{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual from SouleMama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour, and remember...

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual from SouleMama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour, and remember...

Yum!

The best part about making pots is using them to eat yummy things.

A day in the life...

Trimming, stamping and finishing bowls was on the schedule today. This is my process...

First, I center the unfinished bowl on the wheel (upside down) and secure it with wads of clay:

Then, using various trimming tools, I start to shape the foot of the bowl:

Almost there...

There, that looks just about right.

Then, using my hand-carved lino stamp, I decorate the exterior of the bowl:
(this is my least favorite part - it can be pretty hard on the hands and fingers, plus it also makes the rim of the bowl all wonky, which then needs to be fixed)

One more quick press with my signature stamp then I finish up by writing my name on the bottom, and DONE!

Now, for the others...

(generally I make things in sets of 8 - or more - at a time. I would consider getting through about 20 pieces to be a productive day in the studio).

This is only one step of many. Lots of labour, love, and careful attention to detail go into each and every one of my pots. I truly believe that handmade products carry within them the spirit of their maker and when you hold a piece of pottery in your hands - something that has been shaped by the hands of another - you will be able to sense an imbued presence and that ultimately, a connection is forged. I think the connection at this soul-level is what [good] art is all about.

My pots make me happy, and they will make you happy too. I promise.

The beauty of Fall

I was having a hard time getting to work today - everything just seemed to be getting in the way. I think I am struggling because I am getting a little overwhelmed... overwhelmed with things that need to get done that are all mixed up in my head with the new ideas that keep coming in and all the projects that I have started but haven't yet finished...*sigh*. I'm pretty sure the computer is the culprit - I've been spending much more time online than I usually do and not only does it take away from my studio time, I find it almost too stimulating as I can pick up inspiration from practically anywhere and before long, my 'want-to-do' list becomes unmanageable and distracting. It's becoming obvious that I need to focus some time on quieting my mind and I'm feeling a strong urge to get back into meditation as a routine practice. For today though, I decided to just get myself outside. The sun was shining and I took the opportunity to try and catch some of the amazing colours all around. Today I feel lucky to live here.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual from SouleMama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour, and remember...

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual from SouleMama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour, and remember...

A few photos.

I've decided to post some photos of my new line of work. I am not entirely happy with them but this is where I need to keep reminding myself that so much about making art is about the journey, not the destination - that what I want to do here is journal the process in order to see the progression.

I used to think I was quite good at photographing my work but it has been awhile (a few years) and when I tried this time, I was really stumped as to how to fix some of the problems that arose, mostly involving lighting. I also don't think that the colour is true to real life (I think they are much more vibrant), and I am not happy with how the stained, bare clay on the outside seems to fade into the grey background. I need to find a way to make these pots really pop out from the photo...luckily, my husband is really into cameras and photography and has lots of experience in lighting so next time, I think I'll bring him along :)

I rather like the composition of this last one but with the bowls stacked this way you can't see the contrast of the glossy, brightly coloured insides. I think I'll make a narrow rim of colour on the outsides from now on. I tried it on some teacups and I think it worked quite well. You can see what I mean here: