Seeing Red

Last night Mark and I went up to the North Carolina Pottery Center to the opening of the latest exhibition.

  Big Red
 Chrome Red and other Red Glazes of the North Carolina Piedmont.
May 10-July27 2013

Worth the trip.
You, who are close enough to come, should go see this show, it is spectacular.

Here are some reasons for you to go:

There is more.
Get in the car and go.
Admission is a small 2.00 per person, less than it will cost you for a coffee on your way out of the city.
That 2.00 will buy you some time with some great pots, and after you see the pots, please go out and support some of the local potters.

We also went to see the Show at the NC Museum of History in Raleigh.
Art In Clay
Masterworks of North Carolina Earthenware
I would show you pictures but, picture taking was not allowed.
Admission on this one was 5.00 each, we took our son with us, down from 10.00 each.
I liked this show but I am really sad that I could not share any pictures with you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMjg7qUgfXg

There are a variety of videos on youtube you can find.
If you are interested go take a free look.
Cheers,
Meredith

We hear it is snowing

Here in the south we don't get the snows that happen in other places in the world. 35 inches is hard to wrap my head around. There was a time that we had 24 inches here but that was in the 90's and seems like a distant dream. Remembering that snow is different then experiencing the snow.
So I get to go online and look at the snow. Wow, that is a lot of snow.

Here it is chilly, don't hate us, but not such a bad winter to have gone through with some days hitting the 70's and bouncing back down to the low 30's. Really, it is hardly a winter at all.

We are both in the studio and still making the production line. I am bouncing back and forth between the slab roller and the wheel. Although the slab roller seems to be winning. I have more tiles in my head and they have to come out somewhere.

I did make it up to the Teapot show at The NC Pottery Center last Saturday and I am ashamed to tell you that I did not get pictures. I find it hard to just ignore people and take pictures.
I was able to get one picture of my neighbor Carol's teapot that I dearly love. I have always been amazed at what comes out of Carol head and this one is no exception.

   

 What I wanted the sign to say was ,Please touch, please pick me up, please hold me, but of course shows are not like that.I find it funny that we all take pots to shows, have open galleries with folks, kids, dogs and cats and yet, there are times that pots are so precious that they must be put under plexiglass or behind ropes. I understand the reasons why but I would love a show that was made to touch. What is clay without being held?
My plan is to get back to the Center and take some pictures on one of these quiet days.

I did finally get some tiles loaded and fired this week.
I had forgotten how badly hot wax smells in the studio and plan to go back to using only cold wax when firing in the electric kiln. The odor just hangs in the air.

 Here are a few pictures of the tiles.

Oh! Mark just brought me coffee.
Yum.
Later,
M

North Carolina Pottery Center

Yesterday as the sun was out I was sitting in a meeting for the NCPC.
I have been on the board now for a number of years.
In the past few years the NCPC tried to work with the state and the county to become a state museum.
With the economy on the down turn this just did not happen.
The state and the county are struggling just like the rest of us.
The NCPC almost closed its doors two years ago.
Money was just about gone and it had about 3 months of operating expenses in the bank.
The board with the help of some great supporters turned that around.

We banded together to bring the NCPC back to operating and put in on a better foundation.
Yesterday we talked about fundraising for the upcoming year.
If we continue to bring in about 100 K a year the NCPC can survive.
Why is this important?
In this same town of Seagrove there are about 80 potter shops in the surrounded area.
In the State of NC there are even more potters and potteries I wish I had a count, but I suspect there are well over a thousand working potters in NC.
What does the NCPC provide for the potters?
The NCPC mission is to promote the awareness and history of NC Pottery throughout the state.
A pretty big undertaking.
I know I sit on the board.

The most important service, in my mind, that the NCPC provides is education.
Every time someone comes through the door they are stepping into a place where there is a permanent exhibition of historical pots. Salt glaze, slip ware, art pots and even contemporary pots.
It holds several exhibitions a year. It partners with the NC Arts Council to provide a program for local 5th graders.
It runs the entire 5th grade through a program which has them working with local potters and making pots.
It operates all this with one full time staff and two part time.
Its hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10-4pm.

