A gum tree and a few insects.

Well it was a funny old day. Quite warm, dark clouds and the sound of rain, only it wasn't rain, it was the caps off the gum nuts dropping on a parched ground by the thousands.

Insect.

insect is about 8mm long

I've got these amazing little insects buzzing around the Indig. Acacias outside my study window. They have this amazing ability to hover in a fixed pos. then with instant speed move in a straight line, then they instantly stop again, hovering in a fixed position.

SMALLpieces online.

SMALLpieces (Northcote Pottery) in Melbourne are now selling online. Click here to go to their online shop.

Suggestion: Christmas is coming, buy online; stay home and avoid the madness.

Etsy.

Finally listed something on Etsy. Should be interesting to see if I can sell something in Australia to O/S. I haven't put a postage cost on top, so am selling from a level playing field.

Looking forward to helping the balance of trade.

Penguins and vessels.

Rolled clay.

It's correct term "slab-work" really seems to take away from the beauty of the finished work. So, I think "rolled clay; hand assembled" is more fitting and, I think a more accurate description. I have a new potters mark, a simple round circle. It's more prominent, stands out from the surface further, and thus allows me to wipe the glaze back to show it in contrast. I'm still considering whether to use it on the pourers, as they're smaller, I think the mark might over power.

Altered porcelain.

It's been a while since I've manipulated thin porcelain vessels. It's risky, push it too far and it cracks. When it works though, to me, it's stunning.

Cross your fingers for me.

I fired a kiln o/night. It was at 1200 deg. c. when I checked it in the morning. The next time I checked it (about two hours later) it was at 950 deg. c. with the alarm going (meaning it had failed to reach temp) It has taken me the rest of today to get it to 1290 deg. c. (cone 10). The elements are getting old and it seems reluctant to do it's job these days. it's a tedious job replacing elements, but I guess it's time. Hopefully it didn't get too close to temp. the first time. It will be an anxious wait to open it. Added 16/10/2009

Well, I think the kiln must have got V close to cone 10 (1290 deg. C.) the first time, it definately got to cone 10 the second time. The coloured slip I placed on the rim has run twice as much as usual. You can see a dribble near the foot (it looks like it's not attached to the foot, but, it is)another few mm. and it would have stuck the bowl to the kiln shelf. This effect is quite beautiful, but very risky. I think I'll keep this one for my collection.

Sophie Cook.

photo by Ian Hill

Probably my favourite pieces. They are a joy to look at and they glow in the sunlight, casting the most interesting shadows. Porcelain is a hard clay to throw with and these bottles are just simply showing off.

A signature range by Sophie Cook.

"sophie cook graduated from camberwell school of arts in the late nineties and has established her career since then, selling and exhibiting worldwide. her work also features in permanent museum collections ranging from the geoffrye museum in london to recently involvment in the denver art museum's euro design exhibition.

sophie also works on commissions, which have included pieces for babington house and an installation for the rama restaurant in the private members club, 50 st james.

celebrities that have bought her work include georgio armani, elton john and jennifer anniston.

sophie works out of her studio at home in dulwich, london where you can visit by appointment or during the dulwich festival in may. studio sales take place in june and december at cockpit arts deptford."

Ah Xian 'Concrete Forest'.

Ah Xian is the winner of the last ever Clemenger (triennial) Contemporary Art Award ; Established in 1991 by Joan and Peter Clemenger, and organised by the National Gallery of Victoria. Ah Xian's work consists of 36 foliage-impressed concrete busts. It is hoped that a new Contemporary Art Award will be sponsored in the future.

Below are worthwhile links to further reading:

The Australian

Anita Archer Fine Art

abc news (video)