tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35250307778587656522024-02-20T20:04:45.781-08:00Little Black Dog PotteryTiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-18719841577478217742012-03-01T17:19:00.006-08:002012-03-01T17:42:22.165-08:00Rejuvenate 3 of 3<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0e40fmOBaIOcIMMws313lEa1FbGLzEVQx7gICBBuLBo3pZVCUXOvmlFaIa9h-F65KeIid8Gl2CYQG86NchbwHaD4_wZf8SHwHAJMrgy5ERG8QpoWPeBkYbeJ6uNg97I3lMJ20KGputOM/s320/old1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715107100483824946" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span>An older wheel thrown piece fired with Mayco Cobblestone. REALLY neat stuff.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left; ">I was able to attend a workshop hosted by Lisa Bare Culp at her studio for glazing and it was AMAZING and so beneficial. Lisa is the head ceramic artist for Mayco glazes right here in the heart state, so she spends most of her day testing glazes and testing glazes, and testing some more glazes and different combos, and the results are amazing.</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcyWiS9w33DrIHgVaxgPoOWc2PDeRSaiOPsxz4DAzRq9yQJlUGpQR_RgyvoPYXghUTKqiU-vAk-lhWZos7pUDhFsZUKJAaMqDW7LW0Yxxqlf0a9mq002QjR6G201Xe-jl8B0pqcK861A/s320/LBC_stacked_crackle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715107093116802018" /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><i>One of Lisa's gorgeous pieces. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "></div><div><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "> <span style="font-size: 100%; ">I was at this past years Winterfair helping a friend out and she introduced me to a good potter friend who asked who I was taking classes from. I said Lisa’s name, and he said, “You’re in wonderful hands.” It’s true—I can’t complain and last night confirmed it. I can’t wait to see the finished tiles we created and I REALLY can’t wait to start stocking up my Mayco inventory. I have a few of their glazes and they’re great commercial glazes. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "> </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Anyways—I am back in the studio after a winter hiatus and in between the craziness, but it feels great.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLm6AePU2VVWsg8FJ8J47j4VqKTcJXAIUZzb33euEDRBNesm37-YOvzGw8gQtFC9pqXL_AGWe-GOwdYQVgFb0g7WODNUwlrd9qygQ1ESBbdwV9wXf-W2-FgoIP1spISJv17msOQCkQPCc/s320/old2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715107102513488018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span>Some test tiles of some really old toxic glazes. No wonder they're so pretty.</span></i><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpi7EXWeLQz9e3iCfxAD30uSmGlNHI88CsB-JEHbjIWg8sEDF0Q0KcL309o_w29XOagbWTHLnvU5Pz7iM5LJbTfHzk5vua7-FzIyAyV0wpN2s1WcfWaXTatVvzpJ9pfoWdDVJQpertHo/s320/old3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715107107319108642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div> <i><span> Part of a painting I've been working on for a southwestern painting set. Made me think of the test tiles from all the different colors.</span></i></div></div></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-56272174298055227942012-03-01T17:02:00.005-08:002012-03-01T17:16:49.489-08:00Rejuvenate 2 of 3<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="yiv1749139659MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_5_1330648878510538" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ></span></p><p class="yiv1749139659MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_5_1330648878510538" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span >At one of the HH meetings our president was kind enough to bring in an interesting magazine, which has invoked some inspiration and clarity into the direction I want to go.</span></p><p class="yiv1749139659MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_5_1330648878510538" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span > <img src="http://www.artdollquarterly.com/images/pubCover.jpg" /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="yiv1749139659MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_5_1330648878510538" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span >I don’t know if I’ll ever be great at throwing pots and casting seems pretty monotonous and boring, but “Art Dolls” are a direction I can see myself going. My enjoyment of painting and drawing figures never spoke more clearly after I read the magazine, and it all just clicked in my head one day.</span></p><p class="yiv1749139659MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_5_1330648878510538" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="yiv1749139659MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_5_1330648878510538" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span > </span></p><p class="yiv1749139659MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_5_1330648878510538" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span >I like clay… I like figures… I like sewing. DING-DING! We have a winner!</span></p><p class="yiv1749139659MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_5_1330648878510538" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span > </span></p><p class="yiv1749139659MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_5_1330648878510538" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span >Anyways, on to other things besides my great and glorious epiphany.</span></p><p class="yiv1749139659MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_5_1330648878510538" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvugfWH_xOmxNjBuQI4xaCu_aWPXV0WHSiOEMNQN9lJnrqRWafY40YKkXJe53SUFa6o5QUMu17eCfC-jlCJqOI2fk2OiEBMCtrhyphenhyphenBKfRFK56w6taTh7HTZm_5HkgLczzG19Iqc3_8YGUo/s320/doll1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715100726290694306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></p><p class="yiv1749139659MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_5_1330648878510538" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span >A doll named "Matilda" I am working on.</span></i></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4vGmWcTudqfr8k-jO-3Ea_ZPfLd5OIt8iSyHe8SZiGTRhdjj0Wr0rTAMY20ZhJWZTOfxEAFcBGN7Gwo9ePb35lL2o9Z_9xEjSdvRJ_Houo7BZPXapdSRrDJNIM4a204VNnDAzbLLZqM/s320/doll2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715100722009115298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><p></p><p class="yiv1749139659MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_5_1330648878510538" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "> <i><span > A Day of the dead Catrina with her mask. </span></i></p><div>I can't wait to bisque fire these, and assemble everything!</div><p></p>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-8977731867226599662012-03-01T16:40:00.004-08:002012-03-01T17:02:01.667-08:00Rejuvenate 1 of 3<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiit-HdDyUfgs4q97pwtGtza6cH1oZV5aoiasDj9aDpNtjzeGS5GWF4Q_kZ8X8p0O6Xgg0yUxkkK2bIUt4lREPKLCShLNejAPBYC83kwdpRfAmLQqhfwpXiW6D9MobPSvaYO0g8S3M2yI/s1600/sgraf2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiit-HdDyUfgs4q97pwtGtza6cH1oZV5aoiasDj9aDpNtjzeGS5GWF4Q_kZ8X8p0O6Xgg0yUxkkK2bIUt4lREPKLCShLNejAPBYC83kwdpRfAmLQqhfwpXiW6D9MobPSvaYO0g8S3M2yI/s320/sgraf2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715097454378323154" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left; font-size: small; ">One side of a sgraffito piece, which is now clear coated and on my bookshelf.</i> </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left; ">This giant update Baby is being turned into a triplet.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >I have a lot to share from my winter hiatus. </span></div><div><div><span > Walking back into the studio with a fresh box of clay is thrilling. I have conjured so many ideas, tips and techniques I have seen, and all I want to do is play.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div><span > These past months have been crazy for me. My great ideas have transcended into me being the head of planning, and directing, which is so time consuming. Looks like my goals and resolutions are out the window, but it’s all in good meaning, because the event is in benefit for the Houston House Arts Center . It’s a murder mystery about the death of Van Gogh and it’s a terribly good time making it all come together.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiit-HdDyUfgs4q97pwtGtza6cH1oZV5aoiasDj9aDpNtjzeGS5GWF4Q_kZ8X8p0O6Xgg0yUxkkK2bIUt4lREPKLCShLNejAPBYC83kwdpRfAmLQqhfwpXiW6D9MobPSvaYO0g8S3M2yI/s1600/sgraf2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5T1y_dz2XZbhCuXLbXm7wV8yvx4nnFyr8SjvF8BpO6DS_EFAE_yFreFONK0VsRMGAE3tSPPDAO2ln-eb1kELUC4NkGPcFxaVwBbsYyDWLr_qj5sKRUNPvyfpPyQNKk9yzu94MUpyBy64/s320/sgraf3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715097458775966338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div> <i><span > Looking down into the piece. Not perfect, but I'm getting better. </span></i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div></div><div><span > </span></div><div><span > Right now we are in the process of a major revitalization of the organization. For years the organization has sat, collecting dust, and losing members (mostly by death), but the all is finally coming together in hopes of outreach to the community. I am glad to be a part of it, because there is nothing else in this world I would rather be doing than something that involves art.