Keeping on…

12/18/2009 in Uncategorized | 8 comments

goat_mountain_plate

I was looking back at my Potter’s Journal from this time last year and found this image.  Since June of this year my images have changed quite a bit, becoming less cartoon-y and somewhat more anatomically correct.  I think.   This earthenware journey is taking me to new places.  I am itching to change things up a bit more now.  Today I mixed a batch of terra sigilatta.  I’m going to do some colorant tests as soon as it’s ready.

Sarah and I were talking about how my recent work isn’t as ‘Ron-ish’ as it used to be.  We talked about how I tended to handle the work a bit more in the past, leaving more marks of the making as well as brushing on the slip so it had a thick/thin quality to it.  I think in general it had a carefree quality to it that is lacking now.  Something I am thinking about.  I have to just get out there and make pots for things to happen.  Anything forced will look…forced.

Something happened recently that made me awkwardly aware of how much I’ve allowed my artistic influences to be very up front in my pots.  This is a subject I’ve wanted to talk about for sometime but haven’t gotten to it.  I’ve already promised a post on alternative selling methods, so that will come first and then this other thing.

For now the journey continues.

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  1. ang’s avatar

    ang on 12/18/2009 at 6:42 pm

    oooh love your artistic influences, they’re great!! mmm i agree on the lack of ‘Ron’ in your later work but i think it’s directly related to your penland experience and it will take time to explore that and develop….having said that it all looks super from here!!

  2. ron’s avatar

    ron on 12/18/2009 at 7:47 pm

    Thanks Ang. That’s true.

  3. Becky Story’s avatar

    Becky Story on 12/18/2009 at 11:50 pm

    Having loved your earlier work (we drink our coffee from a variety of your mugs everyday at work) I wasn’t sure I’d like the new apres-Penland direction. But once I saw it at the Barn Sale, I found it to be quite wonderful. You definitely have added some depth to your work. I have no problem with googly eyes…and the way you googly-ed them(?) was endearing, engaging and a part of your pieces’ charm. But your new work is equally charming, And in the end, whatever you do is yours? If you love what you are doing & are connected to it, then it’s all “Ron”?

  4. ron’s avatar

    ron on 12/19/2009 at 10:23 am

    Thanks Becky!! :-)

  5. jim’s avatar

    jim on 12/19/2009 at 10:25 am

    i’m always a sucker for the thick/thin application (not exclusively tho), i like to see the darkness trying to come through

  6. Linda Starr’s avatar

    Linda Starr on 12/19/2009 at 5:17 pm

    Thanks for the reflection back, I am learning more about observing techniques in clay and appreciate how you explain your processes. I like the previous and present work you do each for different reasons. I wonder if someone who knew nothing about ceramics would appreciate the thinnner slip application as much? Do you recall if you ever had a comment about that. Happy Holidays.

  7. ron’s avatar

    ron on 12/19/2009 at 10:52 pm

    Hey Linda, I don’t know that I’ve had a customer comment on that. I think the thicker slip, more opaque, is probably something most people are used to seeing as it sort of looks commercial. There are other aspects that are unusual, like the poured pattern the slip leaves or areas of bare clay. I think it has to come back to what I like the best and then if there are questions or comments then I can share my point of view. There are soooo many choices and none of them really wrong if they come from the heart and are executed well. (or to the best of my ability at the time). I wouldn’t want that slip to be too thin or look muddy. I want it to look intentional, but relaxed too, not forced. Ha. Long answer.

  8. christy’s avatar

    christy on 12/20/2009 at 11:35 pm

    We certainly love having the goat plate in our kitchen!