Looking at Bottoms

I'm told you can spot a potter when you see them look at the bottom of a pot first - and it is a bit of an obsession. Playing with how to sign, how to trim, and if to glaze, all creates a different aesthetic, but for my money it's hard to beat a footed and glazed bottom, unless perhaps it is a bare-footed high fire reduction bottom. Life's decisions.

These cone 6 oxidation mugs just came out of the little electric kiln at home. Don't forget to check out the bottoms.

-Brendan

Owl mugs

I recently tried out making owl mugs, a variant on face mugs, since I like owls so much lately. I think most of them are pretty cute ;)

Owls

They made it!

Visitors

We have had many visitors to our studio this summer. Family members enjoyed trying pottery, many for the first time. A few of the creations appear below, others missed getting their pictures taken.

Ines' dish

Sam and Chris'

Peter's first attempt

Owls

Two owls that I made come out of the kiln later tonight! I hope they turn out! Here they are before being fired.

Mad Cat

Our cat Ava has found a use for one of my big pots that cracked - a playroom.

The pot is too unstable for the regular high-fire, but I might try to sagger fire it in a fire pit. Unless the cat gets too attached...

Fusion aftermath

You can find Deb Schwartzkopf's work at www.debspottery.com and Fong Choo's work at www.fongchoo.com

Great potters, and a great conference.