</span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cN1lBeAlEqlsXj86jTBuWFp_ISsio9sfX_IV-ESaCK-sO2fYuNWH9VVv01EOGKsXOmxUmJXZStRqNumdoIybZbg-J-geDM1JzxZzGUO_8y6vjD5CtsTm-TA_B1wrxzlJ7kn7fWTHoHE/s320/sgraf1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715097449377154594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div></div><div> <span > <i>One side of a sgraffito piece, which is now clear coated and on my bookshelf.</i></span></div></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-64165366628484197542011-12-06T09:55:00.000-08:002011-12-06T10:24:57.865-08:00A potter's wishlist...On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me.... well, a lot of things. <div><br /></div><div>In the past couple years, the holidays seem to be anything but joyous and plentiful. My husband and I have no exchanged gifts on Christmas for the past couple years, because we have both been so broke, and it came down to, "Do I buy the DVD set he's been wanting, or do we pay the electric bill?" </div><div><br /></div><div> Neither of us really NEEDED anything. Who gives a crap about phones, ipads, and MP3 players? They're short lived electronic devices... certainly nothing I get giddy about. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I regained my interest in ceramics this past January, I have come to see the expenses of buying clay, glaze, slip, stain, molds, etc... </div><div><br /></div><div>So if Santa were to ask me what I wanted from Christmas, then here's a quick list. Nothing fancy, but just some essentials, and then some. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bamboo tools' Siphon Blower (See a couple entries down about what it is)</div><div><img src="http://bambootools.com/decorating/picture/GS01FS.jpg" /></div><div>Naomi Cleary tumblers</div><div><img src="http://www.mudfire.com/images/artists/Naomi-Cleary/naomi-cleary-06.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Carolyn Concho bowl--</div><div><img src="http://www.penfieldgallery.com/pots/images/CarConcho39a.jpg" alt="Acoma Pueblo pots" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Shimpo VLITE Potters Wheel</div><div><img src="http://columbusclay.com/images/vl_lite.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>(5)-12" drilled plastic batts (10" drilled holes)</div><div><br /></div><div>Now--- For the fun part</div><div>GLAZES!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>MAYCO Jungle Gem glazes (Non Toxic) ALL OF THEM</div><div><br /></div><div>MAYCO UG-19(Electra Blue Underglaze)</div><div>MAYCO UG-50(Black underglaze)</div><div>MAYCO UG-51(White underglaze)</div><div>MAYCO SW-101 (Stoned denim Stoneware)</div><div>MAYCO SW-104 (Black Walnut Stoneware)</div><div><br /></div><div>MAYCO writer bottle and tip (18ga)</div><div><br /></div><div>__________________________________</div><div><br /></div><div>So yes, I have a list of wants a needs... now if only I could find such a generous Secret Santa....</div><div><br /></div><div>If I don't write before... Happy Holidays to you and yours!!</div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-57802644469220321942011-12-05T07:26:00.001-08:002011-12-05T08:19:46.073-08:00Winter Fair 2011<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> A couple of weeks ago I was asked by a fellow artisan and crafter to help them at a show in Columbus, Ohio, because they were in need of volunteers. I said, "Yes" almost immediately, because I needed the experience to see how the art shows operated, and who their demographic was. <div><br /></div><div> I went with Carole; a contemporary basket weaver, and member of the Ohio Designers Craftsmen. She introduced me to everyone, but I'm so horrible with introductions, and talking, so I stood there all bashful, honored to be talking to amazing potters whom I had seen pictures of their work online, in forums, and in galleries.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> I was a runner and booth sitter, which both left my feet on fire by the end of the day. I want to share some pieces from people who I met, and whom I booth sat for. I made some of these people some good money, so I will tout that I am a good booth sitter, but mostly, their work did all of the speaking. If I had money, it would have been gone, and quick here.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Ginger Folds--</div><div></div><div>I booth sat for Ginger, and she makes sterling silver jewelry to look like small paper cranes, and other works of origami. Man, if I only had $50 these would have been mine. </div><div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nax2nEXNRPj94vyaSpovXLWcDpcu9BNUpgoAr5Ecs7zUJYnvzH-g-6aLMufWIJ7kB1RHwROJmMnmV-C67fI4OePxtQc5czuyJoISwOT9MENr0pwHDagwxEzjcfrD2VngvOLSF2Ztrcs/s400/gingerfolds.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682669287821712258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 174px; " /><div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Mark Speiser---</div><div>A very nice guy, who made such wonderful items from wood, including his folding salad tongs. It was a pleasure to sit for him. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.winterfair.org/Artist_images/wood/Speiser_Glue_up_bowlgLq3sp.jpg" alt="speiser" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Denise Novak--</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.winterfair.org/Artist_images/glass/Novak.jpg" alt="novak" /></div><div><br /></div><div> Brad Kelly--</div><div><br /></div><div>Brad's images were taken in China, and it's amazing when you stop and take a minute when looking at photography. While booth sitting for Brad it gave me a chance to really pay attnetion to all the finer details in his work, as subtle as a human figure on the side of a winding river. Beautiful work, and mostly I am not a photography enthusiast. </div><div><img src="http://www.winterfair.org/Artist_images/photography/kelly.jpg" alt="kell" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Theresa Gallup--</div><div>Theresa's booth was interesting for the fact that all of her wearable pieces were made up of old scraps from antique Kimono's. Her prices were slightly steep, otherwise I would have been walking out with a handmade flower brooch. </div><div><img src="http://www.winterfair.org/Artist_images/wearable/gallup.jpg" alt="gal" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>ARTISTS I met, liked, and bought from:</div><div><br /></div><div>Jim Kemp--</div><div>I really wish I would have had a few more minutes to talk with Jim, as I admire his work previous from Winterfair. His pieces are semi-functional, but incorporate such playfulness and charm. You can look across the room and tell it's his work. </div><div><img src="http://www.winterfair.org/Artist_images/clay_d/kemp.jpg" alt="kemp" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Robin Morris---</div><div><br /></div><div>I bought two wonderful mugs from Robin. The glass work on her pieces made me drool, and I have vowed to buy some more pieces from them in the future. They are some of the best priced functional pieces I have come by!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.winterfair.org/Artist_images/clay_f/morris_robin.jpg" alt="robin" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I met so many more people, and was even invited to a local potter's studio to ask questions. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was really a wonderful experience, and I have volunteered for future sales, and events at the expo center that the ODC sponsors. </div><div><br /></div><div>Though I may not have the gift of gab for marketing, I really do enjoy meeting new people and helping in any way that I can for fellow artists. </div><div><br /></div><div>After seeing a couple of the booths and the demographic coming through, I have decided to possibly pursue this festival next year after a lot of encouragement about my paintings and my ceramics from the lady whom I went with. It will take a busy spring and summer of casting, and throwing, but I think I may very well attempt this as my "goal" or "resolution" for the year. The entry fee is frightening for beginners, but I was ensured by Carole, and by my personal booth sitting for many vendors that the fee could easily be made back within the weekend and then some. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I have the whole year to prepare, and prep. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think I can do this. </div><div><br /></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-3117536565672113342011-11-22T13:05:00.000-08:002011-11-22T13:29:39.317-08:00Redware<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJG5Q3-7zaF_kNxIibejmEKzirbh7Fjsp_qfdvSsVRSmWkTFJrDLCbPzKqa9ykxhWDetG7A0AGSSd0zX9a7ABH1P1X6dfC2-ar8p3otQ66o0EZuXDEYUf6d7ICRASLNqApSwWFX1F_lI/s400/pitcherduo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677932786823055906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I have a couple of prefired lovelies to show today. <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>These are pre-fire and pre-glaze. I am hoping for a close to terra cotta look once they pop out of the kiln.