Learning to fly......

I got pushed out of my comfortable nest recently by my rusty old kiln breaking down. I am now the nervous, proud owner of a lovely newish one!


I finished a a big order to fill the new kiln on Monday. I felt funny about this order as it included a lot of plates and I don't really make plates as a production item. Against my better judgment I made the plates and stacked up the new kiln, and started the firing. It seemed to me like gas was just roaring out of the jets, and I wasn't really in control of the firing like I used to be with the rusty old monster.

The temperature was galloping up. When it came time to turn on the final two gas jets they were blocked! They spluttered and guttered leaving me with the horrible, dull "Boof!" of pots exploding in the kiln. I then had to nurse the temperature back down slowly, knowing all the time that I would open the kiln tomorrow to certain carnage.....



....which I did.

This is a lesson I learn time and time again, if I have misgivings about a project it is not superstition, it is because I am experienced. Those misgivings are all my years of experience telling me "This project is not right. Stay Away!"

I think it's important for artists who speak about their practice to tell emerging artists and their peers about their frustrations as well as successes. I don't know if many other potters experience these moments, they probably find it too depressing to speak about.

.......It's still the best job in the world.

Power Lunch

celebration_cake(2), originally uploaded by shannongarson.

Photo taken by Kylie Johnson at another power lunch for the Umbrella Collective.

I occasionally have "power lunches" with my friend Sarah Rayner from Audrey and Rose. As we both live in the country and work at home in our totally daggy thermal fleece jackets, the term power lunch is used ironically. But..... these lunches are really important, we talk bout what inspires us, show each other our new work, hash out solutions to business hiccups and most importantly encourage each other through all our moods. What may look to the outsider like two artists having a gasbag and stuffing their faces is actually an important part of my practice. Talking to other artists is inspiring and useful!

Audrey and Rose have just launched their website which includes a section on their new range "Audrey and Rose Interiors". How fabulous are these?

Throwing

I'm just about to go go downstairs and start throwing pots. I've been throwing for about 15 years now and it has become one of those activities like making tea that are just inherently soothing.

Throwing and I have a history, I've thrown in all different houses from Paddington in Brisbane to St Albans in England. I threw when I was but a girl , before I travelled overseas. I threw as my body changed and I waxed enormous during two pregnancies and now I throw when I'm talking to Fizzy D or thinking "I must get upstairs to feed Sweet Pea" I love having physical mastery over my materials ( although I never take it for granted, the clay can still surprise me). I was always hopeless at ball games throughout my childhood and the physical side of handling clay is a constant pleasure.


From the moment I sat at the wheel and made a wonky , thick pot I was hooked on this activity, I hope I'm still throwing when I'm 80, and have stringy old arms and long grey plaits.

(The nest jugs are showing at Salmon Galleries in McMahons Point, Sydney)