Pottery, Porcelain, and People

 A New Monday evening Pottery class! Great class of beginners tonight, they all did very well so much fun to be teaching a class again. Meeting new people has been a lot of fun since moving here! The studio time was such a treat and reprieve from my studies at the University. I wasn't aware of how difficult it was going to be juggling family, university and pottery but so far so good and I have to say pottery will always be a reprieve for me. and currently a welcome one as my first mid term is in the A.M.

If any of you are interested and will be in the area, feel free to drop by the studio for a look see. Hands on Pottery. 

If you can't take the time to stay for a few classes, no problem! Feel free to brows the the pots for sale and there is a FANTASTIC coffee shop across the way. Buy a mug then take it for a test spin! I recommend the triple americano, and really how can you go wrong when a coffee shop is named Caffe' Fantasico! 

Pottery from University of Free State

Re-posted from the Ceramics Solutions Face Book Page I belong to. 

What an amazing piece of work and collaboration. The working piece resounds of community spirit, pride and displays a great traditional feel to the boundary of the borders. I hope you enjoy - Kelly

Dina Grobler 

All possible through lotto money and the Spier contemporary art project, in co-operation with Jaco Spies (lecturer in Fine Arts at the UFS) and the help of Itumeleng, Loki and Tsegofatso,we have finished a mosaic on the UFS campus.It took us 10 months to finish.We used natural materials like stone and glass and made all our own clay tiles . The tiles depicted the Free state's map, towns as shining lights, Letema paterns and the Free State as part of the cosmos. Long hours of hard work through a very cold winter, and lots of rainy days, but in the end, all worthwhile.

  

Thank you 

Dina Grobler for Sharing a Great Passion towards the arts and sharing this truly amazing Piece.

Pottery is moving!

It seems like months have passed since I last posted anything about pottery. 

I know for me, it feels that it has almost been a year that I have been in the studio. Although work has been produced and sold under the 30kellys name my pottery has taken on a more defined brand under Potterycove leaving 30kellys open to a greater number of ideas.

Potterycove has moved to a new format on line and for the most part is up and running. It now needs to be tweaked and it still needs a better gallery plug in to being you a greater gallery experience so please feel free to poke around as it will only grow from here.

What will happen to 30kellys you ask?

The path 30kellys seems to be running down is promoting others work along side with Potterycove work and connecting people who are looking to learn more about creative arts. If you are looking for a new book, a photographer, a painting or simply to discover something new in the art world then this will be a great place to subscribe!

People have asked, “Why the change”? I tell them, “To live a life long dream”! Ever since we can remember my wife and I have wanted to live in Victoria B.C. To date we have sold our home, found a wonderful B&B to rent for 6 months while we get settled and I found a great pottery studio to rent space in.

The new Potterycove fan page is almost ready for launch. Here you will find locations I will be selling my wares and great articles on glazes and more.

Thank you for all the support everyone has given I am truly blessed.

 

"We must look for ways to be an active force in our own lives. We must take charge of our own destinies, design a life of substance and truly begin to live our dreams." Les Brown

Common questions about clay, pottery wheels, and kilns - Part 3

Are electric kilns better for beginners than gas kilns?

It depends on what type of pottery you want to create. The most commonly mentioned distinction between electric pottery kilns and gas pottery kilns is that electric kilns can't be used for reduction firing (a reduced oxygen atmosphere that creates unique color variations and more textured glazes). If you're eager to use many different types of glazes and colors, then a gas kiln might be worth considering. Raku kilns are also great for those interested in uniquely decorative pottery.)

However, electric kilns are generally easier to use, and many of them have features such as an automatic shut down cycle that prevents overfiring. An electric kiln of comparable size will generally be cheaper to operate than a gas kiln, at least with small kilns.

Common questions about clay, pottery wheels, and kilns - Part 2

Should I use a beginner pottery wheel or a professional pottery wheel?

Professional pottery wheels are more heavy duty and durable, but they're also more expensive. If pottery is something you're passionate about and you know that you'll be doing it for years to come, then a professional pottery wheel would be a wise investment. If you're working with a more limited budget or view pottery as an occasional hobby, then beginner pottery wheels should be more than adequate for your needs. Many beginners and students also opt for the convenience of a portable pottery wheel or tabletop pottery wheels.