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXk17Yxrvrsi4EG2fMCof_VGOnnmsLYcWsO3Td1yMG_rf22ivBB1SN2RUcrjjWRek5LOetzu4KDiFRLsvN2Tf27cfaPzV3_ZE-XJOULMATVNGzbkt67wfh72vb99XNixPmeTAPSJlDm0/s400/pitcher.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677932778154319282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 400px; " /></div><div>I have discovered that red clay is very difficult to work with on the wheel. It makes porcelain seem like working with a cloud. It took me a while just to get the clay centered. </div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The thing I hate most about it is that it's MESSY! At least with stoneware I can brush off the dried bits and run to the store afterwards, with red clay, it has me rethinking the whole "apron" thing. </div><div><div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Big news!!! How could I forget to mention this! THE NEW KILN WORKS! I tested it with a very low firing cone, but it shut off great, so YAY!</div><div><br /></div><div>With the new kiln working means that the</div><div><div></div></div><div> Houston House is prepping for classes! We hope to have more info posted after the new year!</div><div><br /></div><div> With the new kiln came some extremely old glazes, and I mean OLD... like... glass-jars-and-crumbly-yellow-labels-old. Also, they are toxic, so no chip and dip bowl decorating with them. So I've dusted off the cobwebs, squished the black widows, and added some water to them... hopefully to bring them back to life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry--- no pictures. It's hard to take pictures when you're jumping and screaming about spiders. </div><div><br /></div><div> With new-old glazes comes testing, so I spent a short part of my evening making small testing tiles.</div><div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNr3npHzOfhafpzqi2GWUnxFHj239dBPY505lFa0ePlwSJOumleqYg6XRAWWB4iqsw70S825ZhJMeDeBXRZJrAXVtyzH7-eQ1L7Zwmz_mVZ1MscjAWw4pu77Gun2uBoJv3vLUg_gSHjY8/s400/testtiles.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677932773990227458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I am thankful for Thanks-Giving, which gives me time off from day work to immerse myself in the studio!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-82692528890199911022011-11-18T14:21:00.001-08:002011-11-18T14:26:35.230-08:00It's a Wonderful Life!Little Black Dog Pottery will be featured in a mini exhibit at The Houston House Art Center's live production of "It's a Wonderful Life"<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >"It"s A Wonderful Life", November 17,18,19 - 7:30pm November 19,20 2:30pm .</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" > Shows are at The Upper Room Theatre, First Presbyterian Church , Marysville. Tickets </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >$10.00 adults, $8.00 Seniors/Students. For more info call 937/209-1339</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">____________________________________</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">If you so graciously picked up one of my business cards, then Welcome! This is </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">where I host updates about what's going on in my world of pottery!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Please check back often and if you have a facebook, then feel free to 'LIKE' the </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">official <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Black-Dog-Pottery/171667252905462">LITTLE BLACK DOG POTTERY PAGE!</a></span></span></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-90011309371460222272011-11-17T11:58:00.000-08:002011-11-17T12:15:20.127-08:00Authentic?<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Earlier this year after a trip out west I commented on a pueblo we stopped at, which feature these small quails with beautiful and intricate symbols, which told a story in the Acoma culture. <div><br /></div><div>Many of the natives were selling these quails, and I almost bought one, but snubbed when the price was told. I came home and regretted my decision, but after today, I wonder if maybe I DID perhaps make a good choice after all.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> I have been trying to find a good white slip that will adhere to red earthenware without cracking away, but have been having no such luck, so I shot New Mexico Clay an e-mail asking if they had any suggestions seeing that their raw materials were some I was trying to replicate. Well, while browsing their site I came across some Duncan molds, and lo and behold I found this.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.nmclay.com/Amazing/itemdesc.asp?ic=DM0760&eq=&Tp="> http://www.nmclay.com/Amazing/itemdesc.asp?ic=DM0760&eq=&Tp=</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.nmclay.com/mmNMCLAY/Images/mold/dm760.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 118px; height: 121px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div> It's a ceramic quail mold, which looked very similar to those that the pueblo were selling. I will say, it took plenty of time for the locals to paint on their designs and patterns, but it REALLY got me thinking about the authenticity of hand building. I would have rather paid a fortune for something that was hand-built by their culture than something that was pre-casted. I was a bit disheartened in my finding today.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> It taught me a good lesson for when I travel back out west this spring or summer...STUDY and get your facts straight. Buy from well known families in native american pottery and Buy from who you know is authentic, and those who show great artistic skill, and leave the mediocre for the tourists. </div><div><br /></div><div>Carolyn Concho will still remain my favorite. I treasure my shard necklace I bought from her, and she was even cordial enough to explain the meaning behind it for me. Perhaps someday I can have one of her gorgeous pots, which modernize the traditional acoma pottery. Concho is a direct descendant from the famous Lucy Lewis.</div><img src="http://www.penfieldgallery.com/pots/images/CarConcho39b.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 220px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-67203072787992777282011-11-11T11:15:00.000-08:002011-11-11T11:30:09.544-08:00UPDATES--UPDATES---UPDATES<div> Whee! Updates! First off, as I am typing this the kiln is getting all wired up and ready to fire, which is GREAT, because I bought some red low fire clay after checking our CAD's story about potter Daniel Ricardo Teran who uses such a simple technique, but BOY what talent does he have!? I am absolutely inspired from his studio to the techniques and meanings behind his work. A lot of Daniel's work displayed on his site depict the works of a man caught in between a tin foil hat, and an environmentalist... but it's all in good flavor. </div><a href="http://ceramicartsdaily.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/teran1146-1-v-247x300.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 300px;" src="http://ceramicartsdaily.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/teran1146-1-v-247x300.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQqUUJT67YyoMbjqx3SR2z9pCwMSY7QrsH-9tkscXqeJzuIQpukzo4V6INi9xTkX0TtbAPfu4RPRnz5yeRwLwFoPYMelGBwxX4NQbrHZ7hyjy7WLDcVmNSX0qqBsa6zhMOqo7kNBcj3k/s1600/siphonblower.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQqUUJT67YyoMbjqx3SR2z9pCwMSY7QrsH-9tkscXqeJzuIQpukzo4V6INi9xTkX0TtbAPfu4RPRnz5yeRwLwFoPYMelGBwxX4NQbrHZ7hyjy7WLDcVmNSX0qqBsa6zhMOqo7kNBcj3k/s400/siphonblower.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673819438619042498" /></a></div><div> Another cool thing I discovered was this Siphon Blower, which makes penny pinching potters like myself drool. With this product there is no need for an expensive air compressor, and then the expensive gravity fed spray guns. All you need is this helpful gadget and a good set of lungs. Genius!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxP0SxliDfdP6FJ5PJ59SvFs9WIELC3OMww2Ye2S0eKCP6spm3gRvpftFWs9vDYguLwH3GeqiEY_oWFVA770plbas4TboYuVDK2rrluVYRRKkP9NxikqTvAt0FjyEisJcSbdBR5jIVxA/s1600/pot2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxP0SxliDfdP6FJ5PJ59SvFs9WIELC3OMww2Ye2S0eKCP6spm3gRvpftFWs9vDYguLwH3GeqiEY_oWFVA770plbas4TboYuVDK2rrluVYRRKkP9NxikqTvAt0FjyEisJcSbdBR5jIVxA/s400/pot2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673819423045502162" /></a> WELL, look at that purdy pot sitting on my work desk! Yep, this is one of my smaller Mayco pieces I didn't take home. While I'm not 100% thrilled with the outcome of it due to some glaze not reacting like how I envisioned, it still makes a nice little pencil holder, and I got plenty of comments about it at work, too!