This year is flying past, with the majority of the first six months fully focussed on my first Potfest Exhibition at Scone Palace in June. I enjoyed knuckling down, working solely with one objective in mind. Usually, there are a number of shows and events to plan for, but I felt that to give myself the best possible opportunity I needed to just let go of all distractions and work towards one goal. I am happy to say this seemed to be a good strategy. Albeit with a 'people pleasing' false start; I made three large pieces of work with a 'Potfest Customer' in mind - what a disaster they turned out to be! A sort of watered down/conservatised version of my aesthetic which made my soul roll her eyes in disgust! I was lucky enough to have a word with myself after that, and progressed through the rest of the making process being utterly true to myself.
Rolling, smushing and manipulating clay is my joy - my music blaring (my neighbours are incredibly forgiving!) my soul is smiling, this part of the process is so fulfilling for me. Drying was interesting this year, with the prolonged period of wet and cold weather extending into May some large pieces I had made in January and February were still stubbornly refusing to dry in April! When it warmed up things gathered pace and my kiln went from its inaugural test firing to full scale production at lightening speed. What a fabulous old girl she has turned out to be (my kiln, that is).
I had a couple of unsatisfactory outcomes with smoke firing, so reverted to my tried and tested slip, underglaze single firing with a cold finish of Casein (a milk protein based, environmentally friendly paint) to achieve the flat, matte, chalky finish I adore. As we crept ever closer to June, things seemed to be progressing well and I was really enjoying being so immersed.
Potfest itself was pure heaven, from the location, to my stand neighbours, to the visitors - the vibe is one of joyful enthusiasm. I laughed, cried and heard some of the most beautiful and touching comments one could ask for. A huge THANK YOU goes out to Matt for organising such amazing events and all the wonderful buyers and visitors who had such passion for my work it was truly humbling - I could live off this feeling for a very long time! I am only sad that I did not apply to do more this year - but 2024, I'm in (if they let me!).
For now, I am off to deliver work to some new galleries (I will update my galleries page shortly), followed by spending a week in Skye with my daughter and my dear friend, before a very long overdue visit to my family in London. I am also discussing a collaboration with a local potter to forage natural pigments for my new work in the autumn, which will truly be another dream being realised. 2023 is shaping up to be a fantastic year - whatever way I look at it.
Add comment
Comments