I would suggest you become a member.
Why?
Because I think we, as potters, need this place.
I think we, as potters, owe it to the next generation to make sure they can go to the NCPC and seek the same history that we have all had the opportunity to enjoy.
What is coming up this year for the NCPC?
An exhibition called.
"New Generation of Seagrove Potters"
Artist Reception: Friday, February 12, 2010 5:30-7:30 pm
February 6, 2010 - April 10, 2010
All receptions are free to the public.

So poke around their website and see if you can put this on your list of places you must go see.
And if you can make the reception come on out it should be an interesting show.
M

Contemporary Pottery from North Carolina’s American Indian Communities

Back when the North Carolina Pottery Center Hosted an exhibition of the Contemporary
Pottery from North Carolina’s American Indian Communities there was a grant written for a book. This book will soon be for sale at the NCPC. For a preview of the book and pictures take a look at the NCPC website or click on the link below to take you to a PDF file from the book.

From the introduction by Sally Peterson:
"The North Carolina Pottery Center hosted
its seminal exhibition, Contemporary
Pottery from North Carolina’s American
Indian Communities, from May 9 through
August 23, 2008. The exhibit showcased
works from eleven Cherokee, four Haliwa-Saponi, and
two Lumbee artists in clay. Each artist and each tribe has
a different story to tell, yet a common purpose unites
them. They want no less than to rediscover, recreate, and
revitalize the ancient pottery traditions of their peoples.
And indeed, they want more than this. Individually and
collectively, they wish not only to master an ancient
craft but also to elevate its quality to levels that match
and perhaps surpass the best pottery found in both ancient
and contemporary American Indian traditions."

Go check out this book and contact the NCPC to get your copy!

Me- I am still on the mountain.
Cheers!
M

Ain't no mountain high enough....

It's Sunday in November and while many folks go to church, eat a nice dinner with the family or watch football, we are in the studio working away.
Now don't get me wrong I am not complaining.
Well, maybe a little.
We did talk to both kids on the phone, who are doing great thanks for asking.
And I did go sit through a board meeting this afternoon at the North Carolina Pottery Center.
The good new from the center is it is stable for now.
the bad news from the center is we can not stop raising the money it takes to keep the place going.
The NCPC is a wonderful place.
The exhibitions are always worth the trip and the latest one opens this Friday.
So if you are coming our way be sure to stop in and see what this place is all about.
I only got a foothold on the mountain of pots today, but the plan is to get in there early tomorrow and knock them out!

So here's some of Allison's tiles.
Enjoy!

Pinch me, it's November!

Rode wet and put up hard.

Run over by a Mac Truck.

Dog tired.

Pick any of the expressions above and you will know how the time change, quick trip to VA. and right back to work have me feeling today.

Hit by a ton of bricks.

Too many nights up past my bedtime.

But- today is a new day and after dreaming about trying to get somewhere over and over we are heading back into the studio to glaze the mountain of pots.

We did get a good start the last two days and we are both excited about unloading the bisque with the variety of vases that Mark decorated.

I want to get as many as possible in this firing.

Making something new is always exciting.

Yet- putting it through all the stages is nerve wracking.

Will this work- but what if we did this.

Have you tried this- I wonder if........

Meanwhile sweet Allison was here yesterday to clean up her tiles and put some lines in the back to make them easier to set later.

Now it's all in the drying.

I like the slow method for tiles. Long and slow.

So back under the plastic.

Yesterday she hung out to watch us glaze and ask questions.

It is interested to see what you do through someone else.

We just go on automatic pilot and glaze.

Zipping through the production line but slow waltzing through the one of a kind works.

I find glazing one of the hardest things to teach.

Keep the glaze stirred, all the time, hold the pot in this glaze to the count of 3, but that one to the count of 6 and that one just in and out.

Don't over think it but don't under think it as well.

Other news in and around Seagrove.

Everyone here is gearing up for the Celebration of Seagrove Potters. The Friday night Gala is selling tickets and getting great response. We have our booth number and somehow picked the same number as last year.

B-12. We are on vitamin row.

We won't be hard to find if you remember where we were last year.

The building has some changes which will allow folks to stand inside to check in. Come on in out of the cold.

Also the NCPC's last fund raiser, "Craft in America", after expense was just over 20K.The house party which raised the most money was the one here in Seagrove.

The potters could buy a membership for 20.00 that night, but many went beyond the call and added money to their membership.

As I looked over the list of house parties and donors, again I am stuck by how supportive the potters are.

