Blog

The test tiles leaning against the wall are showing current glazes on the darker clay “trina buff”, the cups in the foreground are showing color on the lighter clay “loafer’s glory”. I definitely got some brighter effects on the lighter clay body!

I’m still carving the surfaces with dancing people and trees, but have added houses as a reminder that each of us needs a home. I’m also playing with thick slip applications as a softer surface. I’m endeavoring to simplify my process in general and to focus on the parts of the making that I enjoy and that motivate me to continue in this unwieldy business of art-making.

I’m grateful for my customers who encourage me to carry on. Apart from the mysteries of clay, glass formers, and fire, it is all about you!

After 20 years of making and selling pots through Mud Dauber Pottery in Earlysville, VA, I have made major changes. As if January 1, 2018, I joined Nan Rothwell to fire in her new gas kiln in Charlottesville. I’ve switched clay twice already and am starting with a third—all higher fire stoneware (cone 10). It is a new day indeed!

My forms and designs are unchanged. I’m still making functional stoneware. But due to the change in kiln atmosphere allowed by gas firing and higher heat, the look is very different. I’m growing and learning and appreciating the happy accidents that keep me coming back to my wheel and that stretch my creative energy!

20 years ago, December of 1997, Mud Dauber held its first Open House. It’s amazing to me that so many years have passed! We will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary this weekend with a Holiday Open House and Sale. To honor this landmark, my work will be 20% off for the weekend. Come visit if you are able!

It was a lively weekend at Mud Dauber Pottery with many new as well as long time visitors. Our guest artisan, Laurie Duxbury, demonstrated her weaving process, I gave tours of the studio and kilns, and Suzanne talked about her process while welcoming guests into our Gallery. Suzanne had the foresight to snip Mud Dauber’s beautiful flowers from the window boxes to rescue them from the sustained deep freeze that hit Friday night. As a result, many customers who purchased vases took home lovely blooms for their homes!

Spring is here! Come see my latest work at the Claudius Crozet Park in Crozet Virginia. I have lots of vases, watering cans, berry bowls, mugs, lamps and more.  Find me in the big “Festival” tent in booth T214.

 

Lots of new work in process. Come see!

 

The clay festival in Stanardsville, VA in late September was great fun. Most of the clay artists showing and selling their work over the weekend also demonstrated some aspect of their pottery making process. It was illuminating for potters, pottery students and for anyone generally drawn in clay.

 

I’ve been getting pots ready for placement in galleries and for upcoming shows.  In anticipation of Spring, I have added to my selection of  vases, mugs and berry bowls.

 

April 23-24, 10am-5pm

Three ACV Juried Artisans: Kary Haun, Nan Rothwell and I will have our work on display and sale at Kary Haun Studio on East North St. in Woodstock.