I finished the moving and installation of the electric kiln. It used to be inside the studio and is now located in the covered addition on the back of the studio.
I have a lot more space inside the studio now!
The five shelf metal cart (with wheels) was the best purchase I've made in a long time. I now have places to store green ware, bisque ware, test tiles, containers of test glaze, etc. Nice!
Recently on a trip to Atlantic Pottery Supply in Jacksonville I purchased a bat which holds small tiles upon which you throw. I was skeptical at first, but after throwing a couple dozen cups on them, I now have grown the love it! After throwing the form you can just pry off the small rectangular bat and set it somewhere to dry. The ware will pop off once it reaches the leather hard stage. He's a picture of the rectangular pieces:
and here's a picture of the bat that fits on the wheel:
I got inspired and threw some cups. Here they are drying and awaiting the attachment of handles:
That's all for now! Sorry it's been a while since posting...but the Holidays were a busy time!
I will be attending a reduction firing workshop at John Britt's studio next month. This is in preparation for construction (and firing) of my own gas kiln once I get back. I have only fired in an electric kiln so far and I'm looking forward to being able to fire in reduction. My friend John Tilton gave me a bag of cone 10 porcelain clay to make a few pots and test tiles to take to the workshop. The clay was formulated for John by Miller Clay. It throws very nicely! Here are some test tiles I made yesterday:
That's all for now. See you soon.
