Out of this World at 'Potfest in the Park'

Where has time gone since I last wrote my pottery blog? It has been a glorious summer pandemonium mix of manic making, whilst also trying to fit in shopkeeping, sort out commissions, family matters, garden and house maintenance, make music occasionally, whilst all the time keeping one eye on Potfest  in the Park which was looming. Oh, and the small matter of making that Potfest Competition piece. 

This year the theme of the show is ‘Out of this World.' So come along next weekend (Friday, Sat or Sunday) to enjoy a feast of international ceramices in relaxed surroundings, and see what the potters have brought to this hugely open ended brief. 

The last few weeks have been pretty mad really, I've been in the workshop seven days a week and working late into the evenings! With no workshop assistance this year I have been finding it hard to juggle time to follow my creative impulses AND keep up with the practical and, lets face it easier to sell, more functional pots. Well, if I run out of mugs, I run out of mugs. My hands are happy to be throwing less often anyway.

But, I have been having a great, if indulgent time. Last month I used the new beast of an extruder again for a big piece I am working on. I have been dying to make another seat and Potfest is always an excuse.

Putting together such a large object takes a few cups of tea and consideration time.

I used the pulley system to lower the seat into position, which worked remarkably well. With the seat firm enough to hoist up, supported by two strips of wood, it gave me plenty of time to get it into the right position, before letting it squidge onto the slip

I got the work glazed and the kiln on eventually at half eleven last night. Will it or won’t it come out in one piece, look good, disappoint, delight? I shall find out on Monday.