24-SEP-22

Last glaze load has been inspected, the bases polished smooth, washed, priced, and put away*.
I'd picked up some Laguna Speckled Buff and IMCO Red Velvet clays to test when last traveling; I really like both of them, will get more next time!

The Teal Blue glaze melts late in the firing, and does not move much. As the glaze dried after dipping, cracks formed at the handle join on all the Teal Blue mugs in this load. The other glazes I use will typically flow back together when they melt; the Teal Blue did not. All the Teal Blue mugs from this load will be drilled for use as planters. There will be more Teal Blue mugs in future! 

The "Helper" bowls curve inward at the rim.
At last Spring's "Art in the Garden" event, a parent and adult child had inquired about a bowl design that would help the elder load their spoon and keep it loaded. These are the prototypes; when one has loaded their spoon, drag up the side of the bowl, where the back curve helps keep the spoon loaded, then tuck the bowl edge under the chin and lift that spoon straight in.
The carved foot provides a secure grip for the bowl hand. The chattered texture - which adds some interest and color to the ware - adds some grip for the bowl hand.

*I needed counterspace for the next load, which is in the kiln right now!