We don't make a ton of money and times are tight, but they reached in again and gave.

Thanks to all who attended a party to support the center.

I am off to climb that mountain of pots.

Cheers!

Crozet Va

We are almost packed and ready to roll out of here tomorrow for a craft show.

We are headed to Crozet Va. for the fall show.

It is a beautiful spot in the Va. mountains.

I am looking forward to seeing some Va. mountains and with a little luck there will be some color in the leaves.

I love fall....

The display is packed and I am doing the last minute things that need to be done.

Oh, don't forget the --------whatever.

Last time we did a show I forgot to pack the cloths for the tables so we ended up at a fabric store.

The store here in Whynot will be open and running as we leave Beverly here in charge while we are gone.

There is still a lot to do and I had better get cracking.

I hope you all watched the Craft in America last night.

It was really good.

If you could not see it I hope you will find a copy to watch.

The viewing party I helped with last night raised about 1500.00 for the North Carolina Pottery Center.

I hope to have a final count when we get back.

And, if you are in Seagrove, the North Carolina Pottery Center needs to be on your places to go list. ( along with Whynot Pottery!)

M

Craft In America

Tomorrow Night! I hope you can all view this if possible!

The North Caroilna Pottery Center

A good week

This has been one of those weeks.
It started out with a visit with a
friend who has been gone from Seagrove for about 12 years.
She has gone on to go to school, go to China and is now teaching art.
Good to see you Anna and catch up on your great life!






We are busy getting ready for the fall trade, we hope!
I had to post these Candle sticks. They are for my mother-in law's church. We started this order the night of the fire. Mark had made the vases and some candlesticks last thing of the day and they were lost in the fire.
Mark then threw two candle sticks months ago which were lost in the bisque.
These are his recent attempts to finish the order.
I think they might work and they go well with the vases, which are finished and sent on to the church.
These are a combination of thrown and extruded.

Fingers crossed, it would be good to have these finished and I know the church will be happy to have them.

Tonight there is an opening for the current show at the NCPC.

I have made some Pesto Cheesecake for the reception.
And tomorrow we have our Potters for Peace sale- all in all a busy week.


Then there was the butterfly, who came out on Wednesday.
I think it was just out. It's wings were folded up tight.
It took a few hours before she started to move around and I was there showing her to Anna, her kids and sister from Starworks when she took off and flew.

It was magical.

Not to be missed

The NCPC current show went up Monday.
"Historical Pottery of Fayetteville"
Highlighting: 19th Century Webster and Poe Pottery
August 11, 2009- October 31, 2009
The reception is Friday evening August 14th from 5:30-7:30.
Free and open to the public.
Otherwise admission is a bargain at 2.00!

I was up there yesterday and had the chance to walk through the pots.
They are spectacular examples of Jugs, crocks and pitchers.
For anyone who loves pottery and loves old pottery, these are fine examples of wares that you must come and see.
I plan to go back and take my time looking, again, at all of them.
What a real treat!

David and Deborah Garner from Turn and Burn have producted a large example of reproductions of the Webster Pots which are really wonderful as well.
These pots from Turn and Burn Pottery ,which are in gallery three,are for sale with a portion of the sale going to the NCPC.
The NPCP is a private non- profit who's mission is to educate the public on pottery making in the state of North Carolina.

from their web site:
"The North Carolina Pottery Center showcases the remarkable history and on-going tradition of pottery making in North Carolina. Located in Seagrove, one of the state's key historical and contemporary pottery producing regions, the Center is your first stop in exploring North Carolina's rich clay heritage. The state's pottery communities range form the mountains to the sea, and it is that wide-ranging diversity of styles, techniques, and history that the Center preserves and protects."
"The Center's permanent exhibit of more than eight hundred pieces of pottery, artifacts, and photographs traces North Carolina's pottery history from prehistoric Native Americans to the present. The display interprets the impact of social, technological, and economic change on the state's most unique cultural resource."

I do hope you find the time to come and see these pots. They are too good to be missed.

