Glaze & Grace

Look…

…I got crafty again. :)

Pottery is something I was somewhat forced to learn. When my husband and I moved to Japan in 2016, it dawned on me that Japan had a rich ceramics history. As an art teacher, I was somehow expected to teach it in my classes. Because I couldn’t teach what I didn’t know, I asked questions from those who were masters in the craft, took a few classes and workshops, and practiced on my own.

This paint cup is one of my early pieces where I was finally getting the hang of construction basics.

See my fingerprints on the glaze? I decided to keep them instead of obsessing over making it look flawless. I love how it reminds me of how I applied glaze on this piece.

I experimented on using a ceramic underglaze pencil for the surface decoration.

I love signing off my pieces.

I started by making mugs - and boy, did I make a lot of mugs until they were no longer lopsided or wonky! In time, I have been able to produce decent ceramic pieces like these. I made a small water cup for when I am painting patterns with slots as a paintbrush rest as well as a house candle holder. I even made a magnetic pin dish for my sewing pins. I still love my good ol’ tomato pin cushion but I get annoyed when my sewing pins get scattered and now I just graze my pin dish over the table to gather all the pins. I added handmade items to our kitchen such as pasta bowls and a garlic keeper. My latest make is a ceramic paint palette.

I make my pieces during my ceramics classes so that my students can also see me making with them. I made this watercolor painting palette as I taught my students slab construction and carving techniques.

As I learned - and I am still learning and in no way am I an expert - I fell in love with the craft. Pottery is such a slow and gentle craft. In its slowness, it teaches one to be mindful and appreciative of the material and all its possible gifts. It teaches one to embrace imperfections, to respect nature, and to be patient. Most of all, no matter how small or imperfect the piece is, it somehow elevates everyday living when used.

Signed this one off with a reminder.