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLAR_pB67eOVzoP5C3vQDb6JlGQF4K9ClVNpBn_XDIoxxnXvJ6XuwVlJPegr-HTedc_THCTvHGg0GIExDiTu9q3IOe0dwG4pFpnumxm7XEsQrmj_x2mt3cdBK85fYDUbHrm3paiqyoFk/s1600/pot1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLAR_pB67eOVzoP5C3vQDb6JlGQF4K9ClVNpBn_XDIoxxnXvJ6XuwVlJPegr-HTedc_THCTvHGg0GIExDiTu9q3IOe0dwG4pFpnumxm7XEsQrmj_x2mt3cdBK85fYDUbHrm3paiqyoFk/s400/pot1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673819401605274450" /></a><br /></div></div></div><div>POTTERY CLASSES ARE COMING TO THE HOUSTON HOUSE!!</div><div><br /></div><div>You should be very excited, because I am SUPER excited and can't wait to get started!!!!</div><div><br /></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-90544758990478914342011-11-04T07:50:00.000-07:002011-11-04T07:54:45.281-07:00New Baby!!!<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s320x320/377774_10150396553928249_829848248_8255611_906847086_n.jpg" /> <div><br /></div><div>Yay!! Isn't is beautiful!? We got it in at the Houston House on Wednesday along with a bunch of Duncan glazes and ceramics tools. </div><div><br /></div><div>I can't tell you how bad I am clawing at my cubicle at work to get out, and go play!!</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a bit smaller than the old one, which is fine with me, because I never did utilize the entire space in the old kiln. Sadly, it is getting a burial in the basement until we feel like getting it fixed.</div><div><br /></div><div>A new kiln brings new ceramics classes, which also has me excited! I was also named head of the ceramics committee for the arts center! I'm just exploding with enthusiasm and excitement over here! I really think next year will bring some great possibilities and experiences at the Houston House Arts Center!</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't wait! </div><div><br /></div><div>Santa came early at the Houston House!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I have to go find some clay. </div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-91315752408807495372011-10-31T09:57:00.000-07:002011-10-31T10:54:10.618-07:00Dia de los muertos<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The beginning of November marks the beginning of the spanish folk holiday celebrated by many cutures as "Day of the Dead" where cultures host a week of celebration in remembrance of family and friends who have passed on. <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Being in the Midwest, we don't have as many authentic celebrations as say, the south west. </div><div><br /></div><div>This holiday first intrigued me by the bright colors, and skeletons having a good ol time, and not letting the whole "death" thing get in their way of a lively celebration. It's something TABOO that most people in the United States won't understand, but as an artist, I've come to appreciate this folk traditions and beliefs of the Latino Culture, because they tell a story of many things that are often held at a "hush-hush" tone. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> The majority of the work I sell features the Day of the Dead theme with the beautiful Catrina, and her romantic suitor dawning a top hat, and his devilsh grin. I don't have pictures of my pieces unfortuantely, but I do have pictures of me at POR VIDA, which was held in Columbus, OH and celebrated pieces inspired by Dia De Los Muertos, and how many of the artist cope with death. </div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3GFdXZ-HghEiKqugh2HjerFNCtL1uTZF-C5JkOF1ZYS9qno87_Gpb-VFH_MY7ZNjgdqkOO-NPTs5plL046aXhONCj6RVaKR28mHE30DkCPsqrjQFizcnzncUsYCOn6JafklKHFewk24/s320/dodme.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669711960230452866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div> In other exciting news: WE'RE GETTING THE KILN! Horray-hurrah! We had an overwhelming vote of support through e-mails from board members after I replied to mass e-mail about how beneficial the kiln would be for classes, and teaching!</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't wait to see the kiln, and get it up and working! </div><div><br /></div><div>The official board meeting is on Wednesday! I'm extremely excited! :D</div><div><br /></div><div>It's quite funny after I typed that, because I realized that I have to pick up my finished pieces from Mayco on the same night, so my excitement turned into, "OMG WHAT AM I GOING TO DO!???" lol</div><div><br /></div><div>I really need to start using my planner more. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Ooooh! Lookie what I found! A finished piece that goes with the theme. I started this lady back in July!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/298241_10150361903993987_569243986_8183380_488542190_n.jpg" /></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-12115548433933066682011-10-25T07:32:00.000-07:002011-10-25T07:52:00.348-07:00Viva la Art.... but not so much for the kiln.Once more the kiln is out of commission. This makes the second time this year. The darn thing apparently won't "shut off" even after the kiln sitter has flipped down.<div><br /></div><div>I know... I was confused, too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, while I'm on hiatus, the board at the art league I work out of will be voting on using emergency funding to purchase a used kiln off of another board member's Aunt. I also inquired with this board member that if the board voted down the request, then I myself would personally buy the kiln and house it at the Art League for their use until I get my own studio. Win-win for them either way. </div><div><br /></div><div> But, either way, they need one. I will be teaching some ceramic classes come spring time, as we have been receiving a lot of requests for adult clay classes. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am excited for what the Houston House Arts Center will be doing for 2012. We're pretty much revitalizing the way we do classes, and are adding more events to our agenda in hope of gaining members, and having more outreach to the community. </div><div><br /></div><div>There has been talk about one of the closer Arts Centers a county over possibly closing up shop due to lack of funding, which makes me extremely sad. I say, if you have to teach painting out of a shack, then do so. Arts in the community is so important, especially to children and young adults who cannot receive the freedom to express creativity with the watered down school art class agendas. Not to mention many schools have cut their art programs all together, because of financial issues. </div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't mean for this entry to turn so sappy, or political, but I stand highest for arts, because promoting creativity in the young minds of today equals a future of innovation, and different thinking. It means the difference from followers, and creators.</div><div><br /></div><div>The last thing I would want in life is to be stagnant, and be around stagnant people. </div><div><br /></div><div>________________________________________</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to ceramics.... I have some really nice pieces made up from Mayco, which will be glazed this week! I'm so excited!! I can't wait to see the final product!</div><div><br /></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-50480221861439475132011-10-13T12:16:00.000-07:002011-10-13T12:34:24.288-07:00TipsI'm no stranger to Ceramic Arts Daily's site, and I post a bit on their forum, because many professional potters seem to lurk there, including the Potter's Guild President, Chris Campbell, whom I wrote a short entry on a few pages back. <div><br /></div><div>I'm a humble beginner to many on there who have decided a full time career of potting, and many have degrees up to their masters for ceramics. </div><div><br /></div><div>I savor each and every little tip from business ideas, tax codes, potting techniques, which tools they like, and one tip that was given to me by an advanced potter. Potter's need to take a photography lesson. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>In Today's market they're simply not just potters anymore. They also take on the role of book-keeper, accountant, advertising agent, market analyst, promoter, and to make sales anymore you need to have an online store, which includes photos. That is something that potters of the past never worried about aside of having their work published in a paper, or in a book, but it was a great tip I never would have thought of.<div><br /><div>Etsy, and personal shops require excellent photography to help seal the deal for many folks. Who would want to buy a tea-cup that's lit too dark to see, or is too blurry to see the details? Not many, that's who.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUHB3qFY_X2cvs7MdnUraL4P4VjtIeihPWh8STsb7FA80mA-DKzYB1aeACwnIgvzkjHWbI8egctlF0s0lRj8G56CanP5vIG0WMrgpw_XlQXwJCv4GWRZB2JXmQ3KnB09Js-sfZzd7oDE/s320/phototent.