Process Of Elimination.

It’s September. It’s Labor Day. Summer is ending and Fall is on the horizon. The days are getting shorter. Parts of my colorful garden are dying off. I often experience love/hate emotions when the seasons change. This year is no different. 

This little sweater-shaped dish is a work in progress. I based the design on an 'ugly sweater' ornament I made for a customer last holiday season. I am testing how the lettering 'one more row' shows up with a variety of single glaze applications. The autumn leaf (appropriately named!), shows up the best. Next, I'll experiment with using underglaze/glaze combinations until I come up with the best design. 

In the studio, I’ve been working on some new ideas. Often, I need to test a variety of creative options in order to determine the best design and glaze combination. This method frees me to experiment which can lead to successful surprises and satisfactory outcomes. Once I can see the finished options, I can usually eliminate what is not working and develop more that do.

The Alabama-themed series I've developed is nearing completion and I'm really happy with the results. I created my own textured Alabama-state stamps for use on a variety of shapes. All of these pieces will soon be available for sale at Harrison Brothers Hardware in Huntsville, Alabama. 

I can't eliminate the change of seasons from my life, but I have learned to appreciate the opportunity to adjust my daily routine. I don't like saying goodbye to long, sunny warm days. But instead of thinking about what I'll miss, I've learned to focus on what I love about each time of year and the chance to appreciate it all over again. The process of elimination, weeding out what doesn't work, leads us closer and closer to what does. 

Harvest Season

The days are getting shorter and signs of fall are growing. I’m still able to gather flowers from my garden and enjoy a few tomatoes from the vine, but seasonal changes are noticeable. Preparation for upcoming shows, holiday special orders and gift-giving season are in full swing in the studio now. 

I’ve always enjoyed the change of seasons. Each time of year holds unique attributes to savor. Winter brings sweater-weather and a desire to bake; Spring encourages new growth; long days of Summer inspire lots of outdoor activity, and Fall is a time to harvest and prepare for multiple family gatherings. I notice the pieces I make in the studio often reflect this seasonal rhythm as well. 

Holiday decorations, baking-dishes and serving pieces are in the works. Often, my inspiration for these creations is influenced by my own kitchen, entertaining and decorating needs. What recipes do I like to make and serve in the fall and which ceramic shapes will help fulfill that purpose? Additionally, I like to hear from you. What are you looking for this time of year? Click on the photo if there is a specific shape you're interested in! I welcome your input.

Shedding Summer -- Forecasting Fall

Do you welcome the change of seasons? I’m a fan of the lower humidity and warm sunshine of fall. I don’t like the progressively early darkness. For me, this time of year signals high productivity in the studio. I welcome the structured days of making, glazing and firing as I prepare for several seasonal shows. It’s a fresh start after languid days of summer when my studio time competes with much loved outdoor activities. I think it’s reminiscent of the start of a new school year and the chance to start again, build on past lessons and create anew. 

I’ve got lots of custom projects in the works in addition to some of the new shapes I've been experimenting with in the studio. I'll load the kiln today with these recently glazed pie plates, yarn bowls and tiny dishes. The transformation between how they look here and the pops of bright color when they are fired is always exhilarating!

So how do you deal with the change of seasons? Do you celebrate with different decorations around the house? Do you feel a boost of energy? Maybe you express your creativity in the kitchen. Tell me about it. I'd like to know!