deborahgowerceramics

Its getting hot in Northern Rivers now.  My kiln has been working over time and Kate from Wellington Pottery Supplies in New Zealand  gave me a really good tip to use tulle when fettling delicate clay items.  Its been working a treat and I haven’t had many breakages with flowers or musical notes since I have ben using it.  Thanks Kate.

If you are on the Gold Coast check out the Gold Coast Potters Christmas Market at Benowa and in Brisbane our own Pinky and Maurice from Ocean Shores will be at the GOMA Christmas markets.

Last 2 weeks to check out what everyone is up to at Mud Colony so make sure you check out the website.  Adriana Christianson has worked tirelessly to keep Mud Colony as a resource for clay lovers everywhere to check in on the fab work that is being done in Ceramic studios all over the work. Thanks Adriana.

Happy clay days everyone

Debby x

I have been busy making poppies this week for some artworks based on a relative Ernest Ainscow who died in WW1.  The article I wrote Discovering Ernest  was published in the Zine version of Inside History on 4 November (pg 48).  Inside History is a great magazine focussing on the historical aspects of Australia and New Zealand and well worth subscribing to if you are into history.

November 11 of course is remembrance day so if a poppy pops up near you please support your local RSL and buy a symbol of peace and remembrance for those who lost their lives (like Ernest).  Ernest was only 19 when he died and is buried in France but next year all being well I will be paying tribute to his sacrifice in an exhibition in Cairns.  Will let you know when I have a date.

There are so many ways to make red poppies including using a red underglaze which gives the most consistent red colour.  I used Prism red which gave the deeper red colourer.  I also experimented with a red stain added to a clear glaze that I knew was stable.  Four different kinds of red stain but I think Fire Engine Red turned out the nicer colour.  Then I underglazed with prism red and overlaid with the Fire Engine Red Glaze – Interesting results giving deep colouring.  I am still experimenting.

I laugh when I think back to when I first started in ceramics and I would have thought – make a red poppy – one way to do it. Wrongggggggg A hundred ways to get a red poppy in different forms, colours and techniques. Soldiering on 🙂

As do so many of my ceramic colleagues – Why not check out what they are up to at Mud Colony this week.

Happy clay days everyone – Lest We forget

 Whether its transfers, sculptures or simply ceramics, each of the exhibits brought a little bit of the old Spode factory back to life.  It’s quite an emotional journey seeing the factory rooms – sometimes just as people left it when they were told the factory was closing.  But through the interpretations of some of the most amazing ceramic artists,  the British Ceramics Biennial has given us the opportunity to relive a piece of the past, absorb ourselves in the present state of the ceramics industry and inspire us to create our own  ceramic futures. Check out the exhibitions in person at Stoke On Trent – Old Spode Factory until Nov 10 or http://www.britishceramicsbiennial.com/

and you can also check out what other ceramic artists are up to at Mud Colony http://mudcolony.blogspot.com.au/

Happy Clay days

Debby

My very own Stokie Bloke http://www.moorlandpottery.co.uk/stokie-bloke-figure-p-287.html guards over my kiln in Mullumbimby.

Visiting Stoke on Trent I was lucky enough to do tours of the Wedgewood Factory, Moorcroft Factor, Emma Bridgewater Ceramics as well as the Potteries Museum and Gallery and the highlight was Spode Factory and the British Ceramic Biennial.  It was interesting to see the difference between how each factory created and decorated their pieces. While throwing, slip casting, mould making are staples the decorations differ from “Paste on paste” at Wedgewood to  slip tube lining at Moorcroft and transfers and stamps at Emma Bridgewater.  The constant I found was the passion, sense of pride and dedication that each of the workers had at every factory.  If you get chance go.

Wedgewood  

As for me I am back with my new kiln god – My very own Stokie Bloke who blesses my kiln and reminds of the passion that ceramic workers all over the world have in our wonderful profession.

happy clay days

Debby

Hi I’m back.  We have just had the most amazing holiday overseas where I discovered links with the past, enjoyed the present and was inspired for ideas for future ceramic posts.  I will put up some pics during the next few days to give you a taste of what I experienced.

Turkey ceramics were detailed with intricate patterns that all had historical meaning.  It was interesting to see the Iznik tiles and how some patterns were repeated on new works to give a new twist to old traditions

.

And the visit to Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Memorial gave me inspirations for my upcoming works on “Discovering Ernest” a relative who died in World War One.

Inspiration is everywhere if we only take the time to open our eyes and of course to remember.

Lest We Forget

Debby xxx

It has been quiet lately on the ceramic front – due to my shoulder injury but slowly I am doing a bit more each week.  I put the kiln on this week delving into spoons and poppies and infinite possibilities. Stay tuned for some interesting news in the next few months.

And don’t forget to check out what everyone is up to at mud colony this week

happy clay days

Debby

Its that time again – One of my favourite times as Curator of the Art CUBE at Byron Shire Council Chambers, Mullumbimby.

This month we have the pleasure of Wendy Johnson’s “Reclaiming Joy” A hyperbolic metaphor turning negative garden weed and debri into a positively inspiring sculpture. We hadn’t even finished the install before people were coming over to look and giving Wendy wonderful praise for her work.

You can see “Reclaiming Joy” at the ART CUBE at the Byron Bay Council Chambers in Mullumbimby.

Thanks for exhibiting Wendy.

Happy clay days

Debby

Banksia V will be at Lone Goat Gallery PANartists SHOW

You can check out all the work from Northern Rivers PAN artists at the show.

Friday night 9 August, James Guppy will be opening the PAN artists Show at Lone Goat Gallery Byron Bay. All welcome.

and Mud Colony is WAITING !!
http://mudcolony.blogspot.com.au/

Happy Clay Days

Debby xxx