First Vase Like Thing

This is my first attempt at glazed ceramics. I wanted to create something with an organic look. But I decided to use a vivid glaze which is what earthenware glazes tend to be.

Normal Service Will Be Resumed

I have been really busy working on my Xyla project. I will start posting again with a vengence next week:)

Coming Soon.....

Happy New Year!

I know this blog isn't actually very busy at the moment, but for those who stumble onto it, i'd like to wish you all a healthy and prosperous 2010.

Most years start off with good intentions and 2010 is no exception. I'm going to channel all my energy into ONE project. If a paying illustration job comes along, (he says on his knees in prayer), then all well and good; but I am going to start this project from the ground up, documenting my progress as I go.

I have always avoided paying for domain hosting etc but that is surely a reflection of my lack of committment to a cause. This time I'm going to develop a site with a built in blog, galleries, podcasts, videos evrything to involve and hopefully interest people in the projedt.

I'll probably start with a mission statement, preliminary concept sketches etc. There will be weekly story updates, WIP's, instructional videos. I'm getting things together and hope to launch some time in January:)

Next year...

Has got to be better. Maybe not in what happens but in how I deal with things.

I've had a bit of a dabble in a couple of creative disciplines this year and it has given me a better idea of what I am going to do next year.

I think I need to work on ideas as a whole package, not just creating a sculpture or an image in isolation, but creating whole concepts. I need to work on a narrative which captures the imagination, something which the public will buy into.

The Road Not Taken

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;


Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,


And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.


I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost (1874–1963). Mountain Interval. 1920.

The Gauntlet...

...has been thrown down. And I feel compelled to pick it up.

A college moderator came to the ceramics class today, puffed up with her own self-importance. In the manner of the head of a government quango she extolled the virtues of the course over which she presides. She cut a figure not disimilar to Dolores Umbridge in physique and disposition. Sickly sweet unnervingly familiar.

"Oh yes she said your work is wonderful way in advance of this level two class. But not quite up to the standard of a level three, (almost equivalent to an A level!)".

There were palpable intakes of breath from fellow students around me. This comment came not long after my ceramics tutor of 18 years experience was humbling me with arguments in favour of exhibiting and getting commissions for my work.

Anyone who knows me would realise that I am my own worse critic and feel humble to the point of embarrassment when my work is praised. But this was like receiving a stiletto to the heart.

I am done with appraisals and seeking validation. Let the public be the judge jury and excecutioner. Theirs are the opinions that count.