I noticed something in this big production order I've been working on. I have limited time in the studio (most weeks only one 8-9 hr day), but working on the same form repeatedly has helped me to understand some of the most functional elements of throwing. At least..understanding on a deeper level that feels right to me. 

While I've been pulling walls, centering and compressing for over three years now, this exercise has helped me find my own form. When you're being taught, you sometimes pay more attention to mimicking the form of your instructor, rather than really understanding what you're trying to accomplish with the action. This may not be the case with everyone, but as a left-handed potter working in the traditional right-hand motions, I find that I sometimes need to modify or adapt finger positions to make them feel natural for me. Which also means...three years later, I'm having AHA moments when I truly pull up from the base of my piece, evenly and with measured, purposeful pressure. 

I had one of those moments in the studio on Sunday, as I whipped through fifteen pieces in less than 2 hours. In production style, I managed to get each cup at its desired height in two pulls. I was centering in less than 30 seconds. I was lifting pieces of the wheel and setting them aside and I was focused and in a zone I've not experienced before, mostly because I've never had to produce at this volume, before. 

If I could slip into the studio several days a week, this project certainly would not have rolled on this long. But I'm pretty tickled to see the end of the road coming up sooner than I expected. 

Progress is good. 

 

I'm going to be throwing my face off until mid April. Interesting how throwing the same form on repeat really helps you understand the efficiency of production potters. I have a new appreciation for setting up my station, taking all the preliminary steps to avoid having to take too many quick breaks, and throwing in a environment free of distraction. I work much more efficiently, when I'm by myself. Makes my dreams of a home studio THAT much larger. 

When they're on site for kiln unloading, they send you sneak peeks of your stuff!! Big hugs and thanks to one of my dearest pals, Angela Rogers for the quick snaps.  Note: Some of the items included in the group shot are not mine. Just the bowls with the finger rest and the flat ornaments.

Sometimes people make an attempt to do better than they did before. Sometimes people attempt to make a wrong, right. Sometimes they are successful. But in the event they are not, you must allow. Allow that person to be who they are, and protect/enhance your personal space so that you are no longer hurt or negatively impacted by them. Without making judgments. Without castigation. It's the most loving act of dissolution you can ever take.

Trying to find a quick efficient way to store available glazes online. We've got a huge wall of over 60 different glaze combinations. Ugh. Good luck with this. 

I stay in that state. Asking. Wincing. Railing. Simmering. Wondering. Imagining. So much so that the reel that plays in my mind almost becomes more interesting than the reality I see every day in front of my face. Assembling puzzles, taking them apart and putting them back together until I can make peace of what I see. Rinse. Repeat. Until the discomfort and unrest becomes wisdom.

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