Mame pots on a mini pottery wheel

[Pitoon]

Just excellent across the board Pitoon.

Thanks, I really appreciate that!

 

[TinyArt]

My issue now is deciding which to keep. I really do like them all.

This has always been a problem for me because when I make something I make it for myself and I put the extra time and effort in.

*deep breath*
I know I won’t be popular for this, but here goes:

You have made an amazing collection, any one of which I’d be delighted to have — because WONDERFUL! MINIATURE! ARTISTRY! CRAFTSMANSHIP!!! —

But — and I’d make myself say this even if I had deep pockets and show-worthy bonsai — I see these as your personal working prototypes, your “artist’s proofs,” if you will. I think it’s valuable for you to have time with them all together, for some time. For your own enjoyment and contemplation.

Together, they make such a wonderful catalog, both as themselves and of potential variations of shapes, feet, glazes — confirming your initial designs & inspiring more.

I hope this makes sense —

 

[Pitoon]

*deep breath*
I know I won’t be popular for this, but here goes:

You have made an amazing collection, any one of which I’d be delighted to have — because WONDERFUL! MINIATURE! ARTISTRY! CRAFTSMANSHIP!!! —

But — and I’d make myself say this even if I had deep pockets and show-worthy bonsai — I see these as your personal working prototypes, your “artist’s proofs,” if you will. I think it’s valuable for you to have time with them all together, for some time. For your own enjoyment and contemplation.

Together, they make such a wonderful catalog, both as themselves and of potential variations of shapes, feet, glazes — confirming your initial designs & inspiring more.

I hope this makes sense —

I welcome your comment and suggestion.

There's always that issue when I make something to possibly sell, I become attached and its sometimes hard to let go. But there's also the satisfaction I get seeing someone really appreciate something I made from scratch with my hands.

I need these little pots to help me advance to the next chapter, which is getting my own test kiln to test glazes. I'm hopeful that I will be able to turn the page to start the next chapter.

 

[TinyArt]

I need these little pots to help me advance to the next chapter, which is getting my own test kiln to test glazes. I'm hopeful that I will be able to turn the page to start the next chapter.

Ah — no arguing with that!

Besides, when you send them out into the world, you’ll get to see what folks fill them with, and how they’re displayed — so exciting in its own right!

 

[penumbra]

there's also the satisfaction I get seeing someone really appreciate something I made from scratch with my hands.

This is what its about for me. I keep almost nothing I do, I pass it all on eventually and when I do I love to hand it off in person. Shows are great for this.
And whether it is a painting, a carving or a pot, I try to place it all. I don't keep past work to see how I develop. I let almost everything go. Many artists say you should keep your mistakes as reminders. I think this is bull. If its a mistake you are going to remember it. I have busted up pots, and burned paintings and carvings in the past.
When things turn out as well as yours have, I might keep one or two (but not forever) but I feel it is the job of an artist to find a home for the art. Just me, many don't agree.

You should be very satisfied with all of your hard work. I never get a glaze firing with that many pieces that turned out so well. I get some magic and some mayhem. Carry on my friend.

 

[Carol 83]

They turned out fantastic.

 

[Pitoon]

They turned out fantastic.

@Carol 83 thanks! Maybe tomorrow night I will start on a new pot to start off batch #2.

 

[Tycoss]

All remarkable in their detail and proportions. I know many have said likewise, but I think you have created some wonderful pieces.

 

[Pitoon]

All remarkable in their detail and proportions. I know many have said likewise, but I think you have created some wonderful pieces.

Thanks!

 

[NaoTK]

I like the forms a lot and some of the feet are compelling. My personal taste is that more matte glazes work better for bonsai pots. Do you plan to make your own glazes?

 

[Pitoon]

I like the forms a lot and some of the feet are compelling. My personal taste is that more matte glazes work better for bonsai pots. Do you plan to make your own glazes?

@NaoTK Thanks!

Yes, I plan on making a rice straw ash glaze soon maybe for some pots in Batch #2. I just need a couple more chemicals to complete it.

 

[W3rk]

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Pitoon - so glad that your glaze firing went so well. So many great looking pots. But the glaze on this and the other two-tone (with blue) are just *stellar* This red and white is off the charts nice.

 

[penumbra]

I just need a couple more chemicals to complete it.

What do you need?

 

[Pitoon]

What do you need?

I still need to get silica, potash felspar, and bentonite. When I made my order for the Obsidian I also ordered Saturation Metallic but it was out of stock. When it arrives I'll order the rest of the chemicals I need and pick up all of it at one shot. It's a hike to drive up to Baltimore so I try to make it worth the drive up.

 

[Pitoon]

Finished the first pot for Batch #2. I used clay #710 for this one. I think it will look really good unglazed.

 

[Pitoon]

Just finished making two tomobako storage boxes......getting closer.

 

[penumbra]

Sweet!

 

[mwar15]

Just finished making two tomobako storage boxes......getting closer.

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Those are awesome!! Is that a brand you burned?

 

[RJG2]

Those are awesome!! Is that a brand you burned?

That is his chop.

@Pitoon did you heat up the same die you use for the chop to do the burn (pure curiosity)?

 

[Pitoon]

Those are awesome!! Is that a brand you burned?

Thanks!

Yes, I burned in my chop onto the box. The only way for it to come off is to sand it off.