Photo by Joy Tanner

It’s been a busy Spring here in the mountains, but we finally managed to get the kiln fired and unloaded.  So many times with a firing looming it seems that everything gets put off until after the firing.  I was reminded by my pottery pal Michael Kline that this phenomenon is not limited to me, but actually common to most wood firing potters.  As the firing date gets closer and closer, important things get separated into those that must be done before the firing and those that can be put off until after the firing.  The firing take on the momentum of a freight train, barreling along until it reaches the crest of the hill and then roars down the mountain stopping for no one and no thing.

Joy Tanner shared the kiln load with me, and we both fared pretty well this time around.  You can see some photos she took during the unloading here. We’ve both made enough to fire again soon, so we’ll share another kiln load in the next few weeks before the TRAC Studio Tour.

Here’s a shot of some of my favorites from the kiln, some of these are heading out with me to Artisphere this weekend so come and get ‘em if you’re in the neighborhood of Greenville, SC.

A brief interruption from the studio where I’ve been trying to get situated for the upcoming firing.  This weekend it’s off to another event, but this is no mere ‘craft fair’.  This is an International Arts Festival for this humble wood fired potter.  I’m speaking of course about Artisphere in Greenville, SC taking place this weekend May 8th-10th.  There is a huge list of activities, music, vendors, and on and on so click on the link above for all of the details.  And come by and say hello if you’re wandering the streets in town.