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

After playing with my handmade stamps in our SURFACE DECORATION class, we worked together to make some new stamps my students can call their own! And then we’ll see what kind of beauties they can create using their own stamps! Can’t wait to see ’em…

Categories: classes, platters, stamped, surface decoration

So proud of Taylor… who definitely paid attention to my class demo & listened to my mantra “More Is More” again. Look at this amazing plate that she decorated with my stamps during class this week. I’ve already warned her… it’s a slippery slope. But have a GREAT time stamping!!! With great results like this… we want to see MORE!!!

Categories: classes, stamped, stamps

After my stamping class demo, I encouraged my students to use some of my handmade stamps on their own pieces. I suggested they start by”testing” the stamps on a small slab, and then move onto their own bowls, plates & vases. They seemed to have so much fun playing with my stamps… and they made some really cool patterns on their pottery!

Categories: bowls, classes, stamped, stamps

This week in my SURFACE DECORATION class, the topic of the week was “Stamping & Sprigging”… mostly stamping! It was fun to show-off a bit, and demonstrate how I make my pots… and then encourage them to “borrow” the technique and find a way to “flip it” to make it an option in their own styles!!!

Categories: flowers

When leaving the studio late tonight after teaching class, I was struck by this beautiful blooming crab apple tree totally illuminated by the corner streetlight. Amazing after the rain, with an intoxicating scent wafting through the evening air.

Categories: food

Spreading some sugary-cinnamon-goodness with my class this week! With the newest flavor from OREO! The filling is softer than usual… filled with “sugar inclusions” as they call it… and we’re here for it. They’re yummy… but let me just say, the packages are too small !!!

Categories: bike, sunrise

Shimmering sunrise reflections this morning.
But I had to enjoy it early… as the gray clouds moved in fast for the rest of the day!

Categories: classes, mugs

A bird’s-eye view of a couple new mugs…
three of my demo mugs & three of my beginning students mugs!

Categories: stamped

Doing a bit more stamping tonight in the studio. Just “practicing” to get ready for tomorrow night’s Surface Decoration class… as the topic is going to be stamping & sprigging. Wanted to “brush up” on my stamping before I head in to show-off tomorrow night!!!