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663061701137133474" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 300px; " /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Potters, ceramic artists, and other arts and craft entrepreneurs have taken on their own photographic challenges, and in that challenge, someone smart came up with the idea of a Photo box/tent. A small fabric box, with a few holes cut in it for lighting.</div><div><br />These sale for $50 and up depending on what size you want.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, this is where it gets exciting. After surfing around today I discovered someone was thinking that same frugal way that I was, a made a tutorial on creating your own photography box. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can find that tutorial <a href="http://www.digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent">HERE.</a> </div><div><br /></div><div> So, while my dreams of a Nuwave oven will be put on hold for a few more weeks, I'm thinking that a new DSLR camera may be in my future very soon. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXnd4O1LZ4u6zmvKqvuyQ8WkrRnTAL7RFn_LWR2YHDyxfFpR6yR2HfEd7LTma9FmB1OwMlsRyvbhiy1ugOVlKAne8pOeKhVUeL1u2E3UvtJI2M8KfoC3pGqXQg2QBa7m8ofKzhiCoQP8/s320/old-cameras_large.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663061704148189554" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></div></div><div><br /></div></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-90194837529098333042011-10-09T09:41:00.000-07:002011-10-09T09:52:46.039-07:00Art Crawl<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Art Crawl was good to me last night, and I sold some of my original day of the dead pieces that showed in the exhibit. So, it looks like I'll be back in the studio keeping busy!<div><br /></div><div>Time flies when you're throwing on the wheel! I finished up a couple of pieces on Friday!</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOE3_NwSmtLyYsNjNTCuINzefiDkegGEaGIA3vHugflP-gcDhonS8RbbevossPne-SpsLqm_w94IM_BQmltXFdtQUkmJ7cjo171phAdvZygUl_jsQEW9mmnZo968j88Cr90QCqB4vr8w/s320/wheelpot1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661536091768417410" /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you happened to have stumbled upon my blog from a business card, then please 'Like' my official page on Facebook, so you can keep up with updates, my blog postings, and any information on sales, or exhibits! I don't post ALL the time, so don't worry about me spamming up your front page with useless crap. :) </div><div><br /></div><div>Check it out ...... <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Black-Dog-Pottery/171667252905462">HERE!</a></div><div><br /></div><div> I'm working on getting my photos back from my photographer to get my ETSY store posted soon. Keep an eye peeled for my store launch! I'll have plenty of pieces to sale!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope everyone is enjoying, or enjoyed their weekend! </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for stopping by!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-84988756586735534752011-09-29T12:01:00.000-07:002011-09-29T12:21:51.007-07:00Mayco--<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MHke4zFFi7YssRtPiudIyUKPYeLdj9fqX5G3zUSHXsjozHKE5fxknvhj6THm5ybJZw5ArncQVYPrdy5Z-k_7NSvt2J4vC8lqegZtkrHWwXKvLG2L7vyUNtKwE89dHOCT-16eDI0_nak/s1600/mayco1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MHke4zFFi7YssRtPiudIyUKPYeLdj9fqX5G3zUSHXsjozHKE5fxknvhj6THm5ybJZw5ArncQVYPrdy5Z-k_7NSvt2J4vC8lqegZtkrHWwXKvLG2L7vyUNtKwE89dHOCT-16eDI0_nak/s320/mayco1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657861256600043186" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Class on Wednesday was quite phenomenal, and I had wonderful instruction from Jen H. She answered a lot of my questions, and gave me tips for areas I was absolutely struggling with like cylindering a piece up. It's amazing how one tip in the night makes the biggest difference. <div><br /></div><div>Last week I was so mad, frustrated, and mopey, and about given up that I could learn the basics to wheel throwing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, voila! </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ud1GLtReLafaLYqh5RGzhPveCOIZEZrsa2DXZUW7jZvEF6GRMn4-MUq1RMAMxgKLiLdioCGSZM3iARcAiRRI_4bcBY4HP4RFYBoF4ICgJh_dXqnbfCDAEoiv0HQRWyJllWfZMwI4Osc/s320/mayco2.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657860547383238834" /></div><div>A good shape for a mug, which will get its handle next week. But my God, I have actually made something of use. Well, I made a bowl the week before that, but it's disappeared... I didn't ask about it, because it's not going to break my heart if it blew up, or anything during the bisque firing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know I'm crazy for doing this, but I'm signing up for another four week session, so I can learn some more glazing. I'm dying to ask questions, but I'm need to get around this shyness/dorkiness thing. I don't want to be perceived as a total nerd, because I check Ceramic Arts Daily, and am often found sifting through potter's blogs. </div><div><br /></div><div> ANYWAYS-- I have more updates!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I am working on a commission piece for my Aunt's friend, which is cool. It will probably hit the kiln on Friday evening.</div><div><br /></div><div>THEN-- I'm going to be set up selling my ceramics, and a couple of my paintings at The Indianola/Clintonville Art Crawl!!! EEEEEP!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>That was a good eep by the way. I am so excited, but at the same time my brain is going, "NOOOO! You are sooo stupid!!", because I need to build up some more inventory due to some sales, and so my table doesn't look sad and lonely. </div><div><br /></div><div>So.... I will be sending the husband to pick up some slip, and it'll be a weekend of slipcasting, glazing and firing! Oh Joy!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh crap! I almost forgot! Here' s a picture of me at the Houston house Art Exhibit. I had paintings sprawled all over the house, but here' s a good pic of me with a few ceramic pieces, and an oil painting. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRn6eum_FF2_A_zNi-IcjP55fZ8QC0Ag4JFKOGSWD9P_VcOQNTwYwzzaLRqfo05lbC-b9C59NB2lGGlYLnG8j46vrd3dBxQq8nmMC9bz5apHlsaeMUgpwAvoReBvvOxiumBOO6bvzKMU/s320/meex.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-34329386158782148972011-09-27T08:16:00.000-07:002011-09-27T08:29:38.371-07:00Empty handedOn my second week of class, I was able to watch the master Jen Harnetty throw a vase on the wheel in a mere ten minutes. Meanwhile, I sat there and tried throwing pieces, which turned into clay slop, and ended up getting tossed into a reclaim bucket. <div><br /></div><div> Wheel throwing really does get the better of me. So many times I want to start bawling, and stomping around like a spoiled child. </div><div><br /></div><div> My goal for the three classes in the series I'm taking is to learn the basics to wheel throwing, and then I'll take another session to get all of my glazing techniques, and questions answered. </div><div><br /></div><div>I took some time this weekend to head over to the Houston House, and sit down and practice on the wheel. I made two successful pieces, which are awaiting to have their bottoms trimmed down. It's amazing, because I imagine that one day it will click, and I think I learned my lesson on trying to center my pieces. I am simply not leaning over enough, and propping my elbows on my legs well. My last piece I was able to center with ease. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, that I have that problem figured out, my next one is trying to cylinder pieces without them widening out into bowls. </div><div><br /></div><div>Damn, damn, bowls. </div><div><br /></div><div> In other news-- My Aunt has ordered a piece from me to give to her friend for a birthday present. It's a sculpture, and it's still drying out at the Houston House. I have never been so nervous about a piece, because I'm coming close to a time crunch since it's due in November. To have it explode would be devastating to me. </div><div><br /></div><div>And in other-other news-- The Houston house will be having a winter art fair, so I'll be able to sell some more pieces in a public sale. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry, no pics this time. Perhaps later this week!!</div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-68766366522500556232011-09-13T11:52:00.000-07:002011-09-13T12:20:38.967-07:00A tale of inspiration<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I started my first Mayco ceramics class, and I am ecstatic, because I learned so much within the 2-ish hours I was there. I felt so awful, because I felt like the annoying kid in class, "Teacher, teacher, help me! Help me!!!" Meanwhile so many other people there were just so lost, and clueless as to what to do with it being their first time ever touching clay. </div><div><br /></div><div> Every single piece of information I have learned about wheel throwing has came from hours of scanning through videos, Youtube, and online articles, but you REALLY need the hands on, so you have someone telling you what you're doing wrong. This helped me IMMENSELY, and by the end of the night I had a gorgeous, thin walled, small bowl, which was better than the thick, ugly past pieces I've attempted. I am so excited to go back next week, but I fear the three week time span might hinder all that I want to learn. The hubby might not go for another $100 payment per session, but we'll see. </div><div><div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> Bless his little heart, because this weekend, he let his little ol' wife buy an amazing $80 dress for a mere fee of home cooking for the week.... and this brings me to my next point...