While I wait for the kiln to cool...

Worked on my website and feed today...
Tell me what you think...
and thanks to my buddy Mike Amter for his hard work.
You can find his work...
HERE!

love.

I need to thank June Perry by way of Tony Clennell for the link to this video in which Eva Zeisel(then 94) Now she is....about 104...yes, it appears she remains alive!
Keep in mind, Beatrice Wood lived to be 105....
Anyway, it is so intense, as I have read about her before and truly adore her work, sense of exquisite design. She is from Budapest which my grandmother, Frances Pearl Kronheim Geller's family was from and I can't help wondering if the families knew each other, back in the day...(Frannie only made it until about 92...but she, too was creative and artistic,schooled in art, and in her 60's designed and made semi-precious stone-based jewelry that she sold to Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales and called herself "The Grandma Jewelry Designer". I miss her.)
I wish this talk was longer!

Things are happening.

I know.

It's a process.

I have been doing a lot of glaze tests and this speckled clay definitely absorbs the mason stains/ glaze and pulls the color out a lot.
Actually the glazes are just totally different some times...
I will also start testing the 266 chocolate brown with the glazes too....
I am making headway and I like the pieces but I think I have a lot more exploring to do and I am trying to teach myself something I have been trying to teach myself FOREVER.

PATIENCE.

Not one of my strong suits.
BUT I tell you, I am seriously working on it, while enjoying the ride.
Because really, isn't that all we really have?
The ride.

Making Lemonade out of my LEMONS!

This is one of the only really good things that came out of the weekend:







Missing the North Carolina weekend sucked.
My cold got wet and drippy...
Apparently all went into default mode (meaning I had to be in charge of everybody's schedule-since I was home)...
BUT....

I glazed and fired these suckers yesterday....
Played with layering and combos and kept good notes...
and I feel like I am on to something that really makes me happy...
It's a process but the yumminess is starting to happen....
Of course my husband immediately says:
"Oh...I like these! are they for us?"
AND I SAID:
"NO!" I need them for my records for now....
****sadness....grumbling exit****
As my thirteen year old would say:
"What EV....".

Sad...but TRUE.

WEll...









Sadly, after hanging out at Newark Airport for 4 1/2 hours...I threw in the towel. LUCKILY... everyone refunded my flight, my hotel, canceled the car rental and I got some knitting done while I waited... met 3 men from Quebec, a woman from Glasgow, trying to get to Cincinnati...Had a non fat chai venti latte... some pretzels and water... and canceled the trip... UNFORTUNATELY I would not have made it in time to the opening and I was beginning to feel like the UNIVERSE was trying to tell me... DO NOT GO.
I know... the universe was telling a lot of stranded people all sorts of things but...
I called it quits. I spoke (ON THE PHONE!!!!) to Meredith, who really busted TUSH to make this happen... and then I spoke to Jen Mecca on my way home from the airport...
Everyone was great and PROMISED to post PHOTOS!!!! VIDEO TOO PLEASE...
I had dinner with my crazy kids and my husband and my friend and her daughter...
My 10 year old spilled his Sprite and the 13 year old tortured me continuously but really...it was very comforting. My kiln under-fired a bisque and we ar gonna run by a cocktail party for a committee I am on that I was to miss...
PLUS AMAZON delivered these:


















So... I guess things COULD be worse...

Take Me Away....

Looking forward to my little get-away on Friday to Asheboro, NC...
I have to say... I really can't wait to see the show Clay and Blogs: Telling a Story... AND I'd love to meet some of my otter friends from cyber space...
But really... I think I just need a get-way...
a CALGON- type of getaway and if that's driving around NC in my rental car and staying at a Holiday Inn...HOPEFULLY TRYING REAL SOUTHERN BBQ,
well... I will take it...
If you are not going to be at the show(or if you are) I would love to visit studios while I am in POTTERY COUNTRY....
Here are a couple of my pieces on display in the gallery(so I guess they arrived safely)that Meredith posted...
I HAVE been working on some changes in my work but I think it will definitely be a process...But I feel like I know where I am going for now... and one thing is... at the moment I am back to using Standard 112 which is a speckled clay... and I'm testing my established glazes, as well as toying with not spraying EVERYTHING... so... we shall see... I am not abandoning the 213 BUT I really want to dig into 266... CHOCOLATE Brown... used to love it and I really am craving RICHNESS...so... I'm on the journey ...discovering... 1 step forward, 2 steps back and all that...
No photos of the new work because I fear I need a little "time alone with the babies to bond..." or throw them out... In due time...

