Tulips in December!

You have to love Michigan's winters. We can go from three feet of snow to 40 degrees and slush, slop, and gray days. Today is one of those days. Strangely, it makes me just a bit happy because I can look out my studio windows and see that in the next day or so, I will have a clear path to where I make my glazes and clean up the buckets when I am done. I was so busy getting ready for the Holiday sales that I didn't have a chance to top off my glaze buckets for the winter months. I think I might get my opportunity in the next couple of days! It is strange what gets me excited these days.

Brian brought home red tulips last week. It was such a nice idea! A different type of red during this very red and green holiday season. A suggestion that spring will arrive in the near future. Brian purchased them at Wealthy at Charles in Grand Rapids. It is a unique store in our area. Time to get into the studio.

Getting ready for the New Year

Brian and I went to Chicago this past week to see my son and his girlfriend. We also had tickets to hear Elvis Costello and Alejandro Escovedo perform in the Chicago Theater. Alejandro was awesome. Costello was ready to rock and roll. He played by himself for over two hours with seven different guitars. His voice was strong and he was very present on that stage. So wonderful to see some one at the top of their art form. I spent an entire day at the Art Institute. They have some marvelous exhibits showing currently. Tapestries and Ancient Oriental Bronzes, plus an Aztec exhibit. The tapestries that I photographed spoke to me. I won't be surprised if some of the information translates into my work this winter. I hope every one enjoy the next two weeks with family and friends.

Its almost that time of year.......

We had our Guild Holiday Potluck last night. So, very nice to be with other ceramic lovers, makers, and practitioners. I have only been in this group for a little over a year but am feeling welcome. A couple of the members ask me well formed questions about my plans for the future. These questions are helping me guide my ceramic business.

My friend, Bob Walma, has produced a video of me making of a vase. It has been an interesting process. I was apprehensive about doing the project, looking at myself, and hearing myself talk. You learn a lot about how the world views you. For me, very un-nerving.

Reminder at Tony Clennell is coming to Grand Rapids in January!

Tony Clennell from Ontario is holding a two day workshop at Grand Valley State University on January 21 and 22. He will demonstrate large utilitarian pots that become display pieces in the Living Room. Other items, along with marketing ideas and life as a potter, will be discussed. On Saturday evening, Tony will share his slide show of his residency in China. This workshop will provide you with new knowledge, ideas, and enthusiasm for your work. Please contact me at cyndicasemierceramics@gmail.com for a registration form.

Oh, a few more new pots.

Pots hot out of the kiln!

I am almost ready for the UICA sale! Unloaded the kiln. Photographs are done. Boxing and pricing still need to happen. It has started to snow here in West Michigan. It is beginning to look like winter, much prettier than the grays of November. Drive safely if you are in this area!