Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery
A Chicago potter’s somewhat slanted view of clay & play
Categories: kiln firing, soda-fired

So with soda-firing, you frequently have some “loss” of pots that get some schmutz from the ceiling, flaked kiln wash in some pots, and other “issues” from the volatile atmospheric firing process. But I’ve never seen THIS!!!… the underside of a kiln washed shelf was LITERALLY peeling off from the shelf??? And landing right on the edge of that blue piece. Luckily… that was the only “issue” I found as I was unloading… so I’ll still count this as a WIN!!!

Categories: kiln firing, pottery, process, production, soda-fired, stamped

Okay, so I’ve been a little busy with unloading my soda kiln, scraping shelves, kiln washing the shelves, teaching & Summer Camping!!! So here are a few “delayed” shots from Monday night’s unloading. I’m pretty pleased with all of the bright pops of color throughout! So glad that soda-firing does not have to be all gray & brown all the time!

Categories: flowers, soda-fired, stamped, vases

So this is what happens when you accidentally break off a lantana blossom while watering on the back porch… and then you just happen to have the perfect mini vase for it too!!!

Categories: family, flowers

Looks like my Cousin Kim has some serious issues
with her backyard squirrel population… especially now!!!

Squirrels – 1 / Pottery – 0

Categories: flowers, mugs, pottery

Celebrating a little MUGSHOT MONDAY with this cute little “curated” shelf of mugs, cups & the perfect mini vase for one single zinnia bloom. Thanks for sharing Kristy!

Categories: kiln firing, pottery, process, production, soda-fired, stamped

Another “sneaky-peek” as start to unbrick the soda kiln. It was tough to wait… but I had Summer Campers all day who had to learn how to throw on the wheel (in three hours?) More fun with them tomorrow… but now they’re gone so I’m hoping to unload before I teach again tonight!!! Fingers crossed… so far so good!!!

Categories: kiln firing

Top row of bricks removed… let the cooling begin!!!

Categories: bike, sunrise

Just a few clouds floating along the horizon with beautiful reflections shining on the harbor.

Categories: flowers, nature

Pedaling by I saw these lilies blooming a couple blocks away from my condo… and thought they might be my favorite lily ever!!! Not just the amazing color combination & ombre’ blend, but the way the sunshine is highlighting every petal & creating some stunning shadows.

Categories: creativity

This little graffiti guy made me smile this afternoon!