Monday, July 20, 2015

Trying something new

 Mark and I had a business meeting to talk about how things were going. We have found that no matter how long you are in business, how successful you are, how large or how small, that every few months you should evaluate what you do. Is this working? Do we continue the same path? How can we do this smarter. What are the needs of the customer? And, what are our needs.

I know that most folks think we play at clay. There are a lot of myths around art as work and work as art.

 What we have found over the 30 plus years is that work is work. Yes, we enjoy what we do. That does not mean that we have to love every inch of what we do. There are jobs that require a good back, endurance, and, learning to let go, move on when things are not working, or, did not work.

We decided that in this kiln load we would load plates and platters at the top of the kiln. This is something we have been playing with as we see a slow down to the larger items we have been using to fill the top shelves in the kiln.
There is no reason that it should not work. What could possibly go wrong? (laughter here)

It took us a bit longer to load and figure this out. We were out there sweating and swearing a bit Saturday and Sunday. It's all good.



The kiln is in, the fire going, Mark is ever present as the kiln is turned up. Fire today, cool down Tuesday and Wednesday, unload Thursday.

I am heading to school for the final day of summer semester.
Boy, did that 8 weeks fly past me.
I have a few weeks to get ready for the fall.
I have kilns that need attention, clay to ready and summer camp.

Pictures of the fired pottery coming up.
Please watch this space.

Stay cool if it is hot where you are,and,warm if it is cold.
Cheers,
M


10 comments:

Dennis Allen said...

Thanks for the update. Be sure to show us the results.

Lori Buff said...

You’re so right. I’ve seen lots of businesses fail at least in part due to the inability to self evaluate and make changes as needed.
I’m looking forward to seeing the results from this kiln load.

Anna M. Branner said...

I have so much respect for your and Mark's success and work ethic. And I am a little jealous that you are on this pottery path together. I know there are some days that are probably tougher then others but I sure love reading about your days. Can't wait to hear how the platters come out....and boy howdy it is hot here.

cookingwithgas said...

Hi Dennis!!
I'm so far behind on blogs reading that it might be winter before I get caught up.
We'll take pictures.

cookingwithgas said...

Truth Lori! The reality is does this pay the bills or, are you doing this for fun.

cookingwithgas said...

Boy howdy is right.
I'm in envoy of our friends down under.
As always, thanks for reading.

DirtKicker Pottery said...

Nicely packed! Waiting to see the results.

Judy Shreve said...

That kiln load looks beautiful! Change is always good :)
Enjoy your 'between the semesters' time.

Melissa Rohrer said...

I've had my dreams of making a living as a potter. Having worked at it for a side income, I know enough to understand it would take a high level of accomplishment and work ethic.

Gary's third pottery blog said...

Oh yes, evaluating it all everyday indeed :)