Today's Quiz

Here are some bowls from my kitchen...4 from England and one from my own hands.

Today is bound to be a good one...pottery all day, poker tournament tonight!

Platters

After ferocious thunderstorms last night we woke to a glorious, humidity-free day. I couldn't resist sitting at the wheel outside. But I also wasn't ready to give up my big coil pots, so I did a bit of both. The platters will be fun to slip and comb. I've been revisiting a lot of old Winchcombe ideas for decorating.

I finally remembered to get some thistle feed for my goldfinch feeder and in less than 10 minutes they were back. I'm going to try and take some photos tomorrow. This is the first time I've ever had a studio without cats and I'm really enjoying the birdlife.

Tornado Warning Tonight

I finished the second of my handbuilt pots today. This one is about 20" wide. I'll slip and glaze them later this week. I've been promising myself that I'd start throwing this week, but now I'm not sure. This has been fun. I might not decide until I get out to the studio tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Albert Einstein

I finished listening to a fantastic book on tape today (Einstein by Walter Isaacson) while finishing up this giant coil-built teapot. He was an extraordinary fellow. And very quotable. Here's a few...

"Imagination is more important than knowledge"
"Foolish faith in authority is the worst enemy of truth"
"I can't tell you what will happen in the 3rd World War, but I can tell you what weapon we'll use in the 4th......rocks!" (after the U.S dropped the bomb on Japan)

I had second thoughts about making this sweet fat form into a novelty item, but sometimes I need to follow an idea right through to the end. Other times a little spontaneity is called for.This time I planned on making a teapot...and I did.

Blackberries!

Few people enjoy picking blackberries as much as dear, sweet Ellie Bird!
I helped Emily and Ellie do some picking today in the blazing sun and scored 2 quarts!! One is being turned into ice cream as we speak!

Phil English

There is a nice article in the Free Lance Star today about my friend Phil. He is a brilliant artist and does things on his lathe that are hard to believe. I admire folks like him who set such high standards for themselves and their work. Plus he is a fine human being!

Tomato Sandwiches

I stopped at Emmett Snead's farm on my way to the studio and loaded up on tomatoes, cantaloupes and peaches. Then I spent the rest of the day coiling a couple of pots.

I've begun the last few making cycles by handbuilding a good sized pot. A new ritual.
This one is going to be a teapot. A big one!

Plein air

Like my friend, Michael Kline, I plan to start throwing outdoors for the rest of the summer.

There are some sharp-eyed potters out there. My little quiz from yesterday might become an 'irregular feature'.

Frejus, France

It's not unusual that LibertyTown disrupts my plans for making pots. Today was just another example. The A/C in the gallery was spewing water and had to be dealt with. A few other chores and it was time for the Sister City reception.

Each summer a group of 20 or so students and adults cross the sea to stay with local families. This year, Frejus has come to the U.S and we hosted a lovely gathering tonight that featured an exhibition of photos of home taken by the french kids. No 'freedom fries' here!

Our handbuilding table is often transformed for various occasions. I believe these are all french prints...and some nice treats.

Ever hopeful, I plan to make a pot tomorrow.

Breakfast

Ever since I first visited England in 1978, I have enjoyed toast with jam and hot black tea (with milk, please) for breakfast every morning that I am able. (30 years x 365 days is a lot of toast and tea) The pots below have been my everyday companions for some time. 1 German made, 3 English and 2 from the U.S. of A.
Any guesses?