I get asked frequently: What's going on with the studio?
Well, errmm, uh, well... you see.. uh,.... there's this problem.... well... uh.
The problem is that making pots is a lot harder when your ostomy has herniated. My belly hurts a lot more than it ever did prior to being operated on. It makes it really uncomfortable to stand and lean against my stomach at the wheelhead. In fact, it makes things almost not worthwhile.
At first, my arms and chest had a really difficult time of things... due mostly to the muscular dysfunction I have been dealing with post-coma. The latest and more frustrating issue is this darned herniation. It is bad enough having a bag attached to my midsection, but now that it has grown in size to where I look like my tummy ate a coconut; it really gets in the way.
My hope is that within a year, I will find a surgeon willing and able to re-attach my plumbing and get this whole process reversed. The idea of another surgery is terrifying. (for those just tuning in, see my blog posts back in Nov, Dec and Jan for the exciting ramifications of coma-dreams)
You may ask yourself... so WHAT HAS been going on in the studio? For the most part, I am getting a small amount of pottery made each month since January. Not a lot, but good pots nonetheless. This month we managed to re-create a color we had been aiming for unsuccessfully for over 8 years: Matte Purple. I have been making teabowls and canisters and footed mugs mostly. Hannah has been making LOTS of plates and sorbet bowls. I have no idea what's going to happen when she leaves here at the end of the month. Ideas? Suggestions?
This week was spent photographing things instead of making pots. First series of images from today's shooting have been edited and here they are: TEABOWLS.
7 comments:
You have the most lucious colors and congrats on the purple, but I love that first yellow one (what is the name of that color?) and also the orange one - the tea bowls are a perfect shape to show the colors.
So sorry to hear about your ongoing problems; I hear you about the fear of another surgery. I am always fearful my back will go out at any moment so I move in slow motion with all I do to help prevent it. I hope things improve for you soon.
The teabowls are gorgeous -- love the matte purple. Sorry you are still dealing with so much -- & I'm sure you can't even think about surgery -- again! I hope that soon all of this is behind you . . .
great teabowls with such soft sweet glazes.
Makes me want to hold one.....
A potter friend of mine has just started to make pots again after lung surgery two years ago. It can be done, but it takes time. Try not to be impatient, do as much as you can do. You'll come back. It looks from the teabowls that you're already doing really well.
hi alex... you are a real trooper to work with those kind of obstacles... hope they are overcome in good time. that matte purple is dreamy. i took a couple stabs at it myself but to no avail. maybe this summer
Thanks Jim. The matte purple turned out to be a LOT easier than the last time I worked on it. Basically came up with a sweet shiny blackberry glaze at cone 6... then underfired it at cone 5. Satin matte. Go figure.
@Hollis - THank you for your kind words. Each pot means so much more this year. Before they flowed like water from my hands... this year they are more precious. Not sure that's a bad thing.
@Judy- Thanks for your comment. I love that purple glaze. I just hope we can afford to keep the studio open enough so customers can BUY some of it this year. So far, we've sold virtually nothing since Jan.
@Linda- I too went through the past decade with multiple back problems. Turns out I can blame most of it on making pots. PT has taught me so many new stretches and exercises that change how my back moves. By and large, my back is pain free most days. Big change from a year ago! (And the first teabowl isnt really yellow... we call it Lime. More of a chartreuse color really)
I hope Pete Pinnell thinks these teabowls warrant entry into the show he's judging in May.
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