February 10, 2008
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Hey, friends,
I hope you've all had a good week and a happy and restful weekend.
All is well here in our Ozarks home. D and I have taken turns having some kind of virus that's going around, makes you exhausted, achy, and freezing cold for a few days, but tonight we're both feeling better.
Just got through eating some delicious tortilla soup that D has perfected, topped with fresh cilantro, toasty strips of freshly toasted corn tortilla, and avocado with lime juice...yum!
D has become fascinated with the world of handmade pottery, and just finished building a prototype of a treadle-powered potter's wheel that he plans to start building and hopefully selling. My smart husband built it from scratch with no plans, and invented his own treadle mechanism that works!
I fell in love with the potter's wheel in a class I took my senior year in high school, and have always dreamed of having a wheel of my own. I hadn't touched a potter's wheel since 1973 until this weekend, and have had the best time playing. I just threw a bowl that actually turned out pretty well for a total novice, and am hooked all over again.
Now all we have to do is work the bugs out of our wheel, and get or build a kiln so we can fire these things!
We drove down to Jasper today and ate lunch at the Ozark Cafe, then went to the Old Carriage House Art & Fine Craft Gallery and spent an hour or more visiting with potter/owner Rebecca, who graciously allowed us to hang out in her studio and watch her as she worked. She also invited D to get his hands wet and sit down at her wheel and continue working on a pot she had started. It was really neat, and he just loved it.
Have any of you ever thrown pottery?
Are any of you fans of handmade pottery?
Comments (6)
Never thrown a pot...but they are pretty and the art is cool. I'm proud of y'all!
Doyle is the man of mystery, back in the shadows of your posts. To this point (from my perspective as a reader) he's mainly played the role of chauffer for your photographic jaunts. I'm fascinated by the glimpses we're getting now of his own creative ingenuity. Apparently, he's got designer/craftsman skills. You know, maybe it's past due for you to put the spotlight on your hubby. Clue us in.
Pottery is a great artistic expression. In my mind, there's far too much of it on the craft-show circuit, but that should be a plus for Doyle's venture. Is he thinking of selling his potter's wheels to serious potters or to potter wannabes? (How about both!) You know, what he needs is a website. Get the word out.
Now that sounds like fun. You two get yourselfs in the coolest things.
I bought my daughter a potters wheel..more of a toy..but I loved it. If I had a good place to make a mess, I'd get a good one.
I've never thrown a pot in my life, but have become rather well-acquainted with the process since meeting my friend, The Count. He is also a talented potter, and has made me some wonderful things, including (of course) teapots! He was ill a few weeks ago; I visited him and washed up his dishes, which was a joy--because he makes all his own. Imagine, living with and using plates, cups, even glasses that you yourself have made just as you want them...
I agree with Bruce. I'd like to see more than Doyle's shadow flitting across your blogs now and then. Bring him out and let's get to know him!
I have never thrown any pottery but I have dropped one. It did'nt make it. I love pottery. Hardy AR has a pottery shop that I love. Haven't been there in a while. glad you all are feeling better. Dawn