Out with the old...

Well.. I am finally sending off 5 pieces for the Clay and Blogs Show in North Carolina... That I will be ATTENDING!!!
October 1st!!!
I am flying in for it... I really hope a lot of the other potters will be there OR I will spend the weekend in my rental car hunting them down!!!
Here is what I am sending...

CALLING ALL POTTERS!

I am reaching out to you all as I go through some transitioning with my work.
I would love to hear from those of you who worked and developed a particular style for a while and then chose to "switch gears" as it were... move into a new feeling in your work a new direction... perhaps something entirely different than the original work.
My desire is to hear your reasoning behind your changes, your motivation, your take on your own work...
Additionally, I'd love to hear about how you dealt with logistical change...what worked, what did not, how you dealt with it...(changing clay bodies, glazes, firing, forming techniques, etc)
How long did it take for you to put your "new" work out there... ?
Although the change may have been dramatic to YOU, how did OTHERS perceive it?
And lastly, are there any of you who dabbled in the idea of change and then backed off and stayed with your current work or came back to it and why...
I KNOW, it's a lot to ask, but I think these responses may be helpful to many of us...
Particularly those of us who work fairly isolated from other potters/artists..
Like me.

Kiln has been visited by the doc.

Dr. Chris Pilko(well, he's not a REAL doctor but hey...it appears he cured the patient...my girl Bertha...as I affectionately call her...MY KILN).
I shouldn't speak too soon.
I have a glaze firing in there now...
BUT,
I DID fire it yesterday to cone 6 FAST... and everything worked... all cones touched their tips....
So, we cross everything, touch a button, poo poo poo,tuh tuh tuh ...etc.
Tomorrow night... we will know.

Hey there!

Not much to say...
Summer ends today.
Kids start school tomorrow...
Earl may attack us here on the Jersey Shore...
I've been trying to work in between other responsibilities,
kiln problems(Jen Mecca: you are not alone...)
visitors, etc....
Here are some photos...

Kiln bound tomorrow!

IMG00058-20100809-2309.jpg
Originally uploaded by judi tavill

Here's what's happening.
Going in the kiln to dry out and then fire...
Tomorrow...

42's "the new 9"!

Tomorrow's my birthday...8/6/68
double 21.... equals 42...
Not that I pay attention to numbers or anything...
So maybe I should go out and party double the amount I did when I was 21...
It's a thought.
Unlikely though.
My special birthday "gift" is not here yet...may not be here until next week...
BUT it is worth the wait!!!!
If 42's "the new 9", then this gift is perfect...
I am completely "pimping my ride" there will be a basket in the front... and a mirror too ...
OH! and a rack on the back(all the better to take packages to the post office!!!).


































AND along with all of that...
SAFETY FIRST... but...only in this super cool helmet!


















As I enter into this next year of life...I have been trying some different things in the studio...



































So, we shall see what comes of this next year...
The last one was pretty crazy.
Enough said.

OH and I booked ALL of my accommodations to visit Seagrove and Asheboro, NorthCarolina for the
Clay and Blogs opening the weekend of October 1st.
I just decided to go for it... and hopefully pick up some goodies down there...
I have a tendency to sell my work to buy other pottery...
SO... in the spirit of my younger years...
"The future's so bright...I gotta wear shades"....

A little more from the Workshop...

Takeshi Yasuda WIRE WEDGING!!!

Takeshi Yasuda rams head wedging
Originally uploaded by ellen mulligan

This man is amazing...
This just gives you a taste...
I will just post a little at a time...



















This is what i looked like for 5 days...plus mosquito bites.

Back from the workshop!

Super cool... Peters Valley Rocks!
Takeshi Yasuda is phenomenal!
I will post soon...but ...
LIFE CHANGING!
The photo is just I little set I gas fired... has nothing to do with the bigger issues!
More to come...

My 1st time demo-ing... Dare I say...Virgin Experience?

So... this was Brooklyn.
It was great.
Really just fun to be amongst some very cool, creative people.
The weather ,however, was not COOL.
It was Hot... and I was SHVITZIN'...big time.
And then when the nerves set in about doing a demo...
I was swimming in sweat...
I know... very attractive.
The band that was doing a sound check in the court yard chose my demo time to really crank it up...
REALLY?
But I actually enjoyed the day.
































































Below are photos of my set up.
ALL of these photos are from my new friend Nonna who was at the table next to me...
I forgot my camera and had to rely on the kindness of others...
I was NOT expecting the demo photos.

