Schulz Pottery

My Friend Greg from Schulz Pottery, working out of Canton, GA, is doing some amazing sgraffito work! This is where the work is dipped into one or more alternate colors of slip and the design is literally scratched and carved into the surface. This creates texture, either subtle or pronounced. Keep in mind this is all unfired greenware. It takes over 2 hours or more to create these designs plus the time it takes to throw and form each vessel. I can’t wait to see them when they are fresh out of the kiln!

These mugs are bound to be a popular item.
The amount of detail against the textured negative space creates the feeling of serene water, making this platter all the more special.
I’ve always been a fan of Van Goh’s Sunflowers. How Beautiful is this vase?

Semper Ad Meliora

Semper Ad Meliora – Always towards better things. This has been my modus operandi for my entire life.

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Lately, and I’m not embarrassed to say, that I’ve been going through one of the hardest times of my life. And it has also been one of the best. The two live hand in hand. I need to let go of the notion that life or situations should be some other way than the way that they are. What is, IS! Accepting that tricky little nugget has caused an upward wave and I have been riding it for a few days and using that momentum to get me out of  the hole that I’ve been in.

Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow,” and others say, “Nay, sorrow is the greater.”
But I say unto you, they are inseparable.
Together they come, and when one sits, alone with you, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.
– Kahil Gibran – The Prophet

Having pottery and being able to explore, problem solve, and create something from the base elements of the earth has really been an important part of recovering. Its symbolic. The more symbolism something has (that I can understand and that resonates with me) the more meaningful it becomes. It’s all very meaningful to me today.

I said this a few months back and it still rings true and can be said again –

“I’m just speechless. The amazing people that come into my life, at just the right times, helping me to go in the directions that I seek. It’s not even possible to repay the generosity of friendship, knowledge, time and guidance. It compels me to be the best that I can be in everything that I do. Everything that I am, so that I can become a vessel of their kindness and share it with everyone I meet. I become what I create: a bowl.”

Have a great one!

“Good Burn”

I’m sick in bed still and trying to recover and work out a few other things. Jay told me to think happy thoughts and then sent me a pic of the kiln opening today though so that I can have something to look forward to.  I spy some promising gems in here. Thanks Jay!