I'm very excited to, hopefully, rule the kiln out of my list of possible problems. I've also been incredibly fortunate to have been given generous support from the amazing Doug Fitch and Hannah McAndrew... Fitch! Bless them both. Hopefully i will have a much improved glaze recipe. This should narrow it down to the slip and clay body. I have things to try first with the slip, hopefully that's where my issue lies. Ball clay shrinks more than earthenware clay. If i can get that fit right, then i think i'll be nearly there, in terms of pot finish. Then i just need to focus on making constantly better pots.
It's also been good to have the support of some great Hastings pottery folk now. Thanks Vanessa, Alastair and Judith! I've spoken with the lovely Judith Rowe about a few things slipware related, so hopefully we'll get back to some of them in the future. I shall be posting a few more musical items for her over the coming months too, now that she drops in on this blog. "Hi Judith!"
... and thanks to Matt Grimmitt, at Winchcombe Pottery, for always being there to support me and introducing me to Judith. You need people and support, no matter how much you'd like to figure it all out yourself. I feel very lucky now to have it.
I also had a chat with the wonderful guy in the Old Hastings Pottery (Hasting's Courthouse Street). Don't know his name, sorry about that, i shall ask next time. He lost his lovely wife to cancer last Christmas and has been soldiering on keeping it all going on his own ever since. He always has a smile on his face and time for me. He's happy to chat about slipware and shivering problems! He had a good tip that i'm going to try to see if it helps my slip fit the pot better. I love that little pottery shop, it's a very honest and pure little space. I'd love a little workshop/shop like that one day! If you live in Hastings/St Leonards please support him and his business. Perfect for some Christmas gifts!
I'll have to get some photos and info, there's so little info on it online. I'd better change that and do my bit for it!
Speaking of which.... I've been so happy with how the sale of my pots has gone in my online shop, but there are still a few pieces left!.... just in case you needed some ideas for Christmas presents!!
A big thank you to all those beautiful people who bought one of my pieces. Thank You!
Now i just need that kiln delivered. Christmas is coming early this year!
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