Summer....

I love THIS happy simple summer-y Etsy Treasury that I am proud to be included in!
(That's my bowl-third one over, first row...)























It reminds me of the "SUMMERWARE" show and sale in Brooklyn
I am participating in on SUNDAY!
This Sunday July 11th!!!!
See my side bar...

It is sooooo hot here in the "Garden State".
I am pretty sure my house is under a brown-out effect as some things seem OK...and others are just "not right".
My kiln had an Error sign at the end of the firing and showed that it made it to 1901degreesF instead of 1948degreesF...so... I ramped it back up again...
Of course it's the first time in FOREVER that I didn't throw a witness cone in...
DUH!!!!!
My clothes dryer isn't heating up and the microwave only produced a luke-warm effect.
It's either that or my 7 year old house is haunted...
I'm hoping for haunted. Way cooler...
Speaking of cooler...The AC isn't very effective either...

ARGHHHHH, Photography.

Submissions for a Bowl Exhibition...





















































Need to order a new background...
I spend too much time photo editing the damned scratches...
PLUS I feel like the color, lighting, grainy thing is kicking my but...
I ALWAYS like the work better in person!
NOW I'm tired and cranky.
Grrrrr and Argh.....

On vacation

On vacation
Originally uploaded by judi tavill

Eggplant and Slate Pitcher

IMG00104-20100617-2243.jpg
Originally uploaded by judi tavill

All I'm saying is "you never know what you are gonna get".
Life lesson.
Crazy day.
Crazy. Un -pottery related.

A mess.

Making a mess mixing glaze...
Just thought I'd share...
and change the subject!

Rant

So this person contacts me through Etsy about a Made to Order Sushi Set for 4 that she is interested in.

"Do you offer military discounts? How can this be "personalized"? It's beautiful :)

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30349368 "


I reply:
"I've never been asked about the military discount.
Not sure how that could be worked out.
I really just make everything by hand, so...
It could be personalized on the bottom...
Thank you!
Judi"

She responds:
"In the past, sellers have either made a separate listing at a discounted price or refunded money once I paid. There's just no way I can afford them at your current price."

So I continue:
"I understand...
I can make smaller sets too if you are still interested... no large platter, no sy bottle, just for 2 people..etc..."

At which point her response is:
"Nope, this is exactly the set that I want. If you don't offer a military discount, I will just go elsewhere. A set straight from Japan with designs is about the same price, if not cheaper :) "

And so...
Here was my long winded response:
"I have to be honest with you. I am a little offended by this whole interaction.

#1 I have no idea who you are and what you do for the military.
#2 I do not know where you are having me send this too.
#3 This is a MADE to order set, Handmade by ME.
I would be wedging the clay, creating the items piece by piece for you, firing them in my kiln, hand glazing them(with glazes I make from chemicals and raw materials) and firing them again and then piece by piece wrapping and shipping the set to you.

#4 I sell on Etsy especially because it was established for this type of work by creative makers and artists. I happen to be in America but I could live any number of places(as other artists do on Etsy)and it would still be the same process.

#5 This is my art.

I designed this set because it came from somewhere inside of ME.
I did not see it somewhere else and copy it. If you DO find the same set elsewhere("cheaper" or not), I would be very interested because that means that another artist had the same idea as mine and I would love to know such a kindred soul and if that was not the case, they must be copying MY work.

#6 I do not make molds of my work and mass produce it in factories or use other production potters. My craft is my art and I have to stand behind this notion if only for the principal is based upon.

#7 Many customers buy my work as they understand this. They may prioritize this purchase financially over something else, I do not know. I do know that sushi is expensive.

Perhaps I have lost a sale but I have saved my soul.

Good day and I only wish you positive energy.
Thank you,
Judi Tavill "

This was her response:
"And I am offended by how little respect you have for the people that defend your freedom to make your art safely in your own home. I'm hope someday the death of my brothers and sisters will weigh on that soul you just saved, but I fear it will not.

Happy belated Memorial Day."

and another one:
"PS. Just in case you were confused, your unwillingness to even offer free shipping means you're greedy, not principled.

Good day and I only wish you positive energy. "

And so I am debating as to whether to even respond.