Reception North Caroilna Pottery Center May 2009

Nice pot by potter and teacher Dan Finch of Dan Finch pottery Bailey NC.
About Dan:
While studying for his BA in Industrial Arts and Masters in Liberal Studies, Dan Finch was exposed to clay. Having worked the land on the family tobacco farm, it was only natural for him to be attracted to the medium. Continuing his pottery education at the Penland School of Crafts, in the mountains of North Carolina, Dan was influenced by Mary Law, Cynthia Bringle, Don Reitz, Jane Peiser, and Bob Turner.
Extremely diverse, Dan throws miniature pots for children during demonstrations, 10-foot tall pots and 30 pound bowls in stoneware, and delicate pieces of porcelain.
As past Director of the North Carolina Pottery Center and former President of the Village of Yesteryear at the North Carolina State Fair, Dan is continually involved in promoting pottery throughout the state.

This show is to showcase the work of the many potters in the Eastern Part of North Carolina who have learned to make pots by studying with Dan Finch.

If you get to Seagrove stop in and take a look around.


Tonight it was a packed house with folks enjoying some time together while taking in some pots and grabbing a bite to eat.

I walked outside and found fellow potters and friends Jared Zimmer and Mike Mahan.
It was a nice evening to take in a chat with a beer.

Kiln Opening Cookies

I had so many people ask for the recipe of these cookies I promised to post them up.

Sesame Seed Cookies

1 stick of butter, melted
add:
1/2 c. sugar
1 beaten egg
4 or 5 T. sesame seeds
1 t. vanilla
mix in:
2 cups of flour sifted with ½ teaspoon salt and baking powder

Mix together well and form into a brick or log.
Wrap in plastic wrap or wax paper and
Chill for about an hour, slice into 1/4 inch thick slices
and bake at 350 for 15 - 18 minutes.

A great not real sweet treat -- a favorite with red wine.

and a repeat on the Peanut butter cookies no flour:
1 cup peanut butter- I like to use all natural chunky-
1 egg
1 cup sugar
Bake 350 for about 15 minutes.

Thank you one and all for coming out and sharing a beautiful day and supporting the local potters in Seagrove.
M

Kiln opening and the one that did not get away

Tomorrow is the big day. The cookies are baked the pots are priced and ready.
Bill and Di will be here with meat and eggs we are ready for the kiln opening- well maybe we need a bag of ice.....
I was cleaning up from the last of the cookie baking and watching Mark fish down at the pond.
I thought, "he has something..." Then I saw it jump! Wow! he really does have something!
I watched him pull in the big brother of the one caught a couple of weeks ago.
What a brute!
So you fishermen and fisher women take a look at what came out of the pond.



And know that no fish were harmed. We took his picture and put him back.
He was a little over 8 pounds- 24 inches long and at least 6 1/2 inches at his widest point.
A nice fish if I say so myself.

See you tomorrow in Whynot!

Spring Kiln Opening at Whynot Pottery and beyond....

On Saturday April the 18Th and Sunday the 19Th. We are joining about 40 other potters from the greater Seagrove area to have a kiln opening. Joining us here at Whynot Pottery on Saturday from 10 until 2 pm will be Bill and Dianna Osmolski from Green acres ranch.

The Osmolski’s
will be bringing their grass fed beef and pork, along with eggs from their free range chickens. We have been buying beef and pork from them the past year and a half. We have enjoyed all their products from the beef to the pork and the eggs.


Come and see what is new out of the kiln and bring your cooler along and plan to take home some locally raised meat, eggs and a pot or two.

On Saturday afternoon the NCPC will have its annual auction. This year for the first time ever the NCPC Auction Committee used the theme of having pots donated with faces on them. “Faces for the NCPC.” The NCPC takes absentee bids- so if you can not be there in person you can still buy a piece of your choosing.

Many of the local potters will be opening kilns and serving refreshments.

Start your day out at the Pottery shops, being sure to stop and see us.
Then end your day Saturday attending the NCPC auction.
For more information on open shops and their events visit the Celebration web site.
For more information on the North Carolina Pottery Center Auction visit their web site

Kiln Opening and Homegrown Meats.

As I write this the weather outside today is one of the best ones we have had this spring- the birds are singing and busy building their nest. The flowers and trees are just scrumptious! The wind has died down for the day and Mark was up at at 4 am to light the kiln. The wind is not our friend when it comes to firing the kiln. The fact we fire gas/reduction has a lot to do with how the glazes work.
From the websiteabout.com:
Reduction (adjective) refers to a kiln atmosphere which does not have enough oxygen in it to completely consume the fuel as it burns. Due to this deficiency, the flame pulls oxygen molecules out of the clay bodies and glazes, changing their character. Reduction can be also be used to describe clay bodies and glazes that are especially developed for reducing atmospheres.

