Wheel,tools and a word about Michael Simon

I have tried to post a thank you to all of you who have commented on my pots, they seem to just disappear into cyberspace. So THANK YOU! Michael mentioned Michael Simon, man, you just can't say enough good things about Michael. He came to N.T.S.U in 1979 for a workshop, and was just beginning to saltglaze at the time. Years later when I built my first saltkiln he was characteristically giving with clay,slips,firing tips, and most of all encouragement! Another potter that came through N.T.S.U who had a profound influence on my pots was John Reeve, but more on him another time. All the best, Scott

More pots and a remembrance

Michael Cardew died on this date in 1983. His pots were some of the first ones I really connected with,especially the earthenware. We were fortunate to be able to see and hold a number of them at Donald Potter's in Byranston,Dorset, UK. He had one of the large slipware cider jars with the wooden spigots,one of my all time favorite pots. Remarkable memories!

local clay and ash 2

Late November we started refitting our workshop with better windows and insulation. The holidays and recent storms have slowed the project somewhat but we are back at it now. I work on a Korean style kick wheel that spins on a post set in concrete. I have a work table built around it that serves as a seat as well. The next task will be chipping the post out of the concrete dismantling the bench and moving my work area into the larger space. The old log building where I have thrown for twenty two years will be used for dry clay storage. I'll leave you with a quote from a North Devon harvest jug.." No art with potter's can compare, we make our pots of what we potters are."

local clay and ash