Ok...I responded:
"I debated as to whether to respond to this but I just think you need to open your own mind and I believe you missed my attempt to educate you on the creative process.
I wasn't unwilling to do anything.
I still have NO idea what you do for the military, what the connection is, etc.
ANYONE could send me a convo and ask for a military discount.
I completely respect the people that defend this country and I feel priveledged to live here.
Not to mention, you have NO idea as to what MY OWN connections are with the military.
That said, GREED does not even play into my thought process.
I am not confused at all. I am completely clear. Perhaps you should re-read the approach that you took in asking me for a discount.There was NO MENTION of free shipping. I have worked out many arrangements with others on Etsy, Sellers and Buyers as needed and I have NEVER received any sort of ATTACK like this."

Here's the latest:
"I asked for a military discount, and you avoided the question like the plague. To me, that seems like you were unwilling. I'm sorry if I misread it. I don't see how knowing what I do in the military would make you offer a discount, but I'm a(I will not include this part as it may be considered in appropriate including where the person lives) I can send you a copy of my ID (with everything but my name blurred).

But, you never took the time to ask and attacked me first. I said if you wouldnt give a discount, I would go elsewhere. You took that time to attack me. I was just defending myself because I was genuinely offended that you thought I was trying to swindle you, and you didn't ask any of those questions until you started the attack. I do appreciate your process, but it's just out of what I am willing to spend. I make my own sushi so it's quite cheap (because I don't do anything fancy). Was looking to buy this for my husband as he graduates an Army school.

I really do wish you the best of luck. You have a great talent."

My final(I promise) response:
"I am so sorry you viewed my response as "avoid(ing) the the question like the plague".
I believe that you DID "misread it" and the response i gave was not an "attack", it was responding to: "A set straight from Japan with designs is about the same price, if not cheaper :) ". I could not help but find that uninformed, if not a bit of an "attack" itself because if that was your thinking, why were you approaching me in the first place? The whole interaction was rather strange to me.

I appreciate your interest and I truly mean it when I wish you and your husband the best but at this point, I think we should just agree to move on.

Thank you again."

So... I ask you...Was I rude?
She still hasn't explained ANYTHING about what she does for the military!
Shouldn't that matter. Is it her? Is it her spouse? Anyone could randomly say... hey, I work for the military.
I intended to be clear and educate her on the process so that she could learn something from the experience.
I also could not help but feel like I was having my arm twisted over a handmade sushi set.(That would need to actually be made in the future!!!).

Honestly, I don't have time for this back and forth but, it got me going.
Thoughts?

The place settings for the Registry are complete and an "Experience".

Here are the place settings for the bridal registry I was working on!
Whoot!
They only need to have one more setting purchased to complete their 8!


















































































And I donated a 3 hour "Experience" in my studio to The Rumson Education Foundation fundraiser's silent auction back in November and the "winning ladies" came for Part 1 today!
I will fire the pendants, etc that they made and Part 2 will be when they can glaze on Friday!
They had a great time...which was cool.

Not sleeping much.

Working. :)

Wow.

I don't have a ton of time to blog because I have to essentially
"MAKE THE DONUTS"...or CHIP AND DIPS as it were.
On Friday, May 28th, my son Sam's first DOUBLE DIGIT birthday(10) I had a piece(the chip and dip form) featured in ETSY FINDS! .
Well let me tell you...it was a huge JUMP in views and a really decent affect on sales and interest(people sending me convo's on Etsy about buying custom chip and dips!).

So now... I need to get on these special orders, as well as a few other existing orders AND I need to GLAZE the wedding registry place settings and make her side pieces(I have 2 great serving bowls waiting to be bisque fired. I am just a tad nervous about the glaze firing... It just makes me nauseous every time... so many possible issues... I realize I just need to get in there and do my business....but I am also afraid I need to make more glaze and we all know how much I adore that...

And so, I am going to take a positive proactive point of view and just dig in and love all of it. So THERE.

Yesterday...

This was my table yesterday.
The Kitchen Tour Boutique went rather well...
One thing that was a bit of a problem was that the ladies on the tour were not expecting the boutique so many came in without wallets....
I know this was not an excuse because some went back out to their cars to get $$$.
I sold several pottery pieces and more jewelry...
The ladies love the trinkets...ya know???
My love is making the pottery but I have fun with the trinkets so it's all good.
PLUS...I was wearing a cuff bracelet I knitted out of sterling silver wire with fresh water pearls and it was a bit of a hit too... this is a more portable endeavor that I have planned on coming back to anyway...play with wires, beads...see where it goes...
Most importantly I can take it "on the road"...