Reduction (noun) refers to the state of being oxygen-starved. It can also be used to replace the full term, "reduction atmosphere".

So as you can see, or read, we need the wind to be calm while we are firing the kiln. Otherwise it messes with the ratio of oxygen in the kiln.

This coming week-end on Saturday April the 18Th and Sunday the 19Th. We are joining with about 40 other potters from the greater Seagrove area to have a kiln opening.
Joining us here at Whynot Pottery on Saturday from 10 until 2 pm will be Bill and Dianna Osmolski from Green acres ranch.
The Osmolski’s will be bringing their grass fed beef and pork, along with eggs from their free range chickens.
We have been buying beef and pork from them the past year and a half.
We have enjoyed all their products from the beef to the pork and the eggs.
So, come and see what is new out of the kiln and bring your cooler along and plan to take home some locally raised meat, eggs and a pot or two.

On Saturday afternoon the NCPC will have its annual auction.
This year for the first time ever the NCPC Auction Committee used the theme of having pots donated with faces on them. “Faces for the NCPC.”
I have seen chickens, Face jugs, platters, mugs and much more.
The exhibition of the auction pots are on display now, and will be up through Saturday. The NCPC takes absentee bids- so if you can not be there in person you can still buy a piece of your choosing.
Seagrove will be hopping during the week-end; the wood kiln firing from two week ends ago will be unloaded, with pots being donated to the auction as well. Manyof the local potters will be opening kilns and serving refreshments.
Start your day out at the arae shops, being sure to stop and see us, and end Saturday at the NCPC auction.
For more information on open shops and their events visit the Celebration web site.
For more information on the North Carolina Pottery Center Auction visit their web site

Wood Firing

It was a long day for all the crews who came out to fire the wood kiln. Mark and the crew he was on started the kiln at 4 -4:30 am. I was on second crew and went in at 11am- until 4:30 or so.
The kiln just chugged along and the 3rd shift took it up until the last shift came in.
There was food and drinks passing around and in a short time the last chamber was being salted.
Now- it's all in the waiting.
For a whole lot more pictures go over to Bulldog and see what Samantha has posted up.

NCPC Firing

We went up early today to drop off pots for the 2 chamber firing at the NCPC. Mark is on the 4:30 am team and me- I am on the 10:30 am team. It will be a long day tomorrow. And I am sure Mark will take a nap in there somewhere....maybe.

BUT- the ball game starts at 4 pm- decisions, decisions.
UNC plays Villanova- It should be a great game!

22nd North Carolina Potters Conference

I think I will sneak a peek at some pots this weekend.















I am heading up there to help serve the Friday night dinner later today.
I might get back to look at some pots- we have company for the weekend so I will not be at the whole conference but a pop in or two to see pots should be good!

Spring break

What happened to those bottles Mark was working on?
we left them drying and went off to visit with both our Mothers for a few days.
hitting the Starbucks and having some lunches out- enjoying summer type weather in the city--- There are times when we could move right back- live the city life- this was one of those times. Spring called us- we pulled ourselves away...it was hard. Did you know if you live in a city you don't have to drive 25 minutes to a grocery store???
Back to work tomorrow!


While we were in Norfolk we took our daughter, who works for Young Audiences of Virginia out to lunch. If you have never heard of Young audiences, they are a non-profit who books Artist into the public school systems. Who could ask for more?

What Anna and her co-workers do is a very worth while occupation! Taking artist and bringing them into the schools. They all work very hard to make sure the artist and the kids all benefit from the experience. To say Anna loves her work is putting it mildly. She does a terrific job!

They will all miss Amanda- friend and co-worker and one of our "other daughters"- who will soon be leaving to start a new life with her recently "discharged"(Navy) husband. He has been offered a good job- but not in Norfolk. Best wishes to them both and you know your way to the farm- come see us anytime!

CC Cole

For a good read on CC Cole Pottery check out either my brother Jay's site Backcounty Notes or Potters for the NCPC.
Great read and some wonderful pots to look at!
Very messy weather here I hope everyone is high and dry!
M