The kiln firing . . .

Finished at about 4.30 yesterday afternoon, around the time of the Grand National! and cooled down slowly overnight.  We all wanted to see the opening so had to wait until lunch time - church followed by a trip to Stratford to collect prints that the Barge Gallery were returning (another blog I think!) caused the delay. 

The temperature had gone from 1150°c down to 50°c by then.  We lifted the lid . . . and found the little figures just as they were, only much redder.  The oxide really hadn't done much on the two testers and the white slip was patchy and a bit distracting, so I think we will just leave them in their natural state.  But all were in tact-ish!  Taking them out we discovered that one arm and a couple of legs had dropped off - and the newspaper dust revealed the shell like structures of several.

Anyway, for anyone who has been following these little updates here are some photos . . .

 

Filling the kiln . . .

After a rather worrying start when the kiln showed no interest in working and our friendly electrian thought it best not to answer his phone, Martin ventured to use a clever tool of Tom's to test the power.  Several moments later, success!

The little figures were placed inside, mainly dangling their legs over the edge of half shelves.  Two figures had been used as testers - Grace and I experimented with red iron oxide and slip, so we shall see . . .

This photo is our record, just in case they don't look quite the same when they come out!

Solihull Artists' Forum - Artists' Fair in Knowle

SAF's Artists' Fair is to be held in the Village Hall in Knowle on the 26th, 27th and 28th of April.

Last year when SAF held the first of these exhibitions it attracted lots of interest and proved to be a real success, so not surprisingly expectations are high.  It was not only a great art event exhibiting a wide range of quality artwork . . . paintings, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and cards . . . but also created a lovely community feel, involving local schools and providing cups of tea with home made cakes, the proceeds of which went to the local hospice.

So make a note in your diary!

Preparing to use oxides and slip . . .

I have one week to go before we fire the kiln!  The plan is to experiment with some red iron oxide and white slip on just a couple of figures to see what the results might be.  These testers will hopefully help to make my mind up about any finish that I use.  I have been given some really useful advice by a sculptor called Nichola Theakstone who I was put in touch with by the clay suppliers.  It has been so helpful to discuss things with her - it's a long time since I did any ceramics!

Our exhibition for Sustaining the Person Within draws near . . .

A meeting last week at Solihull Arts Complex made the thought of our exhibition seem very real.  Images and words have been requested for advertising, exhibits decided upon, workshops which we plan to hold for future leaders are being discussed and ideas are buzzing!

Kathryn has a number of exciting projects on the way, involving a few residents at Jobs Close.
Sculpture figures are still developing in my studio - they are up to 8 now.  We ventured to look in our kiln today, not having used it for quite a while.  I think my figures' legs will have to dangle over the edge of a half shelf - and I do wonder if they will hang on. Needless to say it's always a bit worrying when you fire a kiln!

Paintings can't be forgotten . . .

Even though sales were good at the Art Barn last October, I still can't overlook the pictures that we had to bring home and which make life a bit congested in my studio!

Artifex Gallery in Sutton Coldfield asked if I would be interested in offering them some work following an exhibition there with the Art Circle in 2012.  So I went along in January and took a few for them to look at, which led on to them having five paintings.  Hopefully the next stage is for people to buy them! 

Approaching galleries is a tricky business.  I visited the Affordable Art Fair in London last year and really enjoyed myself!  It's a wonderful opportunity to see lots of different galleries under one roof. I contacted a few afterwards having chatted with the owners, but sadly only one responded.  That leaves me wondering whether to try again?  It probably won't get me anywhere but I think I will . . .

 

And this week I have entered the David Shepherd Wildlife Exhibition!  When artist friend Nat Singleton told me about it, I have to admit I didn't think I had any paintings remotely connected with wildlife - and then I thought of my seagulls!  Birds are allowed!  Well, we will wait to see. 

A New Year . . . .
Sorry to be so slow in wishing you lots of joy in 2013.  I think my New Year resolution must be to write more blogs!

2013 has begun in a different mode. Some of the ideas that I plan to develop this year are sculptural!  I recently purchased some paper clay from Scarva Pottery Supplies in Ireland following a chat with sculptor Mark Tilley. My reason for this is to create figures that represent the elderly in care, who so often have little to do. They are not of anyone in particular but hopefully their attitudes indicate an emptiness in life.  'Sustaining the Person Within', our Arts Council funded project, is holding its Exhibition this year. Kathryn Pettitt and I, along with the people who have assisted us during the project, like our photographer Richard Pearce, will be reflecting on the work we have been doing with elderly people in residential care homes and day centres. The exhibition will start at Solihull Arts Complex on 20th May.

Well, my first experience of paper clay was not as creative as I had hoped - I quickly realised that I have little patience for the armature stage and just want to get on with the figure.  So I adopted a few short cuts, stuffing parts with newspaper and propping other bits with the occasional metal rod as I went along.  Sorry Mark, after your brilliant demo, I'm sure I will regret it in time!

So far I have three figures on the go, and this is one of them . . . . .

I will keep you posted on their progress!