Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery
A Chicago potter’s somewhat slanted view of clay & play
Categories: hybrid mugs, mugs, process, production, surface decoration, textures, tools

Here’s my latest batch of hybrid mugs… with groovy cool patterns & textures made with some of my newest MKM Pottery Tools handrollers. Now they just need some flashing slip while they’re still leatherhard. Then it’s off to drying, bisque firing, glazing, wadding & soda-firing. Still a long ways to go before these are ready to go!!! Lots of steps… not just in the making, but also in the finishing.

Categories: hybrid mugs, mugs, process, production, surface decoration

Assembled… now with handles! This latest batch of hybrid mugs finally all have handles… thus making them MUGS!!! I’m a firm believer that a “mug” by this potter’s definition must have a handle!!! So they’re all attached & ready to “relax” a little under some plastic overnight… before I come back to touch them up a bit more before drying.

Categories: hybrid mugs, process, production

Hybrid mugs moving along! Trimmed the bottoms today on the wheel. You know how much I LOVE trimming & a good footring!!! Gives everything a sense of style & refinement.

Categories: hybrid mugs, mugs, process, production, textures

It’s been a productive afternoon assembling these “hybrid” mugs… wheelthrown & handbuilt combos. There’s still a good amount of work to do on them… refining, trimming, adding handles, drying, firing, etc. But this feels like a good start. It’s always great seeing these “hybrid” mugs come together!

Categories: hybrid mugs, process, production, textures, tools

It’s been fun using some of my new handrollers today from MKM Pottery Tools. I’m generally a more “geometric” kinda guy when it comes to patterns & textures. But I will say I’m pretty excited about some of these new rollers that a more “illustrative” pattern on them. We’ll see how it goes with more rollers for more patterns!!!

Categories: hybrid mugs, mugs, soda-fired, stamped, surface decoration, tools

While I’m in the middle of making my “normal” stamped mugs for a future soda-firing… I need to remind myself that it’s time to make more of these “hybrid” mugs too!!! My collection of carved handrollers from MKM Pottery Tools has recently “doubled” & I can’t wait to try out some of their newest patterns while making more of these wheelthrown & handbuilt combo “hybrid” mugs!

Categories: food, hybrid mugs, mugs, vases

Looks like it was ice cream night for Allison & Michael. Apparently the waffle cone had a hole in the bottom and they needed an “instant” place to save it. Hybrid mug to the rescue!!!

Categories: art fair, hybrid mugs, mugs

And for those who have been waiting… there will be a few “hybrid” mugs in tonight’s online sale as well. Wheelthrown bottoms with handbuilt textured sides… finished again back on the wheel making them “hybrids.” Slightly larger for more coffee… or soup, chili, cereal & ice cream! Another assortment for Mugshot Monday!

Categories: flowers, hybrid mugs, mugs, soda-fired

For those of us that don’t drink coffee or tea… sometimes a fun hybrid mug makes a beautiful vase for flowers! And even if you do drink hot beverages… you can still use a mug for flowers too!!! Just think of it as a vase with a handle!!!

Categories: hybrid mugs, soda-fired, stamped, textures

Plus the latest batch of “hybrid mugs” fresh from last weekend’s soda kiln firing. A combo of wheelthrown & handbuilt techniques… with amazing textures created with my favorite MKM Pottery Tools! All ready for ART IN THE BARN this weekend!