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

Since when do they make OVAL buildings?… one of my favorites!

Categories: bike, Chicago, sunrise

And expected to get even windier as the day goes on!!! Let’s just say, my morning ride towards the City was tough!!! Some cool clouds & crashing waves… and then the ride back home was AMAZING with an incredible tail-wind!!!

Categories: bike, Chicago, sunrise

It was a dark start to the morning, without a lot of potential… or so I thought. But soon enough the clouds opened a bit and the colored sky show began to impress.

Categories: Chicago, special events

Sure, we may have a new vaccine beginning, but that doesn’t mean we’re free & clear! Let’s be diligent and beat this thing… please continue to wear your mask, wash your hands, sanitize and keep 6-feet away!!! I know it’s going to be weird with another socially-distant holiday… but let’s get through this together… by getting through it alone!!!

Categories: Chicago, special events

Today is a very big day for Chicago with the first of the coronavirus vaccines being administered. I know we’ve all waited anxiously for this day… but I can’t even imagine what the past year has been like for Dr. Allison Arwady. She has been so instrumental in Chicago’s efforts during this pandemic. So it was great to see her today on TV as the first vaccines were administered. I’m sure we’re all hoping this will get us back to “normal” some time soon.

And I’m also hoping that it will make Allison’s life a bit more “normal”…so she can come back to my pottery class again!!! We haven’t seen her throwing at the wheel ever since this whole thing began. I know the studio has saved my sanity through all of this… I can only imagine how much Allison needs a little “clay therapy” these days!!!

Thank You again for all you’ve done for the City of Chicago Allison!!! We all hope to see you soon… at a pottery wheel and NOT in front of a scary chart or graph!!!

Categories: Chicago, sculpture

Further down the lake front bike trail, south of the City, the “crowd” thins out and you get to see some great art along the way! Like this installation piece honoring Bessie Coleman… an early American civil aviator. She was the first African-American woman to hold a pilot license.

Categories: architecture, Chicago, sculpture

Closed, but not forgotten… Chicago’s Navy Pier may be closed due to the pandemic and a huge lack of tourism in Chicago. It’s completely locked down so you can’t even go down The Pier. But you can still enjoy the gardens & views out front… especially by bike!

Categories: architecture, Chicago, totem pole

Clear blue skies made a perfect opportunity for a beautiful afternoon bike ride! Including a stop at the totem pole at Lake Shore Drive & Addison… a favorite landmark for many Chicagoans!

Categories: bike, Chicago, sunrise

It was so nice to get up this morning and NOT have gray & gloomy skies! So refreshing to see clear skies again… knowing that a beautiful sunrise would not be far behind!!!

Categories: Chicago, inspiration

Took a couple hours off this afternoon to enjoy the blue skies & sunshine with a nice stroll through Graceland Cemetery. It was my first time at Graceland, so it was nice to see some of the famous names from Chicago history now residing there… and a random coyote patrolling the park. You’ve got appreciate the serenity, the architecture, the design & majesty of some of the monuments & memorials.