31 July 2008

Money and Power


I spent some time today refining my new workspace in the new studio. I learned to throw on a Randall wheel and I'm pleased to be getting back to one. Most of my pots have been made on an old Brent CXC. I don't have electric power out here so I run the wheel off a generator. Now I can use leg power at least some of the time.

I also bought a slick new generator today...a very quiet Honda. I run the studio lights from a small solar panel system and one day I hope to run the whole studio from solar power. I wish I could eliminate my electric wheel, but I find treadle wheels maddening and my legs aren't up to kicking full time. Having the generator makes me mindful of being productive with the energy it produces, so I guess it is more efficient than being 'on the grid'.

I got my application ready for the Virginia Commission for the Arts individual artist grant...at the last minute, of course. Virginia is one of the worst states in the country for arts' support and it is very discouraging to know that even in states that do a great job, like North Carolina, money for the arts is disappearing...once again.

2 comments:

Tracey Broome said...

There is hope for a grant! I live in North Carolina and have applied for numerous grants, always getting turned down. This month I finally got a grant from the Orange County Arts Commission to build a gas kiln. This time I got a lot of advise on how to write one from others that have received grants.
So keep the faith!

Patricia Griffin Ceramics said...

Love the windows, and the green view beyond!... Speaking of green, I think it's great that you're using solar. And... Good luck with your application. Hope you get all "the green" you're seeking and more!