The Potter's Marathon

Every year around this time production in the studio takes a step up in preparation for the Christmas rush. Most years I've had a space in the JamFactory ceramic studio, where there is a buzz of activity going on. There's a atmosphere of motivation and excitement!

However this year I'm working from my own studio in a small rural town, where the closest potter that I know is about 220km away! I love having my own space, but it's also really nice to know that you're not alone and that others are gearing up for the busiest time of year too.

So on Friday a few of us potters from South Australia had a Bowlathon. We threw bowls (or anything really) in our own studios for 8 hours and kept a tally of what we had made. We communicated throughout the day on Facebook. Others also commented and cheered us on a bit. It was a lot of fun! I'd definitely like to do it again and I hope more potters will get involved!

It wasn't a competition (we were going for PB's). Here's some photos from the day from different studios:


Angela Walford
Threw: 32 pieces
(Platters and large bowls)







Alison Arnold
Threw: 70 pieces
(small bowls, noodle bowls, oil burners and lids)







Me
Threw: 146 pieces
(laksa bowls, breakfast bowls, medium bowls, small bowls and tiny bowls)

This was the half way mark. I had thrown 74, so that was quite consistent!

I started running out of ware boards and space, so I used Jane Burbidge's trick of stacking the pieces once they were firm enough to keep their shape.

There's me, with all the work at the end of a very long, but fun day!

I think we were all running out of space and Alison ran out of clay! As I was wrapping up all the bowls it dawned on me that now I have to trim them all! So far I'm half way through, but I should finish them tomorrow!

Thank you Alison and Angela for joining in and everyone else for your comments and encouragement! Looking forward to the next time!

Bowl-A-Thon Confirmed

Ok, this is it! The pottery event of the year (for many)! And it's happening in YOUR studio!

The official Bowl-A-Thon 2010
Friday 15th October
Motors start running at 9am (Pottery wheel motors)
An hour for lunch
Finish at 6pm

You need to take a photo at the end and count the final tally, then send it to me.
I'll post the results on here, and the Facebook Bowl-A-Thon page.

If you have Facebook you can join here.
Otherwise, just message me.

Clay Day

My demo

A few weekends ago I had a really nice afternoon hanging out with Humna and some of her closest friends. We had a beautiful lunch, followed by some fun with clay. I gave a quick demo and then everyone had a go. Mandi Whitten captured the day on camera. I thought I would share some of her photos with you...

Guiding Sarah

Love that smile (the joy of pottery)!

Guiding

We've all made one of these at some stage!

Humna's creation.

Nick

Pinch pot

Lots of pinch pots!

The other task for the day was to make as many of these pinch pots as possible for the opening night of Elements. You will have to come along to find out their significance!