ah ha!

I thought I was close to gone for good too.
I havent been making time for the internet lately, really a bit of a shocker, because I enjoy it and find it rewarding - so.. I must take some photos of my new work - the slip casting is all happening. Trials have been completed and new moulds have been made - will take a bit of time to get them through the kiln so I can offer an absolute final REAL example and then start manufacturing. Have also been having concerns that the quality is shit (I break every second one, is this normal?) may have to make twice as many if that is going to be the case....
heres a sneak peak - I was trying to get a slate green thing happening, but its really blue grey. but anyway soon your coffee and tea service may be transformed! I hope!

appreciation

some amazing things I had to buy over the past few weeks...
Lisa Boyter cups
Laura Walker button
Bridget Bodenham ring
porcelain pleasures!!!
























sadly funds have now dried up entirely, and thus I will re-focus on solving my own ceramic puzzles... the stacking cups mock ups were quite successful, and I can actually see the potential in the idea (a fusion of tall things and tea cups - what could be better than a functional/non functional combo?). The casting of the cups has had some success, the hunt for red continues, I have now branched into tinting my own glaze (exciting - should see the samples out of the kiln on tuesday) so hoping for a breakthrough there. Also have had interest (from workmates mostly) in selling cups since I dished out the pink ones, apparently they are nice to drink tea out of and would make good gifts! so thats pretty exciting. Will be off to northcote next week to expand my colour palette and make up a range of slips and knock out some cup pairs.. wish me luck!

clearly pink

clearly pink, originally uploaded by lisatoni.

I'm over the disappointment now. it was a bit traumatic to see so very much pink when one is trying to achieve red.
luckily I visited the good people at northcote pottery this afternoon and was reassured that I should indeed let the whole silly idea go as frankly its not going to happen. Red could happen but not functional food safe red. it all makes sense now.
(to be honest my application of the pink wasnt exactly quality either, lots to work on still!)

the goodness inside

inside out why do I not subscribe to you?
shapes colours and collections that speak to me on every second page. too good.

more bowls

freehand bowl set, originally uploaded by lisatoni.

another black on white obsession.
bowls again of course, so simple, so open.

for example

so the tall shapes are on my mind, but not really progressing.. luckily when you are vaguely always thinking about a shape, material, colour, texture, whatever, your mind seems to be able to do some kid of auto-pilot research for you. its really very good.













Due to some quite #$%** weather, the paper-clay making process has been severely stunted in the drying department. Thats ok, its another thing I dont have any 'real' plans for - the self satisfaction of using up all the clay and recycling the egg cartons is nearly enough!
I'm hoping to try making my first plaster mold tomorrow, fingers crossed...

pondering

Liking these cups by Carol Epp, might be nice to introduce the stacking idea to the tall things series as a functional version... hmmm. also feeling drawn to the natural beauty of stoneware glazes rather than controlled (contrived) design. I want it all! for now, i will continue to investigate the tea cup (underglaze/stain a specified colour, throw a perfect model on the wheel, make a plaster mold, practise slip casting and problem solve saucer and spoon options) I had better get started on that actually now that I spell it out its an awful lot to get organised! In between the serious stuff previously mentioned I am all about exploring the tall things, so much to discover here. And for grounded breathing time... bowls cups and ramekins as usual! I had better stop sleeping in. (the winterness has become a problem) :)

more!

more grouping ambition...
the tall things want to be part of a large group. Sadly they are labour intensive, clumsy, yet elegant and definitely in need of some mates!






































PS be jealous of me and have a look at the fabulous bainbridge scarf I am currently sporting thanks to a trade with Kirsten (Assemblage). Love love love it.

2 ovens

The kiln has cooled, the tea cup trials are out, and the oven at home is heating up for roast dinner tonight. Its all good.
I took a million photos of this group of cups and milk pourer's, I couldn't stop rearranging them! Essentially these are a colour trial to make a set of red tea cups based on the mud australia cups. simple shapes and solid colours with little hand made dashes of personality. Knowing they were just tests I varied the amount and composition of underglaze applied then used glear glaze to seal them....The search for red shall be fun!

unpause

sometimes its quite hard to pick up where you left off... what was I doing?
I have definitely not picked up all the threads yet (ahem still have the suitcase in the room)
So despite having nothing crafty to say I am here, making a return to my blog (its closely modeled on my return to the gym technique).
here is some goodness from wellington in link form (food and drink and things)

vessel
matterhorn
city gallery
avid
pomodoro
hawthorn
scopa
good as gold

it would get too boring if I went on, too much goodness. I didnt fall in love with auckland or know where to go to find the goodness rather. back to melbourne goodness it is! I am looking forward to seeing Connie Lichti's work at Stephen McGlaughlan Gallery from saturday may 3, she used to help at the ceramics studio I go to.
I will spring into action now and be back soon!