</div><div><div><div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Schedule wise, this is a crazy week for me, and I have a lot of events on top of my 9-5 job this week. Apart from starting my ceramics class, I still have a crazy schedule of Assistant Directing for a community theater production, AND on Wednesday, I have a rooftop masquerade in downtown Columbus.<br /><div><div><div><div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>This is where the 'inspiration' part of this entry comes in. I have to attempt a mask tonight with some fabrics, and crafty things I have stuffed in a closet somewhere. I had an idea at first, but my dress color is not so accommodating now to my original idea. So, this is where ETSY comes in to play. </div><div><div><div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Etsy, I love you! If there ever was a place for creativity lacking individuals like myself, it would be you. It HAD to be you! Wonderful-wonderful YOU!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div><br /></div><div>I found some of these masks, while milling about, and I am in awe. I just wanted to share them.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_1noRzt4NMGgr69awqLSEv34M3YishdAQSuL1vbzhEHZxy-WI6NCh9n30ODd1zTf4ZKl5QOWPzICRnEXykpwORmXpZw3TVin_JpIsxIIqzmEU32T6FsVeJe91CqoqQ0TatuCJiVFStY/s200/lasmissmask.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651923847190160738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 161px; " /></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuHbMe9PxHCEd2loDQKKP1SfGC6dFyTAn_a6jxDN0XB-Xy_UZ2X6QGPNRZvNsUiYwqeJodikM3jObGdRuS1Ho1FZQa-nF6bni9jBgk0XAgJUGoz1Q12uu0yxwGjbv96Clwd59RFqoyD8/s200/dodmask1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651923843003356082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px; " /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzua8aVnP_ZXN-qLC_daM1MEmBklp7XfIW0P3KSlua0jjGDM4l3PnKQeN675oXJ-H7DeELwYQcja5vjjqy1X1EW_F7iDyM56npax2mJ_6BCpjjVbY0fGQ4JB4jY8pfK2HId1hfoVY2QY/s200/dodmask.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651922643286962514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px; " /><div></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3ZnbsShhjDrYQu-2sWmi1HfhwGbV5PFKqtTV0BIwjfOS4v0sBA3fj8mv-dZenXkPWBvSOkn671qixfwGEBQMLH4u9gleomLmBp9OjyyhcHdy49Z9-jATv-uL4mHsit9aAyL1tcoVeYQ/s200/squidmask.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651922460209682866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 200px; " /></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-29270592301718492882011-08-31T07:43:00.000-07:002011-08-31T08:11:03.671-07:00Brakes.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(237, 241, 247); "><h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”</h1><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">
<br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" >After a lot of consideration, and time constraints, it hit me the other night that I should probably put a hiatus on doing any crafting events, or festivals till next year. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" > I had such a feeling of being overwhelmed, and then it hit me that I would be freaking out for the whole month of October trying to get banners made, find table clothes, small platforms, getting stuff bubble wrapped, finding packaging, and getting all the smaller business necessities like finding a laptop of tablet to carry to shows, making spreadsheets, and all that fun (boring) stuff. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" > I'm going to devote a lot of my sales for the rest of 2011 to my Etsy account, and at The Houston House Arts Center during exhibits. I'm excited to see some of the feedback on my pieces from the public. So far, it's looking positive, which is helping me get a long. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" >Speaking of Exhibits my pieces will be featured at an event the Houston House is doing for the Festifair/Covered Bridge festival. I guess they're having a large tour bus coming through, and a plus is that we have some people from the Fair committees jumping on board to help support us, which brings a lot of excitement. The whole thing has been a huge learning process for me, and I'm glad I can devote time to something I have a passion for. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" >Anyways, the show is September 10th. I kilned my Grandma's piece last night, and I'm crossing my fingers that it's still in a single, solid piece, and not blown to bits. Tonight, I'm going to glaze it, and pop it back into the kiln again. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" > That's another thing lately, I've been wanting to mess around with Stoneware again. I've been wanting to build, and even wheel throw again, but with my schedule, it's forced me to put any thought to creative adventuring on the back burner. In a way, the overwhelming feeling is start to turn stifling. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" >I'm taking a break, and calling for a New Year's resolution to really get my business rear in gear come 2012, so I can enjoy the rest of my 2011. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" >--P.S.-- My wheel throwing classes start in a couple weeks. HORRAY! I've never met such a nicer bunch of ladies so excited about teaching ceramics!! :) </span></span></div></span>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-27862765004310971602011-08-24T09:13:00.001-07:002011-08-24T09:48:01.280-07:00Back to School!<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div> All the kiddies are doing it, so why can't I?
<br /><div>
<br /></div><div>Well, I am. I'm going to be taking some simple classes for wheel throwing and glazing, which are two things I REALLY need to improve on, seeing I have not had formal education in either, and everything I have learned is from pure reading, and experimentation. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I can't tell you how thrilled I am about this, because I'll be taking classes from Jen Harnetty, an editor for Ceramic Arts Daily, which is like my online web bible for ceramics, and she's posted some techniques on the site, that I'd really love to know about, or at least ask about. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOJKXn5L_AWMfNpm5O7ekBn7imqUQJIeuKe789_kSfwc-JtmwQ71f819JC4Skg9qRhs7CRN5-gkaUmdCotRQvQCvtTgunshZCvwqT0E32zZ3TF6xXychSN21BIq9Q0EnYJJKF6gmr7rk/s320/JHARN.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 277px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644461262708692594" /></div><div> A piece from Jennifer Harnetty. </div><div>
<br /></div><div> On to other things:</div><div>
<br /></div><div> This is DO or DIE week, people. My deadline is next week, and I'm running behind, because of being held hostage at the Houston House for Auditions, and form signings for a play I'm involved with. Part of me wants to act like a mean troll and carry all my things to the basement are start working down there. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>You know, Potters can be really angry and agitated people. I think I understand that frustration for the fact they're under deadlines, and a lot of them have no social life for the fact they're always stuck in their studio. </div><div>
<br /></div><div> The next two days will be nothing more than firings. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I'm crossing my fingers on this show, because I'm not seeing too many ceramic artists at these shows, which means they haven't found out about them, or their pieces were not appealing to the alternative crowd. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I have business cards that have been ordered, and should be here soon, and come October I'm going to be worrying about packaging, bags, stickers, and all that other good stuff on TOP of having to make more pieces for bulk. Thank-God I don't wholesale at the moment. HOLY CRAP, what a headache that must be!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>SOME EXCITING NEWS!!</div><div> </div><div> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxfDyjQM3VGqbijwHczPifayD415J8S-AQ2L7xZC6xXr0mSP5_Lmw8tRlrfE42Ffm2f1_6PuXWKH5Q-yR8_y0MzKOaklvsuGf7UlhKSptayTRIP5hcBYp98kjWkWbBvG9J6J8ZBMzz2I/s200/day-of-the-dead-dolls.jpg" /></div><div> <span class="Apple-style-span" > I love the colors of Dia De los muertos.</span> </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Well... sorta. I've been getting some great feedback on my finished pieces. I have some Day of the Dead pieces with a man, and his lady skeleton on some of the pieces, and the President of the Art League was showing the Houston House to a Doctor, and she said the Doctor asked about pricing on the pieces, and seemed interested. </div><div>
