Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery
A Chicago potter’s somewhat slanted view of clay & play
Categories: bowls, classes, process, tools

One of my Beginning Wheel students had a glaze run & some kiln wash on the bottom of her bowl. She was trying her best to get it off… and then I offered up my DiamondCore Grinding Bat for Carly to borrow. We put it on her wheel, wet the pot & the bat… and then spun really fast & pressed the bowl down!!! Voila’… smooth & clean! One of the best tools ever… thank you DiamondCore!!!

Categories: bowls, glaze, patterns, surface decoration

Just one of my “not-so-basic” class demo bowls… after a banded layer of white slip, then carved through with leaf patterns. A quick layer of an amber celadon glaze tops it off. And I’m kinda diggin’ the sparkly gold flecks in the pooled areas.

Categories: bowls, challenge, classes, lillstreet, surface decoration

As part of the GREAT LILLSTREET THROWDOWN, my students we encouraged to finish their projects from Week Two for judging at Week 9… this past Thursday. Remember back when they had to throw a large serving bowl, pass it to another to match, and then pass it back to finish it up… and make coordinating serving utensils to go with it. Well here are the Top Three… congratulations Ashley, Katie & Aaron!

Categories: bowls, food, stamped

Now THAT’s a beautiful berry bowl!!!
Sure, the bowl is pretty… but those berries are stunning! Thanks for sharing Beth!

Categories: art fair, bowls, food

Today’s the last day for “4×4 : FOUR MAKERS.” And what would a gallery show be without some treats for our guests?… water, wine, grapes, chocolate, pretzels & more! And once again, the mint OREOs are ready to go!!! No “yellow towel” required! … HA!!!

Categories: bowls, nature, soda-fired, stamped

So many people love the gingko… so I’ve got some gingko leaves in one of my stamped & soda-fired bowls! Ceramic gingko leaves you can enjoy forever. Still hanging out the the “4×4 : FOUR MAKERS” show… waiting for that special someone to give the gingko bowl some loving!

Categories: bowls, stamped

A little stamping. A little fun.
Another not-so-basic bowl.

Categories: art fair, bowls, soda-fired, stamped

So I’m celebrating with a “super bowl”!

Stamped, soda-fired & ready for our “4×4 : Four Makers” gallery show on March 3rd, 4th & 5th at Space 900 in Evanston. Mark your calendars!!!

Categories: bowls, food

Looks like Kristy is starting off her Saturday with some yummy homemade granola on a bit of vanilla yogurt… in one of my handmade stamped bowls! Looks amazing AND healthy!!! And yet everyone knows that your food will taste even better when served in handmade pottery!

Categories: bowls, surface decoration, textures, tools

I was also pondering what to do with that slip-stenciled rectangle inside one of the class demo bowls. Do I try to stamp it?… or carry-on with my carving spree??? So I continued playing with my DiamondCore Tools and carved out this pattern inside the rectangle. I wanted to accentuate the rectangle, but give it something fun to play with the glazes later!