The Delicious Dish

I am busy in the studio trying to test out some new ideas for my work, and as always I am on a deadline, for a sale and behind schedule.  I should just be satisfied with the work I already have, but this is a sale I am super excited about. I was asked to participate in The Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts invitational pottery sale on July 12^th. It coincides with the Watershed’s yearly fundraiser called Salad Days,  a true picnic social. You make a $25 donation and receive a handmade plate made by that years Salad Days artist, and enjoy a salad luncheon buffet outside on the fabulous grounds surrounded by music, friends and farmland!!!!

To be honest I had a small almost panic attack when Kari Radasch contacted me.  I truly admire her work and the respect she has gained in the clay community.  Although I casually know Kari from time I spent at Watershed, it was years ago, so I openly admit to being excited and feeling very unworthy. In the back of my head I keep thinking about how when I show up with my work, they will say Ooooooo, we thought you made something else. I can not believe my work is going to be in such good company.

 Yet another good part about being asked to do this sale is I had just decided not to do a big retail show this fall because of its high cost and this fell in my lap. Maybe it’s true that things happen for a reason. 

Wouldn’t this lovely compost jar look so much better on my counter than the boring stainless steel bucket I have now.  I honestly think my food scraps would compost faster after a time in something so lovely. Yes, I am trying to justify buying it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can’t say too much about the sale last weekend as all I can really remember is how hot it was. It was day 2 of 4 days over 90 degrees, which is super hot for June in MA and I am not a huge fan of the hot humid weather.  On day 4 of the “official heat wave” I worked outside harvesting delicious produce at an organic CSA I am doing a work share at this summer. Part of the share this week was 5 heads of lettuce; yes that lovely green arrangement is of Romaine.

Have you ever noticed how some pots are perfect for certain dishes?  This bowl made by Seth Payne is made for scrambled tofu and turnip greens (also from the farm).

The biggest plus of the heat has been my garden is blooming!!!

I have so much to tell you about fun and exciting things that I don’t know how to start. I think I will have to pace myself and just come back with my other news during the week.

 This is the shelf of pots I spent the weekend glazing.  I have two glaze kilns to fire this week in preparation of the sale at The Decordova in Lincoln, Ma I am doing on Sunday. Hopefully it’s a nice day as my ever so helpful husband is going to help me for the day and I want everything to be nice as it is the location of our first date. (Do you hear the cherubs and violins???) I know on his behalf he is more excited to get to see all of the artists in the park and go to the museum than hauling pots with me.  It is a nice place to go for relaxing and enjoying great art. 

As you can see the pots are ready for color and that I am trying something new. I did some lino-printmaking this winter when my studio was to cold to work in clay and now the process has found its way to my clay. It is still in the test stage. I am leaning towards the carving right on clay more than the scriffito (too contrasty) I will let you know when they come out of the kiln, one if which I am firing now. Still more pots left to glaze. Happy Monday!

Come on by my studio sale this weekend 5/17-5/18. I have done a studio clean out of all seconds.  What this means to you is BARGAINS!  I need room in my studio and my seconds need a new home.  For you purists out there I have first quality pots as well. I will be outside under a tent or in the glaze shed from 10-4 both days.  The sale is at 122 Singletary Avenue, Sutton MA.  Contact me if you need directions at info@leahguerin.com or click this link for mapquest.

I call these ladies the biddies. I have wanted to change the shape of my mugs. I didn’t want such a literal interpretation of the curvy female I am.  While I was sketching out the new form it came to me.  I needed to make a mug to be a tribute to my fantasy hair-do. The BEE HIVE! 

Of course it doesn’t help that when I work on a series of something I line them up on my ware cart and they become an all girl clay army. So this goes out to The Ronettes, The Supremes, Doris Day and Kate Pierson, where ever you are.