing which is now neatly stacked in the wood store.

Hopefully the firing's soft wood should be arriving next week and then all I have to do is start making . Saving the best bit till last :-)