Opening the Kiln, Oct. 2

At first light, Jim went out and opened the kiln. At second light, he hauled in all the masks from Sunday’s firing to 2300 degrees (stoneware).

 

 

Twelve in all, we were happy with the results. We knew there would be imperfections, such as cracks in some of the pieces, but they can be repaired well enough to look good and withstand the elements.  This is the first piece I laid eyes on this morning.

 

 

 

And another view of the same mask. Does he look like anyone you know???

 

 

Jim has always possessed a wild imagination. Even he does not know where these things come from.

 

 

 

And another view:

 

 

 

Here is  “Tree Man.” Over the years Jim and I have made various versions of “tree man,” but this is the most unusual. He intends to add actual branches to a couple of receptacles that are part of the mask.

 

 

 

He used the butt end of a pinon log to help sculpt this piece. Here’s how that feature turned out:

 

 

Jim used a spray gun to glaze a few pieces. Tree Man was one of those. Also this sweet imaginative lady. She is flawed because of a big crack across her chin and mouth. We glazed and fired her anyway, hoping that some serious cosmetic surgery will allow her out into public.

 

 

Onward and upward, as we say. He will start making extruded pieces next for our stores for Christmas.