<br /></div><div> I can't tell you how that bumps my confidence up. I was there a few weeks going, "Who's going to buy this crap!? I feel so mediocre!" </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I'm ready! Lets DO THIS!!</div><div>
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<br /></div></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-89366041989283677652011-08-18T07:44:00.000-07:002011-08-18T08:39:19.007-07:00Can ye fathom the ocean, dark and deep...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><i>....where the mighty waves and the grandeur sweep?</i></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; " >And where squids and whales sleep. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; " >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "> I've finished another series. and they're now nestling in a nice warm kil</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; ">n... unscathed and not cracked.... hopefully.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW11RSjLwjhe9wy-5NML06Jf9gxDCkRo4_N-P_-T73C33h6H9IWkx-yM0ZcR0n9dZl7vwuCAhOuXvkDCO0S8_5BZhyphenhyphenRBiBzsS7KLVVbQAiakmmg0mwtD85Kqu6Iblm2w_3LnKEkuWvSGE/s320/squ1.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642215994978153634" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; " > Did you know, that I am uneasy about squids and octopus, and I get satisfaction in conquering the beasts of the sea when I bite into some fried calamari on an Asian buffet? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; " >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; " > Octopus and squids are weird. I was traumatized after watching something on the history channel about how they have these giant beaks, and can literally snap through a thick metal cable, which they then compared to a human bone. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" > Still not creeped out? </span> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; ">They're smart... REALLY smart, from the way they attack their prey, and plan their dinner. Screw Moby Dick. I am afraid of squids and other tentacle beasts of the ocean deep. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" > Why do I paint them and draw them? I don't know. I don't have a phobia, but rather a genuine uneasiness about them. Either way, I am excited to see how these turn out. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Also, here's another shot including two other pieces that are prepped to be refired after testing some glaze out. I'm pretty excited about them as well. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZtac29CLiE0nnubsTX_ymqcwqaJdNHjsutUANpL89h5dFwsqeHuj28BH8txhvgIjbAsE4GkTXxjI8nBUf3hKt3dXc4nM-xaDlqm5KZLg6BlfRBcw9jdhJDv_ZwBAWg7qRpczypAhFBU/s320/squ2.JPG" /> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
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<br /></span></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-55304274121954660952011-08-11T08:47:00.000-07:002011-08-11T09:25:39.110-07:00Back to basics<div style="text-align: center;">I'm not going to lie. August is my crazy month in which my schedule is immensely overloaded. </div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div> Not to be snooty, or irresponsible to obligations temporarily, but this is one of those Oprah "live for you, and you alone" pep talks. Mine just isn't on a daily basis... JUST until September. </div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div> I have some inventory built up, but I'm probably going to cast of couple more pieces before I feel satisfied enough to start selling. My biggest thing for September is kiln time. A lot of these pieces are getting bisque fired, then clear coat fired. Kiln time takes a lot of my evening, because I have to sit around wait for it to ramp up.</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div> I got around to hand building again last night. I can't tell you the last time I sat down to work on a handbuilt piece that wasn't a sculpture. I made a floral pot dedicated to my very own Mammaw in West Virginia. It didn't hit me till the piece was nearly finished, and I felt like it was missing something, so added some small rosettes on the left side of the piece in which I wanted</div><div> to dedicate it to her, because of her enjoyment of growing roses and flowers, and to the fact she worked as a florist.</div><div>
<br /></div><div> I can't ever look at a bright pink/fuchsia rose without thinking about my Mammaw. </div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div>This piece is called, "The Florist" and I plan on entering it into the members exhibit for the Covered Bridge festival come September. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDwvyN-0Qa1meYoFdaqKhLXwFXzsEe_hA4CVyw39U__wOu7v6xMXg463bxy6uNu4Y2FA653vTzbwXN3CpoRuZwdoWxO3_PZxM0UqPSEwipQwxEAfhYzz24tulNC8xWxGFvwqOcFjcJrw/s200/gma1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639633296591160690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-tKz2Llhvcqdve_dOzOAFdRTZH1BALDpQ5GwqsYfiNs5Qg7SweOPHGuidjW_mUDgzuDcLM8Q3nssNTvVx695gxB6NfTNhAMX8HKeE10kSMFrZF1nOBaYElHnCkBo2gp1CW5pkpAzMfo/s200/gma2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639633300217378882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">A side view of the handle, and</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "></span><div style="text-align: center;"> rosettes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div></div><div>
<br /></div><div> I think this is why I am so partial to hand built pieces, and I feel more of a connection to them. If I lose a porcelain cast piece, it's nearly not as overwhelming as losing something that took a considerable amount of time to construct and put creativity into. </div><div> </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Okay, and now, but not least: <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >GLAZE PARTY!</span></i></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUePhWLtgs1-igbca-iVrMHDwfRBeyWY9BFyH08AObAlRWoQc3C8DpVpi8Y96-blNVjNNenuxD3m_37EkGz1TyroRFg-3F3PI5QZfdDTnB4EBxkvuxP-EjiRIm7T2VOxsGBbu89bfwUk/s200/gma4.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639633966593846498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8vTM0Qw3yAqE_-YTv5SaiJ9W06y9AwcqpYsm0MMSaI4NH2KkBkM5WHoFcc4DRobdIKXa2jCvW96mBEtcab2_T9HV4zXdLmhTLXgbzw760fchJIAbAEi_KPmGwycs5WY2eSEToZl0zP4/s200/gma3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639633952417391122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></div><div>I've been busy cleaning out underneath the cabinet! Once these are finished, I may sell them. There's nothing I'm really dying to keep out of this bunch. Maybe someone else can appreciate them! I'm excited to see the pieces once they go through the kiln!!</div><div>
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<br /></div></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-87100836618274766032011-08-05T07:00:00.000-07:002011-08-05T07:10:01.060-07:00Lovely ladies<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEOTjl7DRRjO6bGdmtjg6C9XHzdUoANBv7t-g-me-sypbNQQ1jDVvOrOlERiHJCyWKYiNYILhznJOwl-vqzZrY5kaFXkEcoCw0j0J6bLuYAsABWUKUVFnJ80deWqcrRZBjk9MF8dJYMU/s200/la2.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637372059783946754" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> I'm still using my victorian lady bust template on a couple of pieces. I popped these into the kiln last night. Hopefully, they turn out ok!<div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyQwHKvPsMM5zOFG7cicgA7dmQvqoM1m3YxF-o4wRN0uftdXXfgZTWfBEeakDfj78pCIbm90K7rngWNRWkxf9oZuluv_mF3M_IA7x2Vo2VriO_jd3ddSAhS56TqHsYO2QgTJZ9Yfb0JA/s200/la1.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637372058377503042" /></div><div> And just for fun. Here's a picture of a chair I painted over at the Houston </div><div>House Arts Center back in the Spring. It was based on a Gibson Girl print. It's still not finished. I think it's in the basement being friendly with the black widows. </div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTK4Oa7ATOEbZRZMFJDBIFGuhe2IyUuQ29Oshyjh8xu2egUbBbyOFwJeGZPJV3hmz71EIWq1zmztT5N_rIyUecSeRxwpkkTY3bHj13MSQ8k7FSezbCOq6zSa6oleaVa6iBTrRDnc67f8/s200/chair2.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637373108455754882" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaguCPxfPHFbCd64ReKKJqBn3mq74HRvD87VWCybgAo6KV5kRh5l4NUjA-uQRMLTe15SRVTQGD5mWKMRQOtRMwiobvzPGCQ2VZTqUCeMgf6_66I3cZb9m0fJ0zwYAV4DrdeWHYY5fsm1U/s200/chair1.