Seconds; warped cups, failures, cracked cups, basically unsalable cups.

It can be arbitrary as to what makes a piece of pottery a second, at least for a studio potter. I don't really have design runs or a 'line' so I don't have a consistent bar to check my work against. I basically make stuff I like and sell it. If it doesn't sell it ends up in my home, seconds box, or shard pile (where it probably should have gone in the first place.) Sounds pathetic.

I don't pretend to understand my market. People (meaning all of us) are fickle. One moment we like this and the next we like that and don't like this. Some designs are great in theory or on paper but end up being too impractical or like this cup........interesting nonetheless no one thought 'this will be my favorite cup ever!'

So here's a question for you, does form follow function?

I dunno, I kind of think these succulent holders are pretty awesome!

Oh wait, is that a cup too?

Chilly day, warm studio

Yesterday was another fabulous day in the studio. Slightly crappy weather out but warm in the studio as the bisque kiln was finishing a cycle. I started my day with finishing this hand built tea pot. It's been in a box for ages, patiently waiting for a handle. I finally got it together to try copper wire. This is an old piece of heavy gauge copper wire from our old power lines on the island. After bending it and getting it to fit well on the pot I wrapped the connections for looks and security. I'm happy! I still need to file the wire ends a bit.

Here is a new cup I designed on Tuesday. I took it out of the damp room and put colored slip and a handle on the cup. Another happy moment to my day. I loved the form so much a made a bunch of little ones for snifters. 

From above.

It was a busy day in the studio! Joyce made a fabulous salad, we sung happy birthday to Mari (she is 28 again), and had a happy day chatting, creating, and otherwise having the time of our lives.