PREVIEW – Firing 102 – December 2019
Mark’s pots
My father’s 100th birthday was in October, and Carol, my daughters, Emma & Meg, and I enjoyed a brief but very happy time celebrating with him, and our immediate and extended family, back in England.
Stillman and Will kept the home fires burning while we were away, and made a multitude of exquisite pots this cycle. It’s a pleasure to have such a hardworking and talented team, and offer their pots inexpensively to you for the Holidays.
Stillman continues to dazzle, making wonderfully pretty and light pots – his skillset and aesthetic expand on a daily basis. He’s extended his reach this time by making his first larger, two part pots (2 ft tall!), which are excellent, and his cheerful presence radiates throughout the workshop.
Will has made great progress too; his fastidiousness and focus stand him in good stead, while his calm demeanor endears him to all. Furthermore, he recently became engaged to his longtime girlfriend, the lovely Chelsea Whitaker. Congratulations and best wishes to them!
There are so many sweet pots this time. My big pots are as good a batch as I can remember, the 10 gallons too, while colorful slips, and playful brushstrokes on smaller pots add an electric spark to the repertoire. Classic salt and celadons glisten, while drippy ash glazes and loose slip decorations delight.
There’s something for everyone!
Please join us this weekend and next for our Holiday Kiln Opening.
Stillman Browning-Howe’s pots
I’ve spent a few years refining my smaller pots but I’m feeling the urge to throw larger. Last cycle Mark showed me the technique he uses to make his torso sized pieces or 10 gallons as we call them. If you throw two cylinder forms with the same circumference at the top, you can flip one bowl on top of the other, ending up with a hollow form twice the height of the original cylinders. After quite a few attempts I made some I was pleased with enough I wanted to see them fired. They were fired inside Mark’s large planters, which act as saggers, protecting the pots from the wood ash and salt vapor in the kiln. I’m quite pleased with the results and hope you appreciate them as well.
Will Baskin’s pots
Having worked at the Hewitt pottery for two full cycles I have learned so much from Mark and Stillman. I have seen my skills grow and have gained a much better understanding of wood firing. While each firing is unique, we know what we want to achieve with the firing and what steps we must take to achieve it. This being my second firing I had a much better understanding of glazes and slips as well as which combinations work and those that don’t. Some of my favorite slip decorations from this cycle can be found on my straight mugs. My favorite coastal plant, the yucca plant, inspires the floral designs. Having spent a great deal of time at the coast, my slip work is often influenced by the natural beauty there. I am eager to start the next cycle with Mark and Stillman and continue to hone my skills as a potter.
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