Return to Studio

 Last night, I was able to spend some time in studio, which is something I have not been able to do for quite some time. I was pleasantly surprised to find ceramic pieces that I had made that were just waiting for someone to take the time to finish them.

I have a number of clay pieces that I have created by making impressions of things that I find interesting in nature, leaves, flowers, and such. I use Amaco semi-moist underglazes to paint colors and details. I fire them in a small jewelry kiln, and then I add a coat of clear glaze and fire them again.

One item I am excited to see completed is a small ocarina that I created. I am hoping that I got the walls thin enough and the angle of the mouth piece correct so that it can actually be played. If it works, I would love to make more. I have a lot of ideas of interesting designs that could be a part of the whistle.

I love working with the underglazes because they are very much like painting with watercolor, which I love. I found myself using a triple 000 brush for some of the details.

It was only a couple of hours, but the effects will hopefully last me for several days. Working in studio is my therapy and I hope to go back for another dose very soon! It's good for the soul!