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

Here’s the back stack of the kiln… loaded piece by piece, shelf by shelf, post by post.

And a quick bird’s-eye-view of some wall pocket vases & ornaments mixed together.

So after a couple hours of focused kiln loading, my kiln was finally full. Pretty much everything fit in… just a few “strays” that will hopefully sneak into the next firing. Pretty pleased with my loading… it took quite awhile, but there’s not any spare space unused in this kiln Hopefully it’s not packed too tight for the soda mixture to fly around inside and hit all of the pots. I guess we’ll find out Monday when I unload?!

Time to close it up, brink up the door… then add a little heat to dry things out.
I’ll be back early tomorrow morning to get it all started.

Categories: glaze, process, production

Had to start somewhere… so first up were these simple ikebana vase disks.

Categories: mugs, process, production

Another fresh batch of mugs with new handles.
The perfect way to finish off another Mugshot Monday!

It all started with some stamped cylinders and some freshly pulled handles.

And ended with another batch of mugs… stamped, handled and ready to start drying!

Categories: mugs, production

Well, it’s been a busy day of making more mugs! You know they’re my favorite!
Half of them are stoneware with iron – destined for cone 10 reduction glazes.
And the other half are B-clay reclaim – destined for cone 6 oxidation glazes.

And here’s a closer look… details, patterns,  and stamped textures!

Categories: mugs, production

Wedged clay cut into little carrot shapes. Pulled with a little wet friction.
When I get them to a desired width & thickness, I flip them over and set them up so they can stiffen up a bit. In about 15 minutes, I’ll start attaching them to the mug cylinders.

Categories: process, teapot

Finally got all the parts of my class demo teapot assembled…
and then did a little detailing with some colored flashing slip.

Categories: process, production, special events

Just fanning through some slick pages in the mystery box. Good to see it all came together nicely. I’ve very excited, and very pleased. I love it. Can’t wait for everyone to see!!! Oh wait… maybe you’ve already seen it by now???

Categories: process, production, special events

Sure, the “sneak peek” envelope was nice… but a box full is so much better.
Can’t wait to show everyone what I’ve been up to!!! Coming soon…

Categories: process, production, special events

I love when a plan comes together. I’ve been working on a little “project” for awhile now… and soon enough there’s going to be a “Big Reveal.” I got a a nice envelope in the mail today with a little sneak peek.

Categories: mugs, process, production, stamped

I threw the basic cylinders a bit ago… and finally got around to finishing them. I trimmed and added handles on Saturday, and then did some detailing with colored slips tonight. It has been a fun project… trying out some new shapes for some new mugs. Some of them I’m liking… some loving… and others not so much. I’m always open for opinions, so please add your Comments below. I’m actually thinking I might tackle another batch of new shapes… and force myself to go even further the next time!!!