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.

The October firings went well, although each one lasted a few hours longer than usual. Here are some pictures from the unloading of the 14^th firing, showing a larger serving bowl, a mug, and a new vase form. Many of the dinner plates and most of the square jars have all ready found a good home, but I’ll have a good supply of fresh pottery for the next few events.

Come on out to the Western North Carolina Pottery Festival in Dillsboro, NC on November 7^th.

Click here for more info and a map.

December 4^th – 6^th is the Annual Toe River Studio Tour.

I’ll be heading down the mountain to set-up shop at John Britt’s studio near the Penland School along with fellow potters Joy Tanner and Susan Feagin, and woodcarver Rodney Hopkins. Click here for more info and a map.

TRAC Studio Tour

June 12, 13th and 14th

Friday 12:00-4:00

Saturday and Sunday 10:00-6:00

[Click here for a map and more info!]

The big weekend is here! It’s the Toe River Arts Council Studio Tour, of course.  Over one hundred craft studios to visit in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and out on the outskirts of Bakersville you’ll find two potters for the price of one.  I’ve set up my wood and soda fired work alongside the soda fired work of Joy Tanner at her studio.  Here’as a little sneak peak of the gallery set-up, but it doesn’t do it justice.  You’ll just have to come out and see for yourself.  There is even pile of ’seconds’ so you can find those discounted pots that need a good home.