Anagama-orama

NCECA 2011/Tampa bay is officially here. So what did I do? I unloaded a couple of kilns with some super awesome clay artists while busloads of people stopped by. Just another day at St. Pete Clay! Seriously though, we just concluded our pre-conference workshop (Blast-Off) and planned the big unloading especially for the first day of NCECA. First thing today, I helped unload the Train kiln that Tara Wilson lead with a bunch of helpful folk from Ole Miss. Great kiln! It was hands down the best firing we've ever had. I had a couple of killer baskets and vases.

Then we moved onto the Anagama. It was overall a great firing, although the rear was dull and gray. Beautiful results on my porcelain teabowls and again with killer baskets.      I'll take better pics and write about the rest of NCECA week when I've a some time.

Done

So my last class is done and my grades were posted this morning (with Honors eh.h.. hmm..). I can't believe this two year academic journey that led me from New York to Florida is over. Time to briefly gather my thoughts before I begin the grad school hunt. 

This weekend we ( the A.I.Rs ) were fed very well. On Saturday, we were invited by one of the members of St. Pete Clay to dinner in Tampa. R.W. is awesome. Every time we get a cut tree, he appears with his chain saw and iPod and goes to town. We had some great Cuban food at his lady friend's home -- with a beautiful view of Tampa Bay too. Good time.

Nick Joerling was in town for a workshop at the Morean Center for Clay this weekend. I made it to a good chunk of Sunday's demo before heading to K.H's lovely house for a post workshop dinner. Just being in her home, surrounded by her stunning collection of ceramics is joy enough, but good company and delicious food made for a memorable night.