i've not posted here for a while

i always update twitter (@morrigae) when i update my blogs.

i updte facebook also when i update my blogs.  have you fanned me yet?  http://www.facebook.com/ArachnesWorkshop

i've had a major breakthrough in my technique.  getting the centering mastered has made it possible to get a better handle on trimming and footing, pulling, and other related tasks.  my handles are looking way better also.

a lesson for today then is - always - always - always - start in center unless you're utilizing a technique that requires an off-center start.  if you're still fighting with centering, go back and get the kinks worked out of it and then go on to cylinders.  the cylinder form is the base form for all other forms.  if you can't pull a cylinder you will still have problems yielding a pleasing result.  had my first and only pottery instructor got me thru the centering chapter successfully i'd probly be a better potter now and not have had so long a hiatus from pottery.  being able to center has relieved the frustration and aggravation i felt at the end of every studio session.

having reduced the amount of water i use tremendously, i have also found the clay to be more friendly.  i was relieved when the studio mgr was demo'g something on a mug i was throwing and had issues w/the clay body's not being easy to keep wet enough to work with.  he resorted to pulling with a sponge.

also, i have found that chattering is occurring accidently but is a very pretty yet delicate embellishment and i have been keeping that as part of the finished pot.  i wish i could figure out how to do that intentionally.  tim see does a vid on chattering here:



i'm enjoying playing with hollow rims.  i have more tea cups for which i haven't taken pics.  i'll try to get some today.

the square footing is actually inspired by keith phillips square mug demo.




so that's it in a nutshell.  i'd like to get more input on this blog from other potters and pottery users as well.  this is what i call my "muddy talk" blog.

regards