Decorating pots for the KIln Opening

The kiln is cooling. I'll unload it Friday evening Just in time for this weekends opening October 27th and 28th at the studio on. I thought it would be nice to show you what the pots look like before they go in the kiln and what inspires me.

Wild cherry blossom bowl 

I've spent many, many hours painting and glazing late into the evening. I truly enjoy this part of the process. When I first began making pots I was afraid to touch the surface mastering glazes and form was challenge enough. Over the years though, some twenty now I have developed my own personal style and techniques for surface decoration.

Rabbit bowl

Today I use a combination on slip trailing and hand painting slips and glazes. For me inspiration comes from everywhere. I love old things they have a presence and soul that I can feel. Some of the first pots I felt a strong connection to and fell in  love with were early american redware, the pots of the Edgefield district in South Carolina, and of course North Carolina folk pottery. To this day they are still the foundation of my work. But as time has passed I see inspiration everywhere I look, in my every day surroundings, in nature,  the woods, in my field and the skies swirling clouds. I love textiles patterns, their repetitive nature, texture and warmth. I study many ancient cultures, Pre-columbian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean to name just a few. Though I never know where the next inspiration for my work will come from I do know my eyes are open to the endless possibilities...... you never know when that eureka moment comes along...... 

Apothecary Jars

Slip Trailed Plater

Bever bowl