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637372066356183634" /></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-40664442271733237382011-08-03T09:02:00.000-07:002011-08-03T09:34:49.191-07:00Blue period<div style="text-align: center;"></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtHO0cj33XqNPMHg6nnSrqK70JU6CpzidMwAP277T8FS-sO-k83UQFIDgsMQrl-SgZrvkCLFWBhc6COSMXCXl91HyNm452TbNf6BM7kv3tZtLnB36f5U80fb3Bq1C5MSVOE_32HhX1Yo/s1600/blu1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtHO0cj33XqNPMHg6nnSrqK70JU6CpzidMwAP277T8FS-sO-k83UQFIDgsMQrl-SgZrvkCLFWBhc6COSMXCXl91HyNm452TbNf6BM7kv3tZtLnB36f5U80fb3Bq1C5MSVOE_32HhX1Yo/s200/blu1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636667442082787810" /></a><br />Picasso had his blue period, so it should only be befitting that my pottery came out blue. However, my intentions were not to convey sadness, despair, or poverty behind my work. In fact, it was pure accident. <div><br /></div><div> Hallelujah, the kiln I operate out of is fixed! After some test runs I decided to load it up with all of my porcelain casted greenware pieces that I painted an underglaze on, and give it a whirl. I had also forgotten that I had mixed some stain into a couple of the pieces when I was slip casting. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, to make a long story short, everything has a blue tint to it. I like it, because it mimics a rustic speckled look.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since this was pure accident, then I'm certain I'll never be able to recreate it. </div><div> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSITlprHpDyvasIzb9wFX8ubyH4_7MQ4LCz7T09BzbgiynrP13zFZLxdxT2KC-QtDh2QrrtIZ3t2tiFyEA82EZnkPxhDxjb_GghIqkvebJgADBLXpvZlkrt3BgPGQ3sWXuy2RxKpue3A/s200/blu2.JPG" /></div><div> <span class="Apple-style-span" >Ohio bowl.</span></div><div> I also have a suspicion that the kiln is firing a little bit hotter than expected, or it's ramping up too quickly, because I noticed on this load that a vase I had made for my Grandmother completely slumped over.</div><div> Also, I noticed that all my pieces were so smooth like they had a small hint of a gloss to them, but I had not added a clear coat to any of them. This to me is a sign that the kiln might to firing too hot, too quickly, so I'm going to venture out this evening, and by Cone 4 pyrometric cones to see if firing it to a lower heat will cure my problem. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've been firing all of my pieces to Cone 6, which is considered high firing, which is more common for Stoneware, than porcelain, but I was assured that the porcelain slip I was using could go up to cone 6. Anyways, these pieces will all get a nice clear coat, and then be fired to a low temp, and then they should be good to go! HORRAY, finally some completed pieces!</div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Fur Sho'-</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div> I have a lot of deadlines coming up soon. I have to get some pieces completed for the Member's Show at the Houston House Arts Center, and then I have a deadline at the beginning on September for an alternative craft show that will happen during the winter holiday season. </div><div> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQuOn81Vp8X0_5RkNzm8S6lh1jtkdPA5Qrw3-IkjC5MDFrC3Vzwir6ceF6dUglfuort2PZ7xoiUWtheljgYSgmIHwXln50R1mYw-2m451MecDrINazB2uKcq7EdzYQuQ5LCO-Kv_Q6AM/s200/blu5.JPG" /></div><div> <span class="Apple-style-span" >Pinup bowl-bisque fired.</span></div><div>Maybe it's a good thing I wasn't able to finish for the deadline for Crafting Outlaws, because I found out over 190 people applied to be a vendor, and they're only picking 50 people to represent. A lot of those people will most likely be vendors who were grandfathered in from previous years, and who have sponsored the event.</div><div> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjvTCjcY3J65tbxlF2CRgJ8Cf4HlWQUO4EjgT7TfPyWp1jOL_Vy24PyiON-B842g7L1igApPe7QjiTKpA25n_kGR0nJxcdGw7mEu7Q9GQPDP0iqqO3nz_sJvA6PskvyDSv9S_wYEmPiU/s200/blu3.JPG" /></div><div> <span class="Apple-style-span" >Birds on a wire.</span></div><div>OH YEAH---- I almost forgot! If you have a Facebook the you can 'LIKE' Little Black Dog Pottery now! Cool, right? </div><div><br /></div><div>Click <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Black-Dog-Pottery/171667252905462">HERE </a>for Facebook. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have FINALLY, set up an Etsy store for purchases!</div><div><br /></div><div>Click <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/lbdpottery">HERE </a>for my Etsy Store!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhiRsn3OE_X4PNxzfAcJmppGobxz7R83zmz0SDsjTw16wQ8v1yd6oucRjpL9OGFCMdKUQNpPc8Le7_2qaT7rlxez1W8E2WS4CYdxXKROS1-7D5p-ROrgdZ53xXOuAbShPBG5tnMT-6zY/s200/blu4.JPG" /></div><div> PROGRESS!!! </div><div><br /></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-91931746568416651492011-07-22T07:21:00.000-07:002011-07-22T08:13:24.248-07:00Move forward<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"> "Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough."</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, obviously I'm not going to make the July 25th deadline, which is next week, because it would require, bisque firing the kiln, one day of cool down, clear coat glazing kiln firing, another day of cool down, and then photographs, editing photographs, setting up paypal and an Etsy account, which can be quite time consuming in itself. Not to mention with the huge loss from my meltdown catastrophe a few months back, I've lost a lot of inventory that needs to be made up. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Now, there is a big gathering down in Cincinnati for the holiday season, which I will be striving for, and juried entries will be accepted until September 5th. I will most definitely be giving this show a shot, so I don't have to label the year a complete loss. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">To my sadness around a gallon of my porcelain slip was mostly dried out, so there's more money at a loss. My stoneware clay had small remnants in it, which I'm either guessing is rust, mold, or dead bugs, but it still molded perfectly when I used it. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Here is a Catrina piece I am working on. I had a picture of the back of her hat, but the resolution is too small to notice the details, so here are two pictures until I can get back to get some more pictures. It's hard to see the details since she is so dark from the clay still being wet. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIRLAEHhX-u2Mxu_r1c4Ri2nw7DDP-8b1g9Dw0_FyBAhyphenhyphen6dFozv8ioXzZlS3KDMeLzzUtffikCvtjlYlkvaxKXB9_HRHIIFXWIKmUeQ_MA03CMIc00NlMk0axF5lqkyD7oVjrzIPUJ-g/s200/sku1.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632186280274135170" /></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> A front view of my Dia de los Muertos Catrina bust</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwYK5nL2dXMnvO89x6EnE-ZyGKN3TdTSOB_UysYtncILju4lCl1assChEzpn_OErUAyu_xYgDbEiGF65gVf2qCkMLUNy_teYbbzaB7YTrM0NbadaBb0N3CeVZBiwsqHHzuBLzVRTC-qg/s200/sku2.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632186285229385618" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">A back view of my Catrina bust. Calla lilys adorn her back almost like small wings. Her wide brim hat has two sparrows carrying heart string in their mouth from a small heart, which sets in between them. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525030777858765652.post-64367976095100010942011-07-20T13:14:00.000-07:002011-07-20T13:26:13.270-07:00Some dishes for your food for thoughtUpon recent searching and browsing I came across <a href="http://www.ccpottery.com/dishes.html">Chris Campbell</a> and one of her collections of dinnerware.<div> Rainbows in my opinion aren't very easy to make look cool. Seriously, you could easily end up on the two year old hearts, ponies, and princesses spectrum if you go too rainbow crazy, but Chris Campbell has developed a way in using colored slips, porcelain and inlays to create such beautiful and unique pieces. </div><div><br /></div><div> I've linked her dinner ware set, to show the balance, and how all of her piece work together from the chargers, to the tiny drinking vessels. It all clicks, and promotes a playfulness, and vivacious liveliness to often cold, and chilling features that possess porcelain.</div><div><br /></div><div>A lot of Chris' other pieces, and exhibits again display color for dull objects. She had one set that looks almost like a crustacean fossil, but with her play for color it brings a vividness, and interesting perspective to the main piece. </div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA72TzDfa1681MdWHB-Vew4hvMfXZj9GPJljaHa0-pthQbZYynuXX7f9VVU5t8NIUpyxudqSFyKK2cgxN-JcSjts8oDOWZB8qv0n9Zm-_GGrD-Ah6rPrPeB3RMdnywRwgBI9TuJdmKyMg/s200/ccdinner.jpeg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 168px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631533204174424274" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It's a lot more than just dumping some one color glaze on a piece, and calling it finished. Besides being able to see some inlay and color blocking in her pieces, there are some in which I am completely dumbfounded on, which in my opinion is what makes advanced potters so wonderful. Technique, technique, and a little bit of creativity. </div><div><br /></div>Tiffany Christopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08796409742